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SAT vs TOEFL- Everything you Need to Know
When you begin planning your study abroad journey, you’ll inevitably come across various entrance exams. Quite often, students confuse English proficiency tests with standardised academic exams. Since you’ve searched for the difference between the SAT and the TOEFL, it’s only fair that we help you understand how these two differ.
In this blog, we aim to clear up any confusion you may have between the SAT and the TOEFL. So, without further delay, let’s explore what these two exams are all about their purposes, requirements, preparation strategies, and registration processes.
It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed if you’re encountering these exams for the first time. However, by the end of this blog, you’ll have the clarity you need to make an informed decision. Now, let’s dive into this ocean of knowledge together.
An Overview of SAT
First, let’s start by understanding everything about SAT test.
What is SAT?
In simple words; if you are planning to study abroad in an American, British, or Canadian university, then you have to prove you are ready for the tough college curriculum.
SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, it is a standardised exam that analyses students’ college readiness based on an MCQ-based paper that contains questions from critical reading, math, and writing. SAT test is accepted in various countries around the world majorly the USA, UK, and Canada.
The SAT Exam is conducted by College Board and since 2024 this exam is completely digital. There are total 98 questions in the SAT exam which students have to complete in 2 hours and 14 minutes. The SAT exam score ranges from 0-36, and to get admission in a top ranked university abroad, students have to secure a score of 27 above.
Purpose of SAT Exam
This university level test helps in evaluating the profile of students. Here are the main purposes of the SAT exam.
- Assess college readiness of students
- Compare applicants fairly from different educational backgrounds
- Helps in securing merit-based scholarship
- Place students in appropriate courses
Why is the SAT Required?
The SAT exam is your ticket to Hollywood, LA; or anywhere else in the USA. The SAT exam score helps the admission committee understand your academic intelligence. This is one of the major requirements you have to fulfil when planning to study abroad.
SAT Exam Structure
The SAT exam is divided into three parts; Reading, Writing, and Math. Below is the breakdown for the same.
- Reading- 52 questions; 65 minutes
- Writing and Language- 44 questions; 35 minutes
- Math- Calculator and non-calculator questions- 58 questions; 80 minutes
SAT Registration Process for Indian Students
To take the SAT exam, you need to register for the exam on the official website of College Board. Here is your SAT exam registration process.
Step 1: Go to the official website of College Board
Step 2: Create an account
Step 3: Choose a test date and centre
Step 4: Upload your photo and pay the fee
Step 5: Print your admission ticket
Tips to Prepare for SAT Exam
When you’re learning about the SAT exam for the first time, it may seem quite challenging. And when you take a look at the test, you might feel as though you don’t know the answer to a single question. At that moment, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed like never before. To help ease that anxiety, we’re sharing some of the best Tips to Prepare Effectively for the SAT Exam.
Tip 1: Understand the Format
Begin your SAT preparation journey by first understanding the exam format. As you may have seen, the SAT is divided into three sections: Reading, Writing, and Maths. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the types of questions asked in each section. Once you know what to expect, tackling the exam will feel much more manageable.
Tip 2: Start Early
Leaving your exam preparations for the last-minute means increased anxiety and tension. Hence, it is better you start preparing for the SAT exam at least 6 months prior to the exam. Starting early will help you familiarise with the exam, you will know what your strengths and weaknesses are, and accordingly you can create a customised study plan.
Tip 3: Study from Official Material
When you start your preparations, ensure to use only the official study materials from College Board’s website. By solving the sample papers from the official study materials will give you the understanding how the questions will be like. This will also help you in understanding the scoring criteria and will help you in knowing what the exam day pressure is going to look like.
Tip 4: Focus on Weaker Areas
The SAT exam has three sections: Reading, Writing, and Maths. You may be strong in one area and weaker in another and that’s completely normal. When you are aiming for a successful admission in an abroad university, it is crucial for you to answer all the questions. Start by focusing on your weaker areas and simultaneously work on your strengths as well.
Tip 5: Work on Time Management
As you know the SAT exam is of 2 hours and 14 minutes long, to make sure you are answering all the questions you need to time yourself. The best way to do so is by taking as many practice tests as possible. By taking practice tests, you will not only be able to time yourself better, but you will also be able to manage the exam stress and pressure.
SAT Exam Highlights
Here’s a quick overview of everything about SAT exam.
| Feature | SAT Overview |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Scholastic Assessment Test |
| Purpose | Undergraduate admission |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Singapore & more |
| Duration | 2 hours 14 minutes (Digital) |
| Sections | Reading, Writing & Language, Math |
| Mode | Computer-based (Digital SAT) |
| Fee in India | $103 (₹8,500 approx.) |
| Official Website | www.collegeboard.org |
| Score Range | 400 to 1600 |
TOEFL in a Nutshell
Now let’s walk towards knowing the second exam in SAT vs TOEFL.
What is TOEFL Exam?
In simple words, TOEFL is your proof of English language. If English is your secondary or tertiary language and you are aiming to Study Abroad in an English-speaking nation, then you have to prove your English skills.
The TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. This is an English language exam that is required for your visa process and college admission. By taking this exam, you prove that you can converse, understand, and learn in English.
Conducted by ETS or Educational Testing Service, TOEFL is a 2-hour long exam that analyses the test taker’s English language skills in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. This test is taken by a study abroad aspirant, professionals migrating abroad to work there, or a family member shifting with their family member already living abroad.
There are two types of TOEFL Exams TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. TOEFL iBT is accepted by thousands of universities and organisations abroad. There are total 48 questions in TOEFL iBT exam with a score range of 0-120. The average accepted TOEFL score is 90 above.
Purpose of TOEFL Exam
The purpose of this English language test includes;
- Whether international students can understand English lectures and readings
- How well they can understand and write in English
- Whether they can converse in English to live comfortably abroad or not
Why is the TOEFL Required?
When you apply to a university which is situated in an English-speaking nation, the university and visa personals checks your proficiency in the English language. Hence, at the time of university admission and Visa Application, the TOEFL exam is a major requirement.
TOEFL Exam Structure
Many Indian students and working professional willing to study or work abroad takes the TOEFL iBT exam. This is a pen-paper based exam that is taken online from the comfort of one’s own home. Here is the exam structure for the same.
- Reading- 20 questions; 35 minutes
- Listening- 28 questions; 36 minutes
- Speaking- 4 tasks; 16 minutes
- Writing- 2 tasks; 29 minutes
TOEFL Registration Process for Indian Students
As you are taking the TOEFL exam for the first time, there is nothing big you have to worry about. Here is how you are going to register for the exam:
Step 1: Visit the ETS official website
Step 2: Create an ETS account
Step 3: Select the test type (TOEFL iBT)
Step 4: Choose test date and location or home-based version
Step 5: Pay the registration fee and print the admission ticket
Tips to Prepare for TOEFL Exam
Just like the SAT exam, if you will start the preparations for TOEFL exam directly by trying to solve the TOEFL sample paper then hold on! To crack the TOEFL exam and to ensure you secure the required score you need the right preparation strategy. Here is the same for you.
Tip 1: Understand the Format
You can only crack an exam once you know what the exam is. To Start your Preparations for the TOEFL Exam, ensure you understand the test format completely. As there are four sections with several questions, make yourself familiar with each of them. This will reduce your tension, and you will be able to answer every question better.
Tip 2: Practice English Daily
On test day, you might get anxiety of performing well. To calm your nerves and to ensure you clear the TOEFL exam, then practice for the test daily. As you know there are four sections in your TOEFL exam then make sure you use all four English skills in your day-to-day usage. This will boost your confidence.
Tip 3: Use Official TOEFL Resources
The only way in which you will be able to crack the TOEFL exam is when you will use the official material. Irrespective of if you are practicing or taking sample tests, use only official material. This will help you understand the exam format and help reduce the exam anxiety.
Tip 4: Track your Progress
It is very important for you to see how you were performing earlier and how you are performing after a week. You can easily crack the TOEFL exam as long as you know the right manner to crack the test. Hence, create a strategy, practice daily, take practice test every alternative week, and keep a track of your progress.
Tip 5: Take TOEFL Classes
If you think that even after practicing yourself you are failing the test, then don’t worry. There are several TOEFL classes available online that you can take from the comfort of your home at your own pace. Your one of the options for the TOEFL online classes is MetaApply TestPrep unit, trusted classes, affordable prices, and personalised guidance.
TOEFL Exam Highlights
| Feature | TOEFL Overview |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Purpose | Test English proficiency for academics |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Australia & more |
| Duration | ~2 hours |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Mode | Computer-based (at centre or home) |
| Fee in India | $195 (₹16,300 approx.) |
| Official Website | www.ets.org/toefl |
| Score Range | 0 to 120 |
Pick the Right Test with MetaApply IE
When you are preparing for your study abroad journey, you will get overwhelmed when you will see the requirements you need to fulfil to go study abroad. After seeing that checklist, instead of worrying, stay calm. You know why? It is because MetaApply IE have you covered.
Some of the universities may not accept SAT or TOEFL scores, they might prefer ACT or ITELS; the equivalent Exams to Study Abroad. All you have to do is get in touch with MetaApply IE experts. Here, we not only guide you about how you should prepare, but we also help you in shortlisting the right colleges as per your courses, financial assistance, visa guidance, and accommodation support. You name the service, and we have it for you!
So, don’t take stress about your SAT test vs TOEFL exam, get in touch with MetaApply IE, today.
Frequently Asked Questions
SAT is generally considered harder than TOEFL because it tests math, evidence-based reading, and grammar. On the other hand, TOEFL focuses only on English language skills. However, difficulty depends on your strengths in language versus analytical reasoning.
Yes! Most universities still require TOEFL (or other English proficiency tests) even if you take the SAT. The SAT doesn’t measure English language proficiency for non-native speakers, which is the primary purpose of the TOEFL.
The major difference between SAT test vs TOEFL is that SAT assesses college readiness through reading, writing, and math skills; mainly for undergraduate admissions. On the other hand, TOEFL evaluates English language proficiency for academic settings. While SAT is centre-based test, TOEFL can be taken from the comfort of your home.
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