SAT vs. ACT: Which One to Choose? Preparing to Apply to Top U.S. Universities

Applying to leading U.S. universities is a dream for many students worldwide.

However, for international applicants, this path comes with unique challenges: it’s necessary not only to demonstrate a high academic level but also to meet the requirements of the American education system. One of the key elements of the application process is standardized tests — the SAT and ACT.

Choosing between the SAT and ACT can be difficult. Both tests assess similar skills but differ in structure, content, and scoring systems. In this article, we will explore the features of each exam and provide guidance on how to choose and prepare.

Contents:

• What is the SAT?
• What is the ACT?
• Key differences between the SAT and ACT
• Exam structure and content
• Format, duration, and scoring system
• Preparing for the SAT and ACT: tips for international applicants
• Which universities “prefer” the SAT, and which prefer the ACT?

What is the SAT?

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized exam developed by the College Board and used by many U.S. universities for undergraduate admissions. The test evaluates academic skills in reading, writing, and math, allowing comparison of applicants from different schools and countries. Since 2024, the SAT is fully digital, lasts just over 2 hours, and the maximum score is 1600. For international students, the SAT is often preferred due to its more “academic” style and relatively straightforward math section.

What is the ACT?

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized alternative to the SAT, also accepted by U.S. universities for undergraduate admissions. The exam includes four sections: English, math, reading, and science, as well as an optional essay. The ACT is offered in both paper and digital formats (depending on the country) and lasts about 3 hours (without the essay). The maximum score is 36. The ACT suits students who perform well under a faster pace and enjoy a variety of question types, including analysis of graphs and scientific data.

Key Differences Between the SAT and ACT

Although the SAT and ACT share the same goal — to assess a student’s academic skills — they differ in structure, content, duration, and scoring methods. These differences are important to consider when choosing a test, especially for international students.

1. Exam structure and content

The SAT consists of two main sections:

• Reading and Writing — a combined section with alternating tasks: short passages followed by questions on grammar, comprehension, and interpretation of information.
• Math — includes multiple-choice and student-produced response questions, covering algebra, advanced math, data analysis, and geometry.

The SAT does not have a separate science section, but scientific contexts may appear within texts or graphs.

The ACT includes four sections:

• English — questions on grammar, punctuation, and style.
• Math — broader in topics than the SAT, including trigonometry, matrices, and logarithms.
• Reading — a separate section based on longer passages and comprehension questions.
• Science — assesses the ability to interpret graphs, tables, and brief research summaries.

The ACT also offers an optional essay (Writing section) that evaluates argumentation and writing skills (the SAT removed the essay section in 2021).

2. Format, duration, and scoring system

SAT:

• Format: fully digital (since 2024, including internationally).
• Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes.
• Scoring: each of the two sections (Reading/Writing and Math) is scored from 200 to 800 points, with a total maximum score of 1600.
• Adaptive test: the difficulty of the second module depends on performance in the first.

ACT:

• Format: paper-based or digital (depending on country and test center).
• Duration: about 2 hours 55 minutes (without the essay).
• Scoring: each of the four sections is scored from 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of these. The maximum score is 36.
• Fixed difficulty: all test-takers receive the same test without adaptation to skill level.

Both tests are accepted by virtually all U.S. universities, but differences in format can influence which one suits a particular student better. In the next section, we will discuss how to prepare for these exams — especially if you are an international student and non-native English speaker.

Preparing for the SAT and ACT: Tips for International Applicants

Self-study or courses?

For international students, self-study can be effective, especially when using official resources. However, if you find it difficult to understand the test format or need extra motivation, it’s worth considering online courses or tutoring. Platforms like PrepScholar offer adaptive programs that take into account your current skill level and provide personalized recommendations.

Best resources for preparation

• SAT: The official College Board website offers free practice tests and materials. Khan Academy provides personalized exercises and video lessons developed in partnership with the College Board.
• ACT: The official ACT website has free practice tests and study materials. Platforms like UWorld offer extensive question banks and analytical tools to track your progress.

Special considerations for non-native English speakers

For students whose first language is not English, it’s important to focus on developing academic English skills. It is recommended to:

• Read academic texts and articles to expand vocabulary.
• Practice essay writing and text analysis.
• Use apps and online resources like Magoosh for grammar and vocabulary study.

How to practice for the test format

Regular practice under realistic exam conditions helps improve time management and reduce stress:

• Take full-length practice tests with timed sections.
• Analyze your mistakes and work on weak areas.
• Use timers and apps to monitor time spent on each section.

Preparing while attending school

Balancing SAT or ACT preparation with schoolwork is possible with good time management:

• Create a schedule allocating specific days and times for test prep.
• Use holidays and weekends for intensive practice.
• Combine school subjects study with test prep, especially in math and English.

Which Universities “Prefer” the SAT and Which Prefer the ACT?

Today, all accredited U.S. universities accept both the SAT and ACT without giving preference to one over the other. This means that the choice between these tests depends on your personal strengths and preferences.

However, geographic and historical factors influence the popularity of the tests in different regions of the U.S. For example, the SAT is traditionally more common on the East Coast, while the ACT is more popular in the Midwest and the South. This is because schools in these regions tend to promote one test more than the other, rather than the universities themselves having a preference.

Some universities have reinstated mandatory standardized testing requirements. For instance, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown now require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores starting with the upcoming admission cycles. This decision is aimed at achieving a more objective evaluation of academic abilities, especially for applicants from schools with varying levels of preparation.

International applicants should pay close attention to the specific requirements of programs or faculties, particularly in technical and scientific fields, where additional recommendations may apply.

Important nuance: Although officially all accredited U.S. universities treat SAT and ACT equally, some universities — especially on the East Coast and within the Ivy League — have historically seen more SAT scores and, as some sources note, may give it an unofficial preference, especially when evaluating international applicants.

Conclusion

Choosing between the SAT and ACT is not about which test is “better,” but about which one suits you best. Both exams are recognized by all U.S. universities and assess similar academic skills, but in different formats. The SAT is more suitable for those who prefer deeper problem-solving and text analysis, while the ACT fits students who excel at a faster pace and enjoy varied sections, including scientific graphs.

For international applicants, it is especially important to:

• Decide on the test early,
• Organize preparation thoughtfully, taking language challenges into account,
• Use official materials and practice under real exam conditions.

Need detailed guidance?

Experts at ED-EX.com will assist you at every stage of the application process — from choosing a country to preparing documents.

You can submit a request in any convenient way:

— directly in your personal account

— on the page of your chosen university

— or by emailing us at support@ed-ex.com