Pros and Cons of ACT and SAT:  ACT Vs. SAT, Score Conversion, Comparison Chart

Pros and Cons of ACT vs SAT: Both the SAT and the ACT exams are globally recognized standardised exams designed to assess an individual’s aptitude, proficiency, and preparedness for pursuing undergraduate programmes at some of the world’s top universities. In other words, you can submit either of these test scores to your preferred university abroad for admission purposes. 

While the two exams may appear inherently similar, they differ significantly at a more intrinsic level. Both have their own pros and cons and understanding these distinctions will help you determine the exam that better aligns with your preferences and learning style. To delve deeper into the pros and cons of the ACT vs SAT, please read the full article.

Name of the Test	ACT and SAT
Conducted By	ACT- ACT IncSAT- The College Board
Scoring Range	ACT- 1 to 36 SAT- 400 to 1600
Number of Questions	SAT- 154ACT- 215
Sections	SAT- 3ACT- 4

What Are the Major Pros and Cons of ACT Vs. SAT?  

Both the ACT and SAT standardised test systems have their own pros and cons, and it is up to you to choose which test is more suitable for you and aligns with your preferences. To help you make an informed decision, refer to the following table:

Name of the Test	Pros	Cons
SAT	1. Accepted by major academic institutions worldwide. SAT scores can be submitted to get specific scholarships. 2. Individuals with a solid foundation in mathematics are more likely to reap benefits from the SAT. 3. The SAT is easy to understand and follow.	1. The growing number of SAT takers each year makes it increasingly competitive to achieve a high score on the exam.  2. Students with weaker maths skills often struggle to reach their desired SAT score range.
ACT	1. Accepted by major academic institutions worldwide.  2. Employs more concise and clear questions than the SAT.  3. Assigns equal weightage to all sections.  4. Allows students to send their best scores to universities/colleges, enhancing their chances of admission.  5. Students with stronger writing skills can reap the benefits of the ACT.	1. Students with weaker maths skills often struggle to reach their desired ACT score range. 2. Requires students to answer more questions within a shorter time span.  3. The science section of the ACT exam poses a major challenge to students without a strong background in the said subject.

SAT vs ACT Comparison Chart

Refer to the following chart to get an overview of the key differences between the SAT and the ACT exams. 

SAT vs ACT: Score Conversion

Refer to the table given below to go through the ACT and SAT score conversions. 

ACT Scoring Range	SAT Scoring Range
9	610-590
10	640-620
11	680-650
12	720-690
13	770-730
14	820-780
15	870-830
16	910-880
17	950-920
18	980-960
19	1020-990
20	1050-1030
21	1090-1060
22	1120-1100
23	1150-1130
24	1190-1160
25	1220-1200
26	1250-1230
27	1290-1260
28	1320-1300
29	1350-1330
30	1380-1360
31	1410-1390
32	1440-1420
33	1480-1450
34	1520-1490
35	1560-1530
36	1600-1570

So, that was all about the pros and cons of ACT and SAT exams. Both the SAT and ACT exams serve as metrics for gauging individuals’ aptitude and preparedness for adapting to the rigorous academic environment and culture of foreign universities. Despite their apparent similarities, these exams have significant distinctions that set them apart. There is no definitive way to infer which one is more suitable for you; however, several factors should be considered when making your choice between the two.

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