SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Should International Students Take?
For international students applying to U.S. universities, one of the earliest decisions to make is whether to take the SAT or the ACT. Both exams are widely accepted by American colleges, and each has its own strengths. Choosing the right test can make a significant difference in admissions outcomes, particularly for students abroad who often have limited opportunities to sit for the exams.
According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report, nearly one million international students are currently studying in the United States. Standardized tests remain an important part of the admissions process for many of them, even as some U.S. schools adopt test-optional policies. Understanding the similarities and differences between the SAT and ACT helps families, students, and counselors make informed decisions.
The Basics: What Are the SAT and ACT?
The SAT is administered by the College Board, while the ACT is managed by ACT.org. Both exams assess a student’s readiness for college through sections covering reading, writing, and mathematics.
SAT: Digital format internationally, adaptive testing, sections on Reading and Writing combined, plus two Math modules.
ACT: Paper or digital depending on location, four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science), plus an optional essay.
Both exams are scored differently. The SAT has a maximum score of 1600, while the ACT ranges from 1 to 36. Colleges accept either, and most institutions do not have a preference.
Availability Abroad
One of the most important considerations for international students is access. The SAT is offered internationally on specific dates. The College Board’s international SAT schedule lists when and where tests are available. Seats can fill quickly, especially in regions with limited testing centers.
The ACT is also offered at authorized test centers worldwide, although not all centers administer every date. Students should consult the ACT international test dates page to determine local availability.
Starting the decision process early allows students to align preparation with the test they will actually be able to take.
Differences in Test Content
While both exams measure academic readiness, the focus areas differ:
Math: The SAT places more emphasis on algebra and data analysis, while the ACT includes more advanced math topics like trigonometry. The ACT also allows a calculator on all math questions, while the SAT only permits it on certain sections.
Reading and Writing: The SAT now combines these into a single Reading and Writing section, featuring shorter passages. The ACT separates English and Reading into two distinct sections, with questions that move more quickly.
Science: A major difference is the ACT’s dedicated Science section. While it does not test specific science knowledge, it evaluates data interpretation and analytical reasoning. Students with strong STEM backgrounds may feel more comfortable with this format.
Timing: The ACT tends to have more questions in less time, which can be stressful for slower readers. The SAT provides slightly more time per question.
EducationUSA notes that counselors should encourage students to consider their academic strengths when making a choice.
Test Scoring and Superscoring
Another important consideration is how colleges evaluate scores. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) reports that many U.S. universities now practice “superscoring,” meaning they will consider a student’s highest section scores across multiple test dates. This policy applies to both SAT and ACT results.
Because of this, students may not need to achieve their best possible score in a single sitting. Instead, they can plan for multiple attempts, which requires starting preparation early and understanding the test calendars in their country.
Recent Changes: The Digital SAT
A major update for international students is the rollout of the digital SAT. As of 2023, the SAT is fully digital outside the United States. According to coverage in The New York Times, this change reduces exam time to two hours and fourteen minutes and introduces adaptive testing, where the difficulty of later sections depends on performance in earlier ones.
The ACT remains largely unchanged in format. For students who are more comfortable with traditional paper-based tests, the ACT may be a better option, depending on availability in their region.
Test-Optional Policies: Do They Matter for International Students?
Since the pandemic, many colleges have adopted test-optional policies. However, reporting from The Wall Street Journal shows that competitive schools still place value on strong test scores, particularly for international applicants. Test scores provide admissions officers with a standardized benchmark to compare students from different educational systems.
International students who submit strong SAT or ACT results may stand out compared to those who rely solely on transcripts or essays, especially if their high school curriculum is unfamiliar to U.S. admissions committees.
How to Decide
Here are some practical questions international students can ask when choosing between the SAT and ACT:
Which test is offered more frequently in my region? Check the College Board and ACT sites.
Do I prefer more time per question or faster pacing? SAT gives slightly more time, ACT requires speed.
Am I strong in science reasoning? If yes, ACT may be a good fit.
Which format do I prefer, digital or paper? SAT is fully digital abroad, ACT may still be paper-based in many places.
Do I want the option of superscoring across attempts? Both allow this at many colleges, but planning ahead matters.
Key Takeaways
Both SAT and ACT are equally accepted by U.S. colleges.
International availability varies, so check dates and locations early.
The SAT is digital worldwide, while the ACT still offers paper testing.
Students with strong math and science skills may prefer the ACT, while others may find the SAT’s pacing more manageable.
Test scores remain valuable in a test-optional landscape, especially for international applicants.
Conclusion
For international students, the choice between SAT and ACT depends on location, strengths, and preferences. Both exams provide pathways into U.S. universities, but availability and format may influence the decision. The most important step is to plan ahead, review official schedules, and align preparation with academic goals.
At Smart Push Academic Coaching, we guide international students and counselors through this decision-making process. Our virtual boot camps prepare students for both exams and help them determine which path offers the best chance of success.
Ready to decide between the SAT and ACT? Book a discovery call to explore which test is right for you.