WHAT IS THE NEW SAT Test

(Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The SAT Test is one of the most important criteria for students' admission to most universities in America.

Although each University evaluates a certain number of criteria in the final selection of students, the SAT is considered the only criterion, which is common to all candidates from all over the world.

As of March 2016, the exam has been replaced by the NEW SAT.

The goal of the new exam is to fully reflect the future success of each student.

The SAT is a test that assesses a candidate’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired and will need in university and in their professional career.

The SAT exam is administered in written form in the English language and includes multiple-choice questions in reading comprehension, mathematics, and an optional essay.

The SAT and the ACT carry exactly the same weight and are considered the equivalent of the Greek “Panhellenic exams” in the United States, applying only to American universities. The SAT has been administered since 1926, while the ACT has been administered since 1959, with natural updates over the years.

Both tests include the essay section as an optional component, without requiring students to choose it.
As of April 2025, the ACT has also made the Science section optional, offering greater flexibility to candidates.
The SAT is administered exclusively in digital format and is available to both American and international students. In contrast, the ACT is digital only for international students, while American students still have the option to take the test in a paper-based format.

SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES

• If a student is inclined toward mathematics, they should choose the SAT, as it places greater weight on math compared to English skills.
• The SAT gives you more time per question. It provides 1 minute and 11 seconds per question (whether in English or Math), while the ACT gives you 42 seconds per English question and 1 minute per Math question. However, the SAT includes about ten more questions than the ACT.

New SAT test takers are assessed in three areas:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
• Reading Test
• Writing and Language Test
• Math
• Essay (optional)

The student has 65 minutes to read texts, interpret graphs and, based on what they have studied, answer a certain number of multiple-choice questions.

The student will have to identify errors in sentences, choose the best version of a part of a text, and finally improve paragraphs within a text. All questions are multiple choice and are based on the texts that the student will have at his disposal.

This section is divided into 2 sections: math test-calculator and math test-no calculator. The student is asked to answer questions that focus on algebra, problem solving, data analysis, and skillful handling of complex equations.

Within the designated 50-minute time frame, the student must write an essay based on three different dimensions. The student is required to produce a written analysis of a provided source, and will ultimately be evaluated in three areas: reading comprehension, analysis of information, and writing. The essay is optional and is taken only if it is a requirement of the specific program the student is interested in.

Our programs aim to maximize each student’s individual performance. We create homogeneous groups of 4–5 students based on diagnostic tests, taking into account each student’s background, goals, and available time.

The authentic and innovative programs offered by CLC, along with our responsible and personalized test preparation guidance, have helped the students who trusted us over the past 10 years achieve their dream: to be accepted into the university of their first choice.

The SAT exam is taken on set dates each year.

There are various examination centers in Athens, Kallithea and Chalandri.

Via Internet.

There are specific registration deadlines for each exam date.

For the multiple-choice questions, the student receives one point for each correct answer and loses 1/4 of a point for each incorrect answer. For the student-produced response questions, no points are deducted. The essay is scored on a scale from 2 to 12.

After a statistical process, these raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 200 to 800 for each of the three SAT sections (Critical Reading, Writing, and Mathematics).

Additionally, for each of the three SAT sections, a percentile rank (%) is calculated. This rank compares the student’s performance to that of other students who have taken the SAT.

The SAT lasts 3 hours, or 4 hours if candidates take the essay section. The scoring scale ranges from 400 to 1600. The essay is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 8.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section: 200–800

Math Section: 200–800

SAT Essay: Three scores ranging from 2–8

The examination fee is $101, or $111 with the essay.

The SAT is administered four times a year at designated test centers in Athens. Candidates can view their Online Score Report through the digital platform approximately three weeks after the exam. They can also print it or request a paper copy during SAT registration.

Date changes can be made up to 2.5 weeks before the test date.

To change the date, once it is within the specified time frame, you will have to pay an additional $22.

Register for the SAT HERE

19 Differences Between the ACT and SAT Tests

The SAT is owned and administered by the College Board, a non-profit organization made up of leading colleges in the Northeastern United States. The organization was founded in 1899 and also owns and manages the PSAT, AP®, and CLEP® exams, among many other college admissions tools.

The ACT is owned by ACT, Inc., an organization based in Iowa that was founded in 1959. Like the College Board, the non-profit ACT organization oversees many other projects and programs, including the PreACT test, the official publication The Official ACT Prep Guide, and many others.

The SAT was first introduced in 1926. At that time, many colleges had their own versions of aptitude or IQ tests, which were used for admissions or awarding scholarships.

After World War II, the SAT became more popular as the demand for standardized testing grew rapidly. This increase in demand was largely due to the large number of veterans attending college through the G.I. Bill.

Over the years, the SAT has undergone various revisions and significant changes. For example, in 2021, the College Board announced that it would discontinue the optional essay and SAT Subject Tests. In the spring of 2024, the SAT transitioned to an exclusively digital format.

The ACT did not appear on the market until 1959. Initially, the ACT was quite different from the SAT, but over the past 60+ years, the two exams have evolved to become very similar. The most recent changes to the ACT, which students will experience for the first time in April 2025, will make the test even more similar to the digital SAT (spoiler: it will also include a digital option!).

Today, colleges still rely on ACT or SAT scores to make admissions decisions. Therefore, if you plan to apply to college in the U.S., you will likely register for one—if not both—of these tests.

Depending on where you live, your school district may place greater emphasis on one test over the other. For example, the SAT is more popular in the Northeastern and Northwestern states, as well as in densely populated states such as California, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida. In contrast, the ACT is more popular in the Midwestern and Southwestern states, such as Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.

From the 2024 national graduating class, approximately 1.4 million students took the ACT, while 1.97 million students took the SAT. Of course, even in states where one test predominates, students can choose to take the other test—and it is often in their best interest to take both at least once.

Keep in mind that test popularity changes over time. In 2012, the ACT surpassed the SAT in popularity for the first time in history. However, in 2018, the SAT regained the lead, although the ACT remains almost equally popular.

It is worth noting that both the ACT and SAT are available in all 50 states, regardless of their relative popularity. We recommend visiting the official test websites to find a testing center near you.

Did you know that some U.S. states require high school students to take the ACT or SAT (or a similar test) to determine graduation eligibility? Often, these states offer the ACT or SAT in place of state assessments, such as the Smarter Balanced test.

In 2015, the U.S. federal government passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, which requires all states to provide annual assessments to better measure overall student performance. As of January 2025, nearly half of U.S. states have turned to the ACT/SAT tests to fulfill this requirement.

Providing the ACT, SAT, or PSAT in place of other state exams aims to reduce student pressure, as many students are already planning to take the SAT or ACT to improve their college admission prospects.

As of January 2025, 25 U.S. states require either the ACT or SAT. (See our article for a full analysis of ACT/SAT requirements by state.)

Both tests follow different scoring scales. SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, while ACT composite scores range from 1 to 36.

SAT section scores range from 200 to 800. The test consists of two main sections, and the scores of these two sections are combined to produce the total score.

ACT section scores range from 1 to 36. The composite score is the average of the four test sections and is reported on the same 1–36 scale.

The sections of the ACT and SAT are similar in content but differ in the order of sections and question style. It is worth noting that both tests have undergone significant changes in recent years.

The new versions of the tests are more similar than ever in the past decades, but no section is exactly the same, even if they cover the same core subject areas.

SAT Sections

Reading and Writing

Math (with calculator)

In early 2024, the SAT updated its sections to include a single Reading & Writing section and a Math section with a calculator. The new test no longer includes a “no-calculator” math section.

ACT Sections

English

Math

Reading

Science (optional)

Writing (optional)

ACT, Inc. will implement the new “enhanced” version of the ACT for the first time in April 2025.

One of the most noticeable differences is that the ACT includes optional Science and Writing sections, whereas the SAT does not.

The SAT has completely phased out the paper version, but the ACT plans to keep it. Although it will offer a digital version starting in April 2025, students will still have the option to opt for the traditional paper-and-pencil format if they prefer.

The new digital SAT is computer-adaptive. It is a “smart” test that selects the next set of questions based on how the student answered the previous ones. Students can still return to previous questions, as long as time allows.

At this time, it does not appear that the upcoming digital version of the ACT will include adaptive sections.

What the ACT Math section lacks in data analysis is compensated by the Science section. Don’t be intimidated by the name — you don’t need to be a science expert. This section assesses your ability to solve problems and interpret data, not to memorize scientific facts.

Science questions are categorized as follows:

• Data representation
• Scientific investigation
• Evaluation of models, inferences, and experimental results

Students are asked to:

• Identify concepts related to the provided information
• Apply critical thinking to analyze how the information leads to hypotheses or conclusions
• Use the information to draw conclusions or make predictions

Until recently, both tests included an optional essay. In January 2021, the College Board announced that it would remove this option from the SAT, likely due to COVID-19 restrictions and the declining number of colleges that required or considered the essay score.

On the ACT, however, students can still choose to write the essay, which adds 40 minutes to the total test time.

Although optional, there are cases where it is mandatory—for example, if your state or high school requires the ACT with the writing section for graduation. Some colleges also explicitly require it; this information is usually available on each college’s website.

If you write well, you might choose to do it to strengthen your application, although not taking it will not penalize you if it is not required.

On the digital SAT, math accounts for 50% of the total score. On the core ACT, math accounts for about a third of the total score. This is important to keep in mind when choosing which test best suits your strengths.

In terms of overall length, the new core ACT test is about nine minutes shorter than the digital SAT, although it includes more questions.

Total Test Time:

Core ACT Test: 125 minutes

Digital SAT Test: 134 minutes

Although the core version of the ACT resembles the digital SAT more closely, the test sections still differ in terms of timing and number of questions.

ACT Core Sections Analysis

• English: 35 minutes, 50 questions
• Math: 50 minutes, 45 questions
• Reading: 40 minutes, 40 questions

Total: 125 minutes, 135 questions

Digital SAT Sections Analysis

Reading & Writing Section:

• 1st section: 32 minutes, 25 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
• 2nd section: 32 minutes, 25 operational questions and 2 pretest questions

Math Section:

• 1st section: 35 minutes, 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
• 2nd section: 35 minutes, 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions

Total: 134 minutes, 98 questions

In general, the ACT gives students less time per question compared to the SAT. However, this does not necessarily make it more difficult.

In ACT English, students have about 42 seconds per question, whereas in the SAT Reading & Writing section, they have approximately 1 minute and 11 seconds per question.

The ACT Reading section allows roughly 1 minute per question, giving students time to read the passages.

“Because the SAT combines Reading and Writing topics, students can decide how to manage their 71 seconds per question. Some students may benefit by answering the easier questions first and saving time for the more difficult ones, while others may lose time due to lack of structure. Students need to work faster in the ACT English and Reading sections compared to the SAT, but some prefer this structure,” said David Dernier, Vice President of the Verbal Curriculum Development Department.

The ACT Math section is overall shorter than the SAT Math section but requires a faster pace:

• ACT Math → approximately 1 minute and 7 seconds per question
• SAT Math → approximately 1 minute and 35 seconds per question

The ACT Science section is also relatively fast, with about 52.5 seconds per question.

Time Per Question Analysis – Digital SAT

• Reading & Writing: ~1 minute and 11 seconds per question
• Math: ~1 minute and 35 seconds per question

Time Per Question Analysis – ACT Core

• English: 42 seconds per question
• Math: 1 minute and 7 seconds per question
• Reading: 1 minute per question

In general, the two tests are so similar that it is difficult to say which one is harder. However, a student may find that one aligns better with their strengths.

SAT questions sometimes feature more complex wording, while ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.

On the other hand, the ACT allows less time per question in each section, requiring quicker thinking.

It is possible to score a 35 on two ACT sections and still achieve a perfect composite score of 36, because the average is rounded. On the SAT, you must earn a perfect score in all sections to reach 1600.

Although perfect scores occur more frequently on the ACT, this does not mean it is an easier test—it simply uses a different scoring method. Colleges are aware of these differences.

Each test has its own preparatory version.

The PSAT is the preparatory test for the SAT and is typically taken in 11th grade. Scores are used by the National Merit® Scholarship Program to determine eligibility for scholarships. Some colleges also offer additional scholarships to high-performing students.

The PreACT, on the other hand, exists only for practice and does not provide additional benefits.

This can influence test choice. If you are already planning to take the PSAT, it makes sense to also prepare for the SAT, since the two tests are very similar.

Both the ACT and SAT are offered seven times a year, usually on Saturdays. They are generally not offered on the same day, although there are exceptions.

Choosing the test date is important—especially for students involved in sports or other activities. You should select a period when you are not overloaded.

Both tests are also offered during the school day at certain high schools (school-day testing). If your school participates, you may be able to take the test there.

The fees have recently changed.

The SAT now costs $68 (previously $55).

The ACT costs $65, with additional fees:

• +$4 for the Science section
• +$25 for the Writing (Essay) section

In many states, school-day testing is covered by the state—for example, Texas pays for one SAT or ACT exam at no cost.

If cost is a concern, you can request a fee waiver.

Registration and payment processes differ:

For the ACT:

• Create an account on the ACT website.
• Choose a test center and indicate the colleges you want to receive your scores.
• Registration should be completed 5–6 weeks before the test date.

For the SAT:

• Create an account on the College Board website.
• In some cases, registration by mail may be required.
• Deadline: approximately 4 weeks before the test.

Don’t forget to check with your school counselor if school-day testing is offered.

SAT Intensive & Digital Courses for Students & Adults

Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to be time-consuming or exhausting. At AXON Greek, we have designed Intensive SAT Courses specifically for students and adults who need immediate, targeted support, aiming for success in a short period of time.

At the same time, we offer Digital SAT Courses for those who wish to prepare remotely, without attending in-person classes. Online instruction takes place in real time with experienced teachers and tailored materials.