When you think about studying abroad, there is a lot of research that goes into finding the best course and university. But when it comes to giving entrance exams, the SAT and GRE are the most prominent names, and when you are first introduced to them, a lot of questions go through your mind, like, Is it necessary to take these exams? Which one should I prefer, the SAT or the GRE? What is the difference between the SAT and the GRE? This article will help you understand the basic difference between SAT and GREÂ .
Purpose of the SAT
SAT stands for the “Scholastic Assessment Test,” a required exam for all overseas applicants to various undergraduate programmes at various colleges and universities.
The Scholastic Assessment Test, or SAT, is a test used to determine who gets into graduating courses. For college admission, juniors and seniors in high school take this exam. The idea behind taking this test is that students who desire to study in nations including Canada, the USA, and the UK
Purpose of the GRE
The Graduate Record Examination, also known as the GRE, is a test that applicants to master’s programmes must take. The test is typically taken on a computer or on paper.
It is an exam that aids applicants to business or applied science universities. If they want to pursue a master’s degree, graduating college seniors and college students must complete this test. Only graduate programmes in the social sciences, arts, and sciences can use this test. Candidates can choose different exams like the GMAT and MCAT if they want to pursue specialty programmes like a doctorate in law.
What is the difference between the SAT and GRE?
In the GRE exam applicants are allowed to take the exam five times a year and it happens after every 21 days. whereas when it comes to SAT exam the applicants get a chance to take this exam seven times in a year.
| SAT | GRE |
| The test, which is standardized on a global scale, can assess students’ writing and reading skills. Three skills are evaluated on this test: writing, reading, and mathematics. The SAT employs a scale from 200 to 800 for each section’s score, with 800 being a perfect score. On a scale from 400 to 1600, the results of maths, evidence-based reading, and writing sections are put together to generate the final score. The SAT’s overall score is calculated in 10-point increments as opposed to the GRE’s half- and one-point scale. | The majority of colleges accept the GRE as a graduate-level general exam for entrance to graduate programmes. The way the test is set up makes it possible to evaluate the student’s verbal and quantitative abilities. The verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE are scored on a scale from 130 to 170. The lowest score possible is 130, and the highest score possible is 170. Separate scores for each section are taken rather than adding the results of the two sections together. The analytical writing section is assessed in half-point increments, as opposed to the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, which are each worth one point. |
Sections in the SAT vs. GRE
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section on the SAT is designed to test applicants’ vocabulary, comprehension, analytical writing, and reading comprehension abilities. The test contains a specific section on English writing mechanics, which covers grammar and punctuation. Additionally, it assesses knowledge in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
To test the reading comprehension and reasoning abilities of the candidate, the GRE contains verbal reasoning parts. The GRE does not have a separate analytical writing portion like the SAT does. The quantitative reasoning element of the GRE syllabus is also present, but the math portion is not as difficult as the SAT’s. It assesses candidates’ quantitative reasoning but excludes difficult mathematical ideas.
Different modes of testing in the SAT and GRE
The style of testing is another significant distinction between the GRE and the SAT. The GRE is mostly an online exam that can be completed on a computer. There are just a few nations where test-takers are able to take a paper-delivered exam because they lack access to computers.
Contrarily, the SAT is a paper-based exam. In the near future, the College Board might start offering the SAT in an online format.
Candidates can use a screen calculator like they use computers in GRE testing facilities. But SAT candidates do not have access to such a choice. For data analysis, the candidates must bring a calculator on their own.
Eligibility criteria for the SAT vs. GRE
There are no specific requirements for taking the SAT to qualify. In general, you are eligible to apply for the exam if you have completed high school. Most students who are 17 years old or older and desire to study abroad take this exam.
In contrast, there are no set requirements for the GRE. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to apply for graduate programme admission may do so.
Exam Schedule for the SAT vs. GRE
The GRE general test can be completed in a total of about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Additionally, the GRE topic test has a 2-hour, 50-minute duration.
On the other hand, you have a total of three hours to complete the SAT test. Additionally, you will have an additional 50 minutes to complete the optional essay paper if you select it.
Exam costs for SAT and GRE
For Indian applicants, the application fee for the Graduate Record Examination test is 18,769.84 INR, while the charge for the GRE Subject test is 12,348.58 INR.
On the other hand, there are regional variations in the SAT application fees. You must pay approximately 8,086 INR in total to apply for the SAT. In addition, there are additional fees for the exam if you want to modify the day or location.
SAT vs. GRE: Difficulty
In the comparison of the GRE and the SAT, the GRE is regarded as being more challenging than the SAT. This is a result of some difficult vocabulary and reading passages. Unusual words with ambiguities can be found in the test’s vocabulary.
The GRE’s mathematics component also requires more reasoning than the SAT’s, which solely provides formulas. To answer math problems on the GRE, you must possess a strong comprehension of mathematical concepts.
Universities that accept SAT
Before taking the SAT exam, students should decide on a target score in their minds. You must be aware of the universities that accept the SAT exam in order to set your SAT score target. While all prestigious universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand accept SAT scores, only American universities require it formally. Some universities that accept SAT test scores are-
- University of Chicago
- University of Cambridge
- University of California, Berkeley
- Yale University
Universities that accept GRE
The GRE exam is a widely used graduate admissions examination. There are two GRE forms available: computer-delivered and paper-delivered. But some of the universities accepting the GRE score are:
- Harvard University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
Conclusion
This article is here to help you understand the basic difference between the SAT and the GRE. SAT happens for students who want to get admitted to graduation courses. On the other hand, the GRE is for students who want to take admission in masters courses. There are different criteria, different levels of difficulty, and different purposes for the tests. If you want to understand more about the SAT versus the GRE, you can contact Admissify. We have the best consultants who will help you understand and prepare for these exams so you can live your dream of studying abroad.
FAQ
Is the GRE challenging to pass?
The reading comprehension and vocabulary parts of the GRE are divided into two categories. You should practice learning new words frequently because it will be nearly impossible for you to pass the verbal reasoning exam without it.
What sets the GRE apart from the SAT?
For masters-level entrance, the GRE is a globally standardized test, whereas the SAT is a globally standardized aptitude test for admission to undergraduate programmes.
Should I take the SAT more than once?
Compared to the GRE, applicants shouldn’t limit their SAT attempts to a specific number. Candidates who study for the SAT can attempt as many times as necessary to reach the desired score.
How many GRE attempts do I have?
Candidates typically perform better on future efforts than on their initial ones. Therefore, candidates shouldn’t be upset about their past efforts. Instead, they ought to work to improve on each subsequent try until they reach their target score.
What is the time frame for which the SAT and GRE scores are valid?
Both the GRE and SAT test results have a five-year validity period.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
