ACT vs SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

Choosing between the ACT and SAT is one of the most important decisions in your college preparation journey. Both tests are widely accepted by colleges and universities, but they differ in structure, content, timing, and scoring. Understanding these differences helps you choose the test that plays to your strengths and maximizes your chances of admission to your target schools.

Key Differences Overview

The ACT and SAT serve the same purpose—helping colleges evaluate applicants—but they approach testing differently:

ACT Characteristics:

• More straightforward, curriculum-based questions
• Includes a Science section
• Slightly faster pace (less time per question)
• Composite score from 1-36
• Writing section is optional

SAT Characteristics:

• More analytical and reasoning-focused questions
• No dedicated Science section (science integrated into other sections)
• Slightly slower pace (more time per question)
• Total score from 400-1600
• Writing section is optional

These differences mean that some students naturally perform better on one test than the other, even with similar preparation.

Section-by-Section Comparison

English/Writing Section:

ACT English:

• 75 questions in 45 minutes
• Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetoric
• More straightforward questions about rules and conventions
• Questions embedded in passages with underlined portions

SAT Writing and Language:

• 44 questions in 35 minutes
• Tests similar skills but with more emphasis on editing and revision
• Questions focus on improving passages rather than identifying errors
• More analytical approach to writing

Students who excel at: Clear rules and grammar conventions may prefer ACT. Students who enjoy editing and improving writing may prefer SAT.

Math Section:

ACT Math:

• 60 questions in 60 minutes
• Covers pre-algebra through trigonometry
• Calculator allowed for entire section
• Questions generally increase in difficulty
• More geometry content

SAT Math:

• 58 questions in 80 minutes (split into calculator and no-calculator sections)
• Focuses on algebra, data analysis, and advanced math
• No-calculator section tests mental math and problem-solving
• More emphasis on problem-solving and real-world applications
• Less geometry content

Students who excel at: Geometry and prefer calculator use may prefer ACT. Students strong in algebra and mental math may prefer SAT.

Reading Section:

ACT Reading:

• 40 questions in 35 minutes
• Four passages: literary narrative, social studies, humanities, natural sciences
• More straightforward comprehension questions
• Faster pace (less than a minute per question)

SAT Reading:

• 52 questions in 65 minutes
• Five passages: literature, history/social studies, science (two passages), and a paired passage
• More analytical questions requiring inference and evidence citation
• Questions often reference specific line numbers
• Slower pace allows more time per question

Students who excel at: Quick reading and straightforward questions may prefer ACT. Students who enjoy analysis and have time to think may prefer SAT.

Science Section:

ACT Science:

• 40 questions in 35 minutes
• Tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning
• No specific science knowledge required
• Focuses on reading graphs, tables, and understanding experiments

SAT:

• No dedicated Science section
• Science content integrated into Reading and Math sections
• Similar data interpretation skills tested within other sections

Students who excel at: Data interpretation and scientific reasoning may prefer ACT. Students who prefer integrated content may prefer SAT.

Optional Writing/Essay:

ACT Writing:

• 40 minutes to write an essay
• Presents a complex issue with three perspectives
• Requires analyzing perspectives and developing your own argument
• Scored separately (2-12), doesn't affect composite score

SAT Essay:

• 50 minutes to write an essay
• Requires analyzing a provided passage
• Focuses on how the author builds an argument
• Scored separately, doesn't affect total score

Important Note: Many colleges no longer require the writing/essay section. Check with your target schools before deciding whether to take it.

Scoring Differences

Understanding how each test is scored helps you interpret your results:

ACT Scoring:

• Each section scored 1-36
• Composite score is the average of four sections, rounded to nearest whole number
• Writing scored separately (2-12)
• Score reports show section scores, composite score, and percentiles

SAT Scoring:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-800
• Math: 200-800
• Total Score: 400-1600
• Writing scored separately
• Score reports show section scores, total score, and percentiles

Score Conversion: While scores can be roughly converted (e.g., ACT 30 ≈ SAT 1400), colleges evaluate scores within each test's context. Focus on your percentile ranking rather than exact score conversions.

Which Test Should You Take?

Consider these factors when choosing:

1. Your Academic Strengths

Choose ACT if:

• You're strong in science and data interpretation
• You prefer straightforward, curriculum-based questions
• You excel at geometry and trigonometry
• You work well under time pressure
• You prefer questions that test what you've learned in school

Choose SAT if:

• You're strong in algebra and problem-solving
• You prefer analytical, reasoning-based questions
• You excel at mental math
• You appreciate more time per question
• You enjoy finding patterns and making connections

2. Your Test-Taking Style

ACT Suits:

• Fast readers who can process information quickly
• Students comfortable with time pressure
• Those who prefer direct questions over trick questions
• Students who work well with concrete information

SAT Suits:

• Careful readers who analyze deeply
• Students who benefit from more time to think
• Those who enjoy puzzle-like questions
• Students comfortable with abstract reasoning

3. Your Target Colleges

Research Your Schools:

• Some colleges prefer one test over the other (though most accept both)
• Check if your target schools have score requirements or preferences
• Consider geographic location—ACT is more popular in some regions, SAT in others
• Look at average scores of admitted students for each test

4. Practice Test Performance

Take Both Practice Tests:

• Take a full-length, timed practice test for each exam
• Compare your scores and percentile rankings
• Consider which test felt more comfortable
• Evaluate which test you can improve more with practice

Important: Take practice tests seriously—use official materials and simulate real test conditions. Your performance on practice tests is the best predictor of which test suits you better.

Can You Take Both Tests?

Yes, you can take both tests. Many students take both to:

• See which test they perform better on
• Submit the higher score to colleges
• Meet different requirements for different schools
• Keep options open

Considerations:

• Both tests require significant preparation time
• Taking both means more test dates and fees
• Some students perform similarly on both tests
• Focus your preparation on one test for better results

Recommendation: Take practice tests for both first. If you perform significantly better on one, focus your preparation there. Only take both actual tests if practice tests show similar performance or if you have specific reasons for needing both.

Preparation Differences

ACT Preparation:

• Focus on curriculum-based content review
• Practice with time pressure
• Develop speed-reading skills
• Review science data interpretation
• Practice calculator usage efficiently

SAT Preparation:

• Focus on problem-solving strategies
• Develop analytical reading skills
• Practice mental math
• Work on evidence-based reasoning
• Practice integrated science questions

Study Time: Both tests require significant preparation. Plan for 40-80 hours of study time, depending on your starting point and target score improvement.

Test Dates and Logistics

ACT:

• Offered 7 times per year (September, October, December, February, April, June, July)
• Registration deadlines typically 5 weeks before test date
• Late registration available with fee

SAT:

• Offered 7 times per year (August, October, November, December, March, May, June)
• Registration deadlines typically 4 weeks before test date
• Late registration available with fee

Scheduling Considerations:

• Consider your academic calendar and extracurricular commitments
• Plan for potential retakes if needed
• Register early to secure your preferred test location
• Consider test-optional policies at your target schools

Test-Optional Colleges

Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies:

What Test-Optional Means:

• You can choose whether to submit test scores
• Not submitting scores won't disadvantage your application
• Other factors (GPA, essays, activities) carry more weight

When to Submit Scores:

• If your scores are above the college's average
• If your scores strengthen your application
• If the college still considers scores even with test-optional policy

When to Skip Scores:

• If your scores are below the college's average
• If other application components are very strong
• If you prefer to emphasize other strengths

Research Test Policies: Check each college's current test policy, as policies change frequently.

Making Your Decision

Step 1: Take Practice Tests

Take official, timed practice tests for both ACT and SAT. This is the most important step in your decision.

Step 2: Compare Results

Look at:

• Raw scores and percentile rankings
• Which test felt more comfortable
• Which sections were easier or harder
• Time management on each test

Step 3: Consider Your Goals

Factor in:

• Your target colleges and their requirements
• Your academic strengths and weaknesses
• Your test-taking preferences
• Your preparation time availability

Step 4: Choose and Prepare

Once you've chosen, commit to focused preparation on that test. Don't split your time between both tests unless you have specific reasons.

Conclusion

Choosing between the ACT and SAT is a personal decision that depends on your strengths, preferences, and goals. Take practice tests for both, compare your performance, and choose the test where you can achieve your best score. Remember that both tests are widely accepted, so focus on maximizing your performance on whichever test you choose.

Use our ACT Score Calculator to see how your ACT section scores combine into your composite score, and check out our guide on Understanding ACT Score Percentiles to interpret your results.

Sources

• ACT, Inc. – Official ACT test information and score interpretation
• College Board – Official SAT test information and comparison resources
• National Association for College Admission Counseling – Test-optional policies and college admission trends