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Duolingo Vs SAT: With so many English proficiency tests and standardised exams on the market, deciding which one is right for you can be confusing. Two common options are the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the SAT.
This can leave students unsure of which test to take. However, if you’re considering one of these two exams, don’t fret! In this blog, we’ve outlined all the key differences between the SAT and the DET. We hope this blog helps you gain clarity on which test is best for you in 2024.
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Duolingo Vs SAT: Key Differences and Factors to Keep in Mind
Choosing the right test can be tough! Deciding between Duolingo and the SAT depends on your goals. The Duolingo English Test (DET) focuses on everyday English for universities, while the SAT assesses college readiness in reading, writing, and math. The table given below will help you pick the perfect test for your 2024 journey.
| Criterion | DET (Duolingo English Test) | SAT |
| Purpose | Measures English proficiency | Measures college readiness in reading, writing, and math. |
| Target Audience | Students applying to universities with medium English language requirements. | USD 49 |
| Test Format | Adaptive online test | Pen-and-paper based test, Online |
| Test Duration | 45 Minutes | 3 Hours |
| Cost | USD 64.50 – USD 97.50 | USD 64.50 – USD 97.50 |
| Scoring | 130-160 | 200-800 |
| Validity | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Evaluates | Everyday English skills. | Academic reading, writing, and math skills. |
| Repeat Attempts | Unlimited with a 16-day wait. | Limited attempts (restrictions vary) |
Duolingo Vs SAT: Exam Format in 2024
Duolingo vs SAT Exam Format: Duolingo and IELTS assess English skills but in vastly different formats. Duolingo’s online test adapts difficulty based on your performance, taking 45 minutes. It focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking through short tasks. Conversely, the IELTS is a 2-hour 45-minute test offered at centres. It has separate sections for reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a more traditional pen-and-paper (or digital) format. Refer to the tables below to go through the exam formats of both exams to understand the differences between the two.
Duolingo 2024 Exam Format
The Duolingo test consists of two sections, namely an Adaptive Section & a Video Interview Section.
- The exam comprises an Adaptive Section, which features multiple-choice questions that adapt based on the user’s ability level, covering grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
- Additionally, there is a Video Interview Section, where candidates must record brief video responses to prompt questions in the target language.
| Section | Description | Time | Scored |
| Introduction | The test taker completes a system check and receives a brief overview of the exam format. | 5 Minutes | No |
| Adaptive Test | This section assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Questions are chosen based on your performance and difficulty increases as you answer correctly. | 45 Minutes | Yes |
| Writing and Speaking | This section is not scored but provides universities with a glimpse of your speaking and writing fluency. | 10 Minutes | No |
SAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The digital SAT evaluates your ‘Reading & Writing’ and ‘Math’ skills separately, each scored on a 200-800 scale. You’ll get 64 minutes for Reading & Writing (multiple choice and short answer) and 70 minutes for Math (multiple choice and some fill-in).
Here’s a table for a more detailed breakdown:
| Section | Questions | Duration | Focus |
| Reading | 52 | 65 minutes | Reading comprehension and analysis |
| Writing & Language | 44 | 35 minutes | Grammar, usage, and sentence structure |
| Math (no calculator) | 20 | 25 minutes | Problem-solving and foundational math skills |
| Math (with calculator) | 38 | 55 minutes | More advanced math concepts requiring a calculator |
Duolingo Vs SAT: Proficiency Level
Duolingo vs SAT Proficiency Level: The Duolingo English Test (DET) and the SAT assess English proficiency for distinct purposes. The DET gauges everyday English skills at a beginner to intermediate level, suitable for universities with medium English language requirements. In contrast, the SAT measures college readiness, encompassing a broader range of skills beyond basic communication. It targets high school students aiming for advanced academic programs and requires a higher level of proficiency, typically in the upper-intermediate to advanced range.
Duolingo Score: Proficiency Level
Refer to the table below to go through the DET scores and their proficiency levels.
| Proficiency | Explanation | DET Score |
| Basic | Students have a rudimentary understanding of the English language. They can express themselves in a familiar context. | 10-55 |
| Intermediate | Students can accomplish routine tasks at work and institutions in the English language. | 60-85 |
| Upper-intermediate | Students can speak about unfamiliar topics in English and understand abstract ideas. | 90-115 |
| Advanced | Students have an excellent hold and command over the English language. | 125-160 |
SAT Score: Proficiency Level
Refer to the table below to go through the SAT scores and their proficiency levels.
| SAT Score Range | College Readiness Interpretation | Percentile |
| 1400-1600 | Highly Competitive | 94th Percentile and above |
| 1200-1390 | Competitive | 84th-93rd Percentile |
| 1000-1190 | Moderately Competitive | 63rd-83rd Percentile |
| 800-990 | Meets Expectations | 41st-62nd Percentile |
| 600-790 | Needs Improvement | 16th-40th Percentile |
| Below 600 | Significant Improvement Needed | Below 16th Percentile |
Duolingo Vs SAT: Score Comparison
Due to fundamentally different purposes, a direct score comparison between Duolingo and the SAT is not applicable. The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers a scaled score (160-130) that reflects general English proficiency for everyday use.
Universities may provide their own score interpretations for the DET. Conversely, the SAT uses a section-based scoring system (200-800 per section) that gauges college readiness in reading, writing, and math. Each institution sets its own SAT score requirements.
Duolingo Vs SAT: Best Universities and Score Requirement 2024
Navigating the world of standardized tests can be tricky, especially when faced with choices like the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the SAT. These exams cater to entirely different goals. The DET assesses English proficiency for universities, while the SAT gauges college readiness.
The following table will help you choose our preferred university that accepts each test and explore their respective score requirements. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the exam that aligns perfectly with your academic aspirations.
| Name of University | Ranking (QS 2024) | DET Score Requirement | SAT Score Requirement |
| Harvard University | #4 | 125 | 1520 |
| Stanford University | #5 | 110 | 1580 |
| University of Oxford | #3 | 120 | 1470 or above |
| University of Cambridge | #2 | 120 | 1460 or above |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | #1 | 120 | 1520 |
| University of California | – | 115 | 1540 |
| University of Toronto | #21 | 110 | 1330-1500 |
| University of Sydney | #19 | 110 | 6.5 |
| University of Edinburgh | #22 | 110 | 6.5 |
So that was all about Duolingo Vs SAT. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.
FAQs
Ans. The best test depends on your goals. If you need to demonstrate English proficiency for universities, the Duolingo English Test (DET) might be suitable. If you’re aiming for undergraduate programs in the US, the SAT is the standard test.
Ans. Many universities with medium English language requirements accept the DET. They may not have specific score benchmarks but consider the DET score along with your academic background and other tests.
Ans. The DET has a single-scaled score (160-130). The SAT has a section-based scoring system (200-800 per section) for Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.
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