ACT Exam vs SAT: Which is Tougher?

While considering admissions in colleges in America or Canada, test scores of two exams are mandatory, i.e., SAT and ACT. Therefore, learning and understanding the difference between the ACT exam vs SAT exam becomes essential. Both the test scores hold high value. However, the exams are quite similar to one another, yet knowing the details are important. 

Furthermore, both SAT and ACT follow the same exam pattern and syllabus; there is a slight difference. The ACT includes a science section which is not included for SAT. However, the essay section for the exams is optional. There are a handful of universities and colleges that assess the scores based on the essay. 

Additionally, it is recommended that candidates prepare well for both the exams reading, writing, and speaking skills. Answering the questions quickly and with confidential matters. 

ACT Exam vs SAT - Exam Pattern

The ACT exam vs SAT exam is detailed in the table below. Both of these exams are international-level. Hence, preparing well for the exams are quite important.  

ACT vs SAT - Exam Pattern

Particulars	SAT	ACT
Full Form	Scholastic Aptitude Test	American College Testing
Conducting Authority	The College Board
Level of Examination	International
Duration of Exam	3 hours (format: no essay) and 3 hours 50 minutes (format: SAT with essay)	2 hours 55 minutes (format: no essay) and 3 hours 40 minutes (format: SAT with essay)
Total Questions	154	215
Negative Marking	No

The subjects that are included in the SAT and ACT syllabus are mentioned below. Further, the total number of questions and the time limit is also provided. 

ACT vs SAT - Question Pattern

Subjects	SAT		ACT
	Total Question	Time Limit	Total Question	Time Limit
English: Writing & Language	44	35	75	45
Reading	52	65	40	45
Mathematics	58	80	60	60
Science	-		40	35
Essay (Optional)	1	50	1	30

ACT Exam vs SAT Exam Syllabus

The ACT and SAT exam syllabus contains English, Reading, Mathematics, Essay. Additionally, the Science syllabus is included in the ACT exam. The scores help in admissions into various undergraduate courses.  

ACT Exam vs SAT - Exam Syllabus

Subjects	SAT	ACT
English: Writing & Language	Improving sentences, structure, and its approach Verb agreement Noun agreement Parallelism Pronouns Incorrect comparisons Conjunctions Misplaced modifiers Punctuation Non-fiction narratives are mostly about careers, history, social studies, the humanities, and science.	Usage of English Sentence construction Commas Apostrophe Detection of misplaced or dangling modifiers Rhetorical skills: Transitions, clarity, precision structure Sentence construction: grammatically correct, coherent, and stylistic manner
Reading	Understanding of passages from the US and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences. Sentence completion.	ACT reading section is related to Social Studies, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Literary Narrative or Prose Fiction Additionally, ACT reading skills access is majorly based on ideas and details, organization and development, and uniformity of knowledge and ideas.
Mathematics	Arithmetic operations  Algebra Geometry Statistics Probability Mean & median Mode Ratios Direct and indirect variation Permutation & combination Problem-solving Data analysis	Pre-algebra Elementary algebra Intermediate algebra Plane geometry Coordinate geometry Elementary trigonometry
Science	-	Data Representation Conflicting Viewpoints Research Summary Moreover, ACT science tests the interpretive, analytical, problem-solving, and evaluation skills of candidates.
Essay	This section requires students to assess a case through the study of evidence.	In-depth analysis of ideas and reasoning skills, organization and development, language use, and structure.

ACT Exam Vs SAT -  Which is Tougher?

When examining which exam is tougher, ACT vs SAT, it is quite hard to conclude. However, the ACT syllabus has an additional subject: science; apart from that, the syllabus is almost similar. Moreover, the colleges usually do not differentiate between the exams. Both the exams are equally important. If the candidates consider any exams more important than others, it is their preference. 

The exams thoroughly assess the quality and understanding of the candidates. Suppose a candidate who is good at reading and critical thinking might opt to take the SAT. A more comfortable candidate with charts, graphs, and up-front data might do better on the ACT. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate both the examinations and then appear. 

Additionally, it is suggested that candidates apply for any of these examinations as per their college choice. Also, follow the admissions and minimum scores needed for admission to the targeted universities or colleges. 

ACT Exam and SAT Exam Tips

Both the exams are internationally recognised, and the scores carry equal weightage. Therefore, here are some of the preparation tips; give them a read:

• Analyse the Question Papers: Before answering the questions, give it a quick read. Identify the correct answer and mark those. Avoid devoting too much time to reading the questions. Additionally, do not waste time on critical thinking. 
• Read the Instructions: The question paper will come with definite answering guidelines. Therefore, before answering, make it a point to read all the guidelines and instructions carefully. Besides, some of the questions may have different sets of instructions. Please read all of them minutely. 
• Carefully Distribute the Time: Another important thing that candidates should always abide by is the time constraint. The question paper will have a different number of questions for each section. Hence, carefully divide the time. Give more importance to the questions that carry more weightage. 
• Try to Keep the Answer Script Neat: Another important thing that makes the answer script presentable is to keep it neat. Computers will check the answers; thus, double marking or unnecessary scribbling will cause a loss of marks. However, never double mark any particular question. 
• Reach the Exam Centre on Time: Finally, reach the exam centre on time. Never be late for an examination like the SAT or ACT. Each exam needs discipline, and it is one of the highest virtues. Additionally, there will be some general instructions/ guidelines for the exam mentioned in the admit card. While downloading it, please make a note to read them thoroughly. Carry only the necessary stuff.  However, for the SAT exam, lockers will be provided to keep the personal belongings. Only after all these are done candidates will be guided to their respective seats for attempting the examination.