SAT Test vs ACT Test Prep Courses in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Basic differences
If you’re interested in applying to schools in the United States, you’ve likely heard about the SAT. The SAT tests reading, writing, and math skills, and gives the colleges and universities that you’re applying to an easy way to compare you to other students. Of course, this is not the only criteria they use for admission, but it is very important. You may have also heard some people talk about the “ACT” exam. Like the SAT, the ACT is used by colleges and universities in admissions decisions. All colleges and universities in the United States will accept both.*
So which exam should you take? Let’s look at some key differences:
The SAT tests 3 primary areas, which are divided up into 10 sections. The Verbal section tests reading comprehension and vocabulary. The Math section tests your quantitative skills. The Writing section asks you to write a brief essay in 25 minutes. Then it tests your ability to identify and correct mistakes in grammar, syntax, and rhetoric.
The ACT tests 4 primary areas, which are divided up into 4 sections. The English section tests your ability to identify and correct mistakes in grammar, syntax, and rhetoric, however the level of grammar is generally more difficult than that of the SAT. The Math section involves a deeper knowledge of mathematical concepts than the SAT does, but the questions are more straightforward. The Reading section tests your ability to comprehend passages of prose, social science, humanities, and natural science. Unlike the SAT, it does not ask you to complete sentences with advanced vocabulary words. The Science section tests your ability to understand charts, graphs, and opposing viewpoints. It does not require any specialized knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, etc. The ACT also has a 30 minute optional writing section (however, many universities in the US require students to take the writing portion).
Each section of the SAT prep test is scored on a scale of 200-800. Each of these scores is added together for a total score of 600-2400. The average score is roughly a 1500.
Each section of the ACT prep test is scored on a scale of 0-36. Each of these scores is averaged together for a total score of 0-36. The average score is roughly a 21.
The SAT Test lasts for 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The ACT Test lasts for 3 hours and 25 minutes with the writing section.
Which exam is harder?
This is a very common question we get. The truth is that each examine is difficult for different reasons. The SAT test Prep Course is a bit like a puzzle. It’s not necessarily about how much you know, but rather how well you can figure out the exams most common tricks. Among the more difficult part for students is learning the commonly-tested vocabulary words. The ACT focuses a little bit more on applying knowledge to problems. The difficulty here lies in learning all of the mathematical and grammatical concepts that will come up. Both test your ability to read and think critically about a number of reading passages.
So which exam should I take?
If you are applying to schools in the US, we recommend that you actually take both exams. At Brighter Prep Dubai & Abu Dhabi , we can help you prepare for both exams with courses and practice tests. Once you receive your scores, our trainers and consultants can tell you which is more competitive for college admissions. We’ve had many students who took one exam and didn’t get the score they were hoping for, so they prepared for the other exam and did much better. By taking both, you give yourself a better chance at getting the score necessary to get into the college of your choice!
Finally, Brighter Prep Provides Training Classes for both SAT & ACT Test prep Courses in Dubai & Abu Dhabi.
Joshua Donovan
English Language Trainer & Consultant
Brighter Prep Institute
16-06, Al Attar Tower,
Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai.
