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SAT vs ACT, Which One Should You Take?

ACT · By Donald Strickland · · Updated · 3 min read

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

As you head toward college, you may need a college entrance exam. You have three options: take the SAT, take the ACT, or take both. Nearly all U.S. colleges that consider scores accept either one.

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Just Blindly Picking One Is A Bad Idea

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Why not just pick one? You can, but the tests differ in format and pacing, and some students do noticeably better on one than the other. Knowing the differences helps you pick the better fit.

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Test Structure

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Both tests cover math, reading and English grammar. The SAT combines reading and grammar into one Reading and Writing section, while the ACT tests English and reading separately.

The SAT no longer has an essay; College Board stopped offering it after June 2021, except in some state school-day testing. The ACT still offers an optional writing test that doesn't affect your Composite.

One key difference is science. The ACT offers a science section and the SAT does not. On the current ACT, science is optional and doesn't count toward your Composite, so it matters mainly if your colleges or program ask for it.

Math differs too. SAT Math centers on algebra and advanced math, with only 5-7 geometry and trigonometry questions. ACT math covers a broader range of topics, with more geometry and trigonometry.

Both tests now allow a calculator on the whole math section. The digital SAT has a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, and you can also bring an approved one.

More review materials: Free Practice Tests for ACT Science

Number Of Questions And Time To Answer Them

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The ACT has more questions than the SAT, and the SAT gives you more time per question. If you don't like working under time pressure, the SAT may suit you better. Here is the breakdown:

SAT Sections (digital and adaptive)

  • Reading and Writing: 64 mins, 54 questions (two modules)
  • Math: 70 mins, 44 questions (two modules)
  • Total: 134 mins, plus a 10-minute break

ACT Sections

  • English: 35 mins, 50 questions
  • Math: 50 mins, 45 questions
  • Reading: 40 mins, 36 questions
  • Science (optional): 40 mins, 40 questions
  • Writing (optional): 40 mins, 1 essay

The ACT's three core sections take 125 minutes, a little less than the SAT's 134. Add science and the ACT runs 165 minutes. The SAT has no calculator-free section anymore, so pacing, not calculator use, is the bigger difference.

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Scoring

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The SAT and ACT use different score scales. SAT total scores range from 400 to 1600, while the ACT Composite ranges from 1 to 36.

For the ACT, each section is scored from 1 to 36. Your Composite is the average of your English, math and reading scores; science is reported separately. The optional writing test is scored from 2 to 12 and doesn't count toward your Composite.

The SAT scores Reading and Writing and Math from 200 to 800 each, and the two add up to your total score.

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Pricing

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ACT and SAT also vary slightly in pricing. The ACT costs $70 for the base test, $75 with science, $95 with writing, or $100 with both. The SAT registration fee is $68. These fees do not include extras such as late registration, and both tests offer fee waivers for eligible students.

Those are the major differences between the SAT and ACT. Use them to decide which test fits your strengths, and weigh the pros and cons before you register.

A good way to decide is to take a full timed practice test of each and compare your results.

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