SAT vs ACT

For many families, deciding between the ACT and SAT tests is the first step in the college prep process. The ACT and SAT generally cover the same topics, and scores on both are used to determine college admissions and award merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other.

ACT, SAT, or Both?

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When it comes to time management, are you the type of student who likes to stop and smell the pencils?

I never finish all the questions.

I struggle with time management, but I can get through most of the questions.

Time management is no problem, I just need a clear game plan on time per question.

Time is never an issue.

How vast is your vocabulary?

Below average. I sometimes understand the meaning of hard words based on their context.

Average. Words like egregious and levity are right in my wheel house.

Just above average. I understand what nullify and superfluous mean, but I get tricked up with words like manumission.

I am an absolute word wiz!

When it comes to Math, is the calculator your best friend?

I would be lost without it.

I leave my ego at the door and use the calculator on basic arithmetic.

I am totally fine doing math without a calculator.

I am a beast at math and the calculator only slows me down!

How do you feel about interpreting information about science experiments?

Sounds unbearable.

I think I could figure it out if I knew what types of questions to expect.

It wouldn’t be my top choice for a Saturday morning, but I’d survive.

Interpreting information about science is my jam!

When it comes to writing, I prefer when:

I am asked to present my own opinions on a topic.

I get to explore how well an author uses examples or emotions to convince me of a viewpoint.

I have the opportunity to create my own argument, rather than critique someone else’s.

I am asked to determine the persuasiveness of an author’s argument.

When it comes to reading comprehension:

I really struggle.

The passages need to be very straightforward.

Bring on the reading! I am a bookworm!

I need plenty of time to answer questions about a passage.

When it comes to answering math questions:

I prefer word problems from which I have to pull out the key parts.

I prefer questions that require me to think critically, rather than ask me to regurgitate formulas.

I like questions that are presented in a straightforward manner.

I prefer multiple choice questions. I don’t want to write in answers.

ACT, SAT, or Both?

The ACT is the test for you!

The ACT is designed to be approachable and straightforward, so it’s a great test for students willing to put in time and effort to do practice sections and learn from their mistakes. The English section mostly tests punctuation rules, usage, and mechanics, so mastering those concepts goes a long way to improving your score. Unlike the SAT Math, the ACT Math section is all multiple choice, and you can use a calculator on all the questions. Math questions are also written in a much more direct way on the ACT. Reading and Science are straightforward but you have to practice your time management because you need to be super focused and move quickly through those sections to find the answers in the passage, figures, or tables. The ACT Writing section asks you to present your own argument on a topic relevant to teenagers. Both the ACT and SAT have optional writing sections, so you need to check with the colleges where you plan to apply to see if the writing section is needed. Learn more

The SAT is the test for you!

The SAT questions tend to require more logical reasoning to answer questions. The SAT Reading section requires strong comprehension skills and will ask you to solve more intricate questions about rhetoric and evidentiary support (the ACT Reading tends to focus more on details in the text, inferences, and main ideas). The Writing and Language section tests the exact same content as the ACT English in 44 questions instead of 75 questions. With fewer questions, the SAT will require students to fix more than one grammar issue within a single question. SAT Math gives more time per question than the ACT Math, so students who appreciate more time in math will appreciate this difference. However, the SAT Math has a calculator and non-calculator section and also requires both multiple choice and grid-in (where students write in the answer they solve). The SAT Essay asks students to critique the persuasiveness of an author by assessing evidence used and the quality of the argument. Both the ACT and SAT have optional writing sections, so you need to check with the colleges where you plan to apply to see if the writing section is needed. Learn more

No strong preference for one or the other

After the SAT redesigned itself in 2016, the reality is that the tests became much more similar, and now more than ever students show less of a strong preference for one over the other. Both tests require grammar skills, strong reading comprehension, and the ability to interpret charts, graphs, and tables. What it really comes down to is timing) and how you like to solve problems. The SAT gives a little more time per question and requires more logical reasoning, while the ACT is more straightforward and approachable. Those comfortable doing math with or without a calculator gravitate toward the SAT. Strong readers who work well under time pressure may do better on the ACT. You could do well on either, so the best decision is to explore both exams. Take a timed practice of each one and compare your baseline scores and see if you have a preference. Keeping your options open means you’ll have less stress and more options when it comes time for college apps.

ACT & SAT - What's Right for You?

The best way to know which test is better for you is to take an SAT practice test and an ACT practice test and compare your scores. Since that takes eight hours, we've outlined basic comparisons below to help get you started.

Colleges accept both the ACT and the SAT, so use the table below to help choose the one that's best for you!

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Months Offered	September October December February April June July	August October November December March May June
Total length	2 hours 55 minutes (no essay) 3 hours 35 minutes (with essay)	3 hours (no essay) 3 hours 50 minutes (with essay)
Which test is better?	The ACT is a good test for you if... You're not comfortable ever doing math without a calculator You can stay super focused and work quickly when you're reading You prefer writing essays in which you present an argument rather than critique one	The SAT is a good test for you if... You don't mind doing math without a calculator You want a less rushed pace per question You enjoy writing essays in which you critique arguments rather than present your own
How they're scored View score conversion	1-36 Average score: 20 (50th percentile)	400-1600 Average score: 1000 (50th percentile)
English	English 75 questions 45 minutes Tests abilities in grammar, usage, and mechanics in multiple choice format	Writing & Language 44 questions 35 minutes Tests abilities in grammar, usage, and mechanics in multiple choice format
Math	Math 60 questions 60 minutes Tests content in algebra 1 and 2, geometry, data analysis, and trig Allows a calculator on all 60 problems	Math 58 questions (both multiple choice and grid-in) 80 minutes Tests content in algebra 1 and 2, geometry, data analysis, and trig Has a calculator and non-calculator portion
Reading	Reading 40 questions 35 minutes Has single and dual passages in literature, social science, humanities, and natural science	Reading 52 questions 65 minutes Has single and dual passages in literature, historical documents, social science, and natural science
Science	Science 40 questions 35 minutes While the SAT has one 65-minute Reading section, the ACT divides Reading and Science into two sections that are 35 minutes each. On both the SAT and ACT, science related questions assess your ability to interpret scientific figures and tables and to read about experiments or scientific arguments. You DO NOT need to know chemistry, biology, or physics for this portion. You need to be a careful reader (which might explain why the SAT just made one section called Reading and put the Science questions in there)!	Science The SAT does not have a section just for science. Instead, it tests the same abilities as the ACT Science section, but puts the questions in a longer, 65-minute Reading section whereas the ACT divides them into two.
Writing	Writing 40 minutes Prompt requires you to make an argument that references the views of others.	Writing 50 minutes Prompt requires you to analyze the validity and effectiveness of an argument.

Where Should I Start?

Take a free assessment today!

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ACT Composite Range	SAT Composite Range	Percentile
36	1570-1600	99
35	1530-1560	99
34	1490-1520	99
33	1450-1480	99
32	1420-1440	98
31	1390-1410	96
30	1360-1380	95
29	1330-1350	92
28	1300-1320	90
27	1260-1290	87
26	1230-1250	83
25	1200-1220	79
24	1160-1190	74
23	1130-1150	68
22	1100-1120	63
21	1060-1090	56
20*	1030-1050*	50*
19	990-1020	43
18	960-980	36
17	920-950	30
16	880-910	24
15	830-870	18
14	780-820	12
13	730-770	7
12	690-720	4
11	650-680	1
10	620-640	1
9	590-610	1

ACT Composite Range	SAT Composite Range	Percentile
36	1570-1600	99
35	1530-1560	99
34	1490-1520	99
33	1450-1480	99
32	1420-1440	98
31	1390-1410	96
30	1360-1380	95
29	1330-1350	92
28	1300-1320	90
27	1260-1290	87
26	1230-1250	83
25	1200-1220	79
24	1160-1190	74
23	1130-1150	68
22	1100-1120	63
21	1060-1090	56
20*	1030-1050*	50*
19	990-1020	43
18	960-980	36
17	920-950	30
16	880-910	24
15	830-870	18
14	780-820	12
13	730-770	7
12	690-720	4
11	650-680	1
10	620-640	1
9	590-610	1

SAT vs. ACT

SAT vs ACT

ACT, SAT, or Both?

When it comes to time management, are you the type of student who likes to stop and smell the pencils?

How vast is your vocabulary?

When it comes to Math, is the calculator your best friend?

How do you feel about interpreting information about science experiments?

When it comes to writing, I prefer when:

When it comes to reading comprehension:

When it comes to answering math questions:

ACT & SAT - What's Right for You?

The ACT is a good test for you if...

The SAT is a good test for you if...

English

English

Writing & Language

Math

Math

Math

Reading

Reading

Reading

Science

Science

Science

Writing

Writing

Writing

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