How Is the SAT Different from the ACT? A Complete Guide for Students and Parents
When preparing for college admissions, one of the biggest questions students face is: Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Both tests are accepted by nearly every U.S. college, but they have important differences in structure, content, timing, and scoring. Understanding these differences can help you choose the test that best fits your strengths — and can ultimately boost your admissions chances.
In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly how the SAT is different from the ACT, with helpful tips to guide your decision. Let’s dive in.
What Are the SAT and ACT?
The SAT and the ACT are standardized college entrance exams used by colleges to evaluate applicants. Both are administered multiple times a year and are designed to test academic readiness for college. While they share some similarities, they differ in format, focus, and timing.
Key Differences Between the SAT and ACT
Here’s a quick comparison table before we go into detail:
Feature | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|
Sections | Reading, Writing & Language, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
Essay | No | No (Optional until 2021, now discontinued) |
Total Time | 2 hrs 14 mins (Digital SAT) | 2 hrs 55 mins |
Score Range | 400–1600 | 1–36 |
Math Calculator Use | Allowed on all sections | Allowed on entire Math section |
Science Section | No dedicated science section | Yes, one full section |
Testing Style | More time per question | Faster pace, more straightforward |
Now, let’s take a deeper look into each aspect.
1. Structure and Timing
The SAT is now fully digital and adaptive. It includes two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Each section has two modules and adapts in difficulty based on how you perform in the first module.
- SAT Total Time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
- ACT Total Time: 2 hours and 55 minutes (excluding breaks)
The ACT is a paper-based test (with digital options at some centers) and includes English, Math, Reading, and Science. It has more questions but less time per question, making pacing more difficult for some students.
2. Math Content and Calculator Use
SAT Math focuses heavily on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis. Some advanced math, including trigonometry, is also included. You can use a calculator on the entire math section.
ACT Math includes a broader range of topics — not just algebra and geometry, but also more advanced topics like logarithms, matrices, and basic statistics.
- SAT Score: 200–800 (Math only)
- ACT Math Score: 1–36
Tip: If you’re strong in algebra but weaker in geometry or trigonometry, the SAT might be a better fit.
3. Science Section
This is one of the biggest differences:
- SAT has no dedicated science section, though it does include science-related reading passages.
- ACT includes a full Science section with 40 questions in 35 minutes.
The ACT Science section doesn’t test specific knowledge but focuses on data interpretation, scientific reasoning, and analysis of experiments.
Tip: If you enjoy analyzing charts, graphs, and scientific experiments, you might perform better on the ACT.
4. Reading and Writing
SAT Reading and Writing is combined into one section in the digital version. Passages are shorter and questions appear right after each passage. The new format is more concise and efficient.
ACT Reading and English are separate sections. ACT Reading uses longer passages, while English tests grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure more directly.
- SAT: More evidence-based questions, vocabulary-in-context
- ACT: Faster pace, more questions, grammar-heavy
Tip: If you prefer short passages and a more analytical approach, the SAT is likely better. If you like straightforward grammar rules, the ACT might suit you more.
5. Scoring Systems
- SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, combining Math (200–800) and Reading/Writing (200–800).
- ACT score ranges from 1 to 36, averaging the four section scores.
Colleges accept either score, and most provide conversion tables if you want to compare.
Example: An SAT score of 1350 is roughly equivalent to an ACT score of 29.
6. Question Style and Difficulty
- SAT questions often require multiple steps and deeper reasoning.
- ACT questions tend to be more direct but require faster thinking due to time constraints.
Time per Question:
- SAT: ~1.19 minutes per question
- ACT: ~0.87 minutes per question
This means you need better time management for the ACT.
7. Availability and Locations
Both tests are widely available across the U.S. and internationally. Students typically take them in their junior or senior year.
- SAT dates: Offered 7 times a year
- ACT dates: Offered 7–9 times a year
You can register for either online and choose your nearest test center.
8. Superscoring and College Preferences
Most colleges accept superscores — combining your highest section scores from multiple test dates — for both SAT and ACT.
Do Colleges Prefer One Test Over the Other?
No. Colleges view SAT and ACT scores equally. Choose the test that suits your strengths and test-taking style.
So, Which Test Should You Take?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want more time per question and shorter reading passages? → SAT
- Am I comfortable with faster-paced tests and science data? → ACT
- Is my algebra stronger than my geometry skills? → SAT
- Do I prefer straightforward, grammar-focused English sections? → ACT
Can You Take Both the SAT and ACT?
Yes, many students take both to see where they perform better. However, it’s best to focus your energy on one and maximize your prep time.
How is the SAT different from the ACT?
Both the SAT and ACT are tools to show colleges your academic readiness. Neither is easier or harder — they’re just different. Take a full-length practice test of each to see which feels more comfortable.
With the right preparation and a smart test strategy, you can succeed on either test — and get closer to your college goals.