Choosing between the SAT™ and the ACT is a key decision in your college application journey. Both are standardized tests widely accepted by U.S. colleges, but they differ in format, content, and pacing. Understanding these differences can help you choose the test that best showcases your abilities.
| Feature | SAT™ | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 2 hours, 14 minutes | 2 hours, 55 minutes |
| Sections | Reading, Writing & Language, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Optional Essay | Discontinued (except for certain states) | Yes, optional |
| Scoring | 400-1600 | 1-36 composite |
| Science Section | No dedicated section (science is integrated) | Yes, one dedicated section |
| Math Focus | Data analysis, algebra, advanced math | Broader range, including geometry, trigonometry |
| Time Per Question | More time per question on average | Less time per question on average |
Both tests have a section dedicated to grammar, punctuation, and writing style, presented through passages. The SAT’s “Writing and Language” section and the ACT’s “English” section are quite similar. They test your ability to identify and correct errors in grammar, usage, and structure.
The SAT™ Math test is split into a “No-Calculator” and a “Calculator” section. It heavily focuses on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis. Geometry and trigonometry are less prominent.
The ACT Math test covers a broader range of topics, including more geometry and trigonometry questions than the SAT. You can use a calculator on the entire ACT Math section.
The SAT™ Reading section includes passages from U.S. and world literature, history/social studies, and science. It tests your comprehension and ability to analyze evidence.
The ACT Reading section also tests comprehension with passages on prose fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences. The passages are often considered more straightforward than the SAT’s.
This is the most significant difference between the two tests. The ACT has a dedicated Science section that tests your ability to interpret data, analyze experiments, and evaluate conflicting viewpoints presented in charts, graphs, and research summaries. It’s more of a scientific reasoning test than a test of specific science knowledge.
The SAT™ is scored on a scale of 400-1600, which is the sum of your scores on the two main sections (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math), each scored from 200-800.
The ACT is scored on a composite scale of 1-36, which is the average of your scores on the four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science), each also scored from 1-36.
Colleges accept both scores, and there are official concordance tables to compare scores from one test to the other.
So, how do you choose? Here’s some guidance:
Ultimately, neither test is “easier” than the other. They just test slightly different skills and knowledge. The right test for you is the one where you can put your best foot forward.
