Why Indian students struggle on the SAT and ACT: Study abroad expert shares insights on how to bridge the gap

Many Indian students step into SAT or ACT preparation confident that their strong school grades will ensure similar success in these international exams. Yet, the first diagnostic test often comes as a surprise. High marks in CBSE or ICSE exams do not automatically translate to SAT or ACT scores because these tests measure a different set of skills—critical thinking, interpretation, and application—that are often underemphasised in Indian classrooms.

According to Mr. Abhinav Garg, Co-founder of SATnPaper, it’s not a question of intelligence or effort. “The gap lies in the skills these exams test—technical English, reading for meaning, and visual problem-solving in math. These are areas where many students are not fully prepared,” he explains. Understanding these gaps early can make a significant difference in preparation and performance, helping students move from initial struggles to confident results.

Language precision: Grammar and punctuation matter

One of the biggest challenges for Indian students is language. While students may excel in compositions, the SAT and ACT test technically correct English, where even small errors in grammar or punctuation can reduce scores. “For example, if a student writes, ‘The data on my computer is loading very quickly,’ it may sound correct in casual conversation. But technically, it is wrong, and the SAT will mark it as such,” says Mr. Garg.

Punctuation is another area where students often lose marks. Colons, semicolons, commas, and dashes are rarely emphasised in school, but these exams test them rigorously. Students who start practising these small but critical rules early can significantly improve their scores.

Reading for meaning, not memorisation

Reading comprehension is another area where Indian students face challenges. Unlike school passages, which typically ask for factual information, the SAT and ACT require students to interpret meaning and understand the author’s intent.

“A passage about Mahatma Gandhi might ask a school student ‘When was he born?’ or ‘Where was he born?’ On the SAT, the same passage could ask, ‘What was the purpose of Mahatma Gandhi’s life?’ Students need to absorb the passage, understand the gist, and draw conclusions based on inference rather than memorised facts,” explains Mr. Garg.

Even with the digital SAT shortening passages from 800–1,000 words to 100–250 words, the skill of critical reading and interpretation remains essential. Developing the ability to read for intent rather than just facts is key to tackling SAT and ACT passages successfully.

Adapting to math differences

Mathematics can feel unfamiliar for Indian students. The Indian curriculum focuses heavily on abstract algebra and multiple methods to solve equations, while the SAT emphasises visual problem-solving, advanced algebra, and practical graph interpretation.

Many students are not exposed to quadratic equations, advanced exponential functions, or graphing calculators until they begin SAT preparation. “Students are trained to solve algebraic problems abstractly, but on the SAT, you may need to visualise relationships and interpret graphs,” Mr. Garg notes. Early practice with these concepts helps students adapt to the different style of problem-solving.

Shifting exam approach: Thinking like the test

Success on the SAT and ACT requires more than memorisation; it requires a change in approach. Students must learn to read for meaning, write with technical accuracy, and approach math problems both visually and analytically.

Taking early diagnostic tests helps identify weak areas and allows for targeted improvement rather than last-minute preparation. “These are all skills that can be developed with the right guidance,” says Mr. Garg.

Bridging the gap

While the challenges are real, they are also surmountable. By focusing on technical English, developing reading interpretation skills, and building math fluency aligned with international standards, Indian students can overcome initial struggles. Gradual, consistent preparation allows students to move from confusion on the first diagnostic test to confident, high-scoring performance, opening doors to universities abroad.
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