SAT® vs. ACT® – Everything You Need to Know in One Easy-to-Follow Guide

Nov 8, 2024 | Gilbert

Choosing the right college can be both exhilarating and stressful but choosing the college admissions test to take shouldn’t be.

In this ultimate guide, we break down the two most popular college admissions tests, SAT and ACT, so you know exactly what to expect and choose the option that plays to your strengths.

We’ll look at the key differences between the SAT and ACT, including test sections, duration, scoring systems, how colleges and scholarship funds consider them, and provide you with answers to the questions our students ask frequently.

Master SAT and ACT Math with Mathnasium’s Specially Trained Tutors

Choosing the right college admissions tests can increase your chances of getting into your desired school and winning better scholarships.

Types of College Admissions Tests

SAT and ACT are the most commonly used college admissions tests in the US. Other tests include PSAT and APexam.

All these tests serve the same purpose: they help colleges evaluate prospective students’ eligibility for their programs.

College admissions test scores are usually considered alongside the high school GPA and other academic performance metrics to assess a student’s preparedness for college-level work.

Before jumping into the differences between the SAT and ACT, let's briefly explore the PSAT and AP tests to see how they impact college admissions.

While PSAT and AP are not official admission tests, they can still play an important role in the college entrance process.

How?

Think of the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) as a valuable steppingstone on your path to college. PSAT offers a preview of the SAT format and helps you pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement. Scoring well on the PSAT can even lead to National Merit Scholarships and enhance your college application.

the Advanced Placement (AP) Test is the conclusion to the AP Course. Scoring well on this test not only lets you acquire college credit while still in high school, it can also signal to admissions committees that you’re ready for the academic challenges ahead and, in doing so, significantly impact your chances of securing a place at your college(s) of choice.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the SAT and ACT.

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a widely recognized standardized exam used for college admissions in the United States. According to College Board, SAT was the leading college entrance test in 2023, with around 1.9 million test-takers.

The test primarily consists of multiple-choice and some open-ended questions, and it is designed to assess your skills through three key sections:

  • Reading and Writing
  • Math
  • Essay - required only if you're taking a certain state-provided SAT (SAT School Day)

Most students take the SAT during their junior and/or senior year of high school, typically in the spring or fall testing windows.

Students can take the SAT as many times as they wish. College Board indicates that most students typically take it only once or twice. If you choose to take the SAT twice, most colleges consider your highest score. Also, some colleges use Superscoring to make admission decisions.

As of 2023, the traditional paper-and-pencil version of the SAT has been fully replaced by a new digital format. Now, students have the option to bring their own laptop or tablet, use a device issued by their school, or borrow one from the College Board.

Students can take the SAT on their own laptop or tablet or borrow one from the College Board.

American College Testing (ACT)

The American College Testing (ACT) is a standardized test used for college admissions across the United States. The ACT was the second most popular college entrance exam in 2023, with nearly 1.4 million students sitting for it.

The test consists of multiple-choice questions and measures your skills in four key areas:

  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Writing (optional section)

Most students take the ACT during their junior and/or senior year of high school, usually in the fall or spring testing windows.

Students are allowed to take the ACT up to 12 times. However, you should keep in mind that retaking the ACT too many times might signal to the admissions committee that you are not adequately prepared for college.

Starting in 2024, students have the option to take the ACT in either a digital format or the traditional paper-and-pencil format.


The Key Differences Between SAT and ACT - A Side-by-Side Comparison

While both tests are designed to assess your college readiness, they take different approaches to it, including the way they are structured, timed, and formatted.

Feature SAT ACT
Sections
  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
  • Math
  • Essay (available only in certain states as part of SAT School Day)

  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Writing (optional)
Content Focus
  • Reading and Writing: Reading comprehension, evidence analysis, grammar
  • Math: Arithmetic, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Analysis
  • Essay: Reading, analysis, and writing

  • English: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure
  • Math: Arithmetic, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics
  • Reading: Reading comprehension across various disciplines
  • Science: Data interpretation, scientific reasoning
  • Optional Writing: Argument analysis
Number of Questions
  • Reading and Writing: 54
  • Math: 44
  • Essay: 1 essay

  • English: 75
  • Math: 60
  • Reading: 40
  • Science: 40
  • Optional Writing: 1 essay

Duration
  • Reading and Writing: 64 mins
  • Math: 70 mins

Total: 134 mins


  • English: 45 mins
  • Math: 60 mins
  • Reading: 35 mins
  • Science: 35 mins
  • Optional Writing: 40 mins
Total: 215 mins (175 without essay)
Score Range

Total score range: 400-1600; combines EBRW (200-800) and Math (200-800);

Essay scored separately (6-24)
Composite score of 1-36, based on average of 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, Science)


Let’s explore each element in more detail.

1. Sections

The first major difference between the SAT and the ACT is in their structure.

The SAT has two main sections which consist of:

  • Reading and Writing
  • Math

The third section is the Essay, which was optional until it was discontinued in 2021. Now, it’s only available in states where it’s required for the SAT School Day.

An important feature of the digital SAT test is that both the Reading and Writing and Math sections are divided into two adaptive modules. This means that students will answer a set of questions in the first module, and the questions they receive in the second module will depend on how they performed in the first module.

This adaptive approach allows the SAT to create a more personalized testing experience and adjust the difficulty level based on each student's abilities.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT comprises four mandatory sections and one optional:

  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Writing (optional)

As you may have noticed, the SAT doesn’t feature a standalone science section. So, if science isn’t your strong suit, you should consider taking only the SAT.

2. Duration

Do you perform well under pressure?

The two tests differ greatly in the amount of time they allot for each section.

The SAT’s total testing time is 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes), while the ACT allows 3 hours and 35 minutes (215 minutes, including the optional Writing section).

Here’s a breakdown of each test by section, time allotted, and the number of questions:

SAT Section Breakdown

Section Time Allotted Number of Questions
Reading and Writing 64 minutes 54 questions
Math 70 minutes 44 questions
Essay (optional) 50 minutes 1 essay
Total (without essay) 134 minutes 98 questions

 

ACT Section Breakdown

Section Time Allotted Number of Questions
English 45 minutes 75 multiple-choice questions
Math 60 minutes 60 multiple-choice questions
Reading 35 minutes 40 multiple-choice questions
Science 35 minutes 40 multiple-choice questions
Writing (optional) 40 minutes 1 essay
Total (without essay) 175 minutes 215 questions


To put things into perspective, the SAT allows an average of 1.37 minutes per question across its sections (excluding the essay), while the ACT provides about 0.81 minutes per question. For the writing sections, the ACT provides 40 minutes, while the SAT gives you a bit more time with 50 minutes.

This means you’ll need to strategize your time more carefully on the ACT, whereas the SAT gives you a bit more breathing room for each question.

3. Content Focus

Diving deeper into the differences between the two tests, let’s put their comparable sections side-by-side to see what they focus on.

a. Reading and Writing on SAT vs. English on ACT

SAT’s Reading and Writing section is comparable to the ACT’s English section.

Let’s look at how they compare in terms of formatting, length, and the skills they are designed to test.

Feature SAT Reading and Writing ACT English

  • 2 modules of multiple-choice questions based on short passages (25–150 words)
  • The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how students perform on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.
Multiple essays or passages followed by multiple-choice questions
Test Length
  • Time Allotted: 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules)
  • Number of Questions: 54
  • Time Allotted: 45 minutes
  • Number of Questions: 75
Skills Measured
  • Information and Ideas: Comprehension, analysis, and reasoning with texts and informational graphics
  • Craft and Structure: Understanding vocabulary, rhetorical evaluation,
  • and connections between texts
  • Expression of Ideas: Revising texts for improved expression and rhetorical effectiveness
  • Standard English Conventions: Editing to align with grammar, sentence structure, usage, and punctuation standard
  • Production of Writing: Focus on topic development, organization, and cohesion of writing
  • Knowledge of Language: Effective language use, precision, concision, and tone consistency
  • Conventions of Standard English: Grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage for revising and editing
Unique Features Two adaptive modules that adjust their difficulty based on performance in the first module. N/A


Unlike SAT, ACT has a standalone Reading section, which consists of four reading passages, you'll be assessed on your ability to:

  • Read and process text
  • Reason using evidence from the text
  • Combine information from various sources

b. SAT vs. ACT Math

Welcome to Mathnasium’s domain: math!

Having helped thousands of students master the math portion of the SAT and ACT, we’re deeply familiar with how the two tests evaluate students’ skills.

Find Specially Trained Math Tutors Near You

Let’s look at how the SAT and ACT approach math testing:

Feature SAT    ACT
Question Format                 Multiple-choice and student-produced response (SPR) questions Multiple-choice questions, mostly self-contained with some belonging to sets (e.g., related to graphs/charts)
Test Length
  • Time Allotted: 70 minutes total (35 minutes for each of the two modules)
  • Number of Questions: 44 questions (20 operational + 2 pretest questions per module)
  • Time Allotted: 60 minutes
  • Number of Questions: 60 questions

Content Domains
  • Algebra: 35% (13–15 questions)
  • Advanced Math: 35% (13–15 questions)
  • Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: 15% (5–7 questions)
  • Geometry and Trigonometry: 15% (5–7 questions)
  • Preparing for Higher Math: 57–60%
  • Number & Quantity: 7–10%
  • Algebra: 12–15%
  • Functions: 12–15%
  • Geometry: 12–15%
  • Statistics & Probability: 8–12%
  • Integrating Essential Skills: 40–43%

This includes concepts such as:

  • Rates
  • Percentages
  • Area
  • Surface Area
  • Volume, and
  • Non-routine problem solving that combines varius skills

Unique Features Two adaptive modules that adjust difficulty based on performance in the first module. N/A
Calculator Use Calculators are permitted. Calculators are permitted.


c. SAT vs. ACT Writing Section (optional)

Both the SAT and ACT feature a standalone writing section, but they have their differences.

As we’ve discussed, the SAT Essay used to be optional but now is required for the SAT School Day in some states. The ACT’s Writing test remains optional. In both cases, make sure to verify whether your state or school requires the Essay or Writing test for college admissions.

Now, let’s break down what each test assesses.

For the SAT Essay, you’ll be evaluated on reading, analysis, and writing skills. You will have 50 minutes to read a passage of 650 to 750 words and explain how the author builds an argument to persuade the audience, supporting your explanation with evidence from the text.

The ACT Writing Test assesses your writing skills through a prompt about a complex issue with three different perspectives. Within a 40-minute timeframe, your task will be to present your own viewpoint and analyze how it connects to the provided perspectives.

d. ACT Science

The ACT Science section is designed to assess essential skills in the natural sciences with an emphasis on interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving.

The section covers a range of topics, including:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth/Space Sciences (such as geology, astronomy, and meteorology)
  • Physics

Unlike traditional science tests, this section focuses on your ability to understand and apply scientific concepts rather than just memorize facts.

Remember, the SAT doesn't include a dedicated science section.

4. Scoring

Now, let's explore how the two tests would score your performance:

Feature SAT     ACT
Total Score Range 400 to 1600 1 to 36
Section Scores  
  • Reading and Writing: 200-800
  • Math: 200-800
  • English: 1-36
  • Mathematics: 1-36
  • Reading: 1-36
  • Science: 1-36
Essay Scoring

The SAT Essay is scored independently and does not contribute to the overall score.
If taken, scored on a 2–8 scale in three areas:

  • Reading
  • Analysis
  • Writing
The ACT Writing section (optional) is also scored separately and does not factor into the composite score.
Scored by two reviewers from 1 to 6 in four areas, totaling 2-12.
Scoring Method Total score is the sum of section scores. Composite score is the average of four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
Incorrect Answer Policy No penalty for incorrect answers.    No penalty for incorrect answers.


You might be wondering, what qualifies as a good SAT or ACT score?

The answer varies based on the colleges you're aiming for.

According to the College Board, achieving an SAT score of 1350 places you in the top 10% of test-takers and increases your chances for admission to more selective colleges.

Since the ACT uses a different scoring scale, what counts as a good score varies as well.

For highly selective schools, like Ivy League institutions, an ACT score between 31 and 35 is often the target. However, for some colleges, a score in the mid-20s might be perfectly acceptable.

Whether you're choosing the ACT or SAT, or both, we recommend researching the colleges you're interested in to understand their specific requirements.

Converting ACT Scores to SAT Scores

Many students, whether they’re taking the ACT or SAT, might want to compare their scores on both tests.

Both the ACT organization and the College Board provide conversion charts to help students understand how scores from these two tests relate to each other.

Here’s an overview:

ACT Score

SAT Equivalent Score

SAT Score Range

36

1590

1570–1600

35

1540

1530–1560

34

1500

1490–1520

33

1460

1450–1480

32

1430

1420–1440

31

1400

1390–1410

30

1370

1360–1380

29

1340

1330–1350

28

1310

1300–1320

27

1280

1260–1290

26

1240

1230–1250

25

1210

1200–1220

24

1180

1160–1190

23

1140

1130–1150

22

1110

1100–1120

21

1080

1060–1090

20

1040

1030–1050

19

1010

990–1020

18

970

960–980

17

930

920–950

16

890

880–910

15

850

830–870

14

800

780–820

13

760

730–770

12

710

690–720

11

670

650–680

10

630

620–640

9

590

590–610


Which Test Is Preferred by Colleges & Scholarship Funds?

Most colleges welcome both and do not have a particular preference for either test

However, not all colleges value college admissions tests equally. College admissions policies regarding these tests can be categorized by:

  • Test-Required: These colleges ask for either ACT or SAT scores as part of your application and place a high value on competitive scores.
  • Test-Flexible: Here, you don’t have to submit ACT or SAT scores, but if you opt out, you must submit other exam scores, like AP results.
  • Test-Optional: Many colleges in the U.S. follow this policy. They’ll review your application whether you submit your ACT or SAT scores or not but submitting them can strengthen your application.
  • Test-Free: Colleges in this category don’t require any test scores. Instead, they focus heavily on other parts of your application, such as your high school GPA and extracurricular involvement. These schools tend to be quite selective, and getting in may not be as easy as it seems!

When it comes to scholarships, the approach can vary just like for admissions.

While scholarships used to be awarded almost automatically based on ACT/SAT scores, many colleges have shifted to GPA-based awards as they adopt test-optional policies.

However, some schools still offer automatic scholarships based on test scores, so it’s important to review the specific application requirements for each institution.

Which Test Should You Take? 

After everything we've covered, are you still trying to figure out which test suits you best?

Millions of students across the U.S. ask the same question every year.

Let’s recap the factors that can guide your decision.


1) Your Academic Strengths

If you’re stronger in Science and enjoy interpreting data, the ACT might be more up your alley. It includes a Science section and tends to have more straightforward questions.

On the other hand, if you excel in vocabulary and critical reading, the SAT may be a better fit for your skills.


2) How You Handle Time Pressure

The ACT has more questions but gives you less time per question, so it’s ideal for fast-paced test takers.

The SAT allows a bit more time per question, making it potentially better for those who prefer working through problems at a more measured pace.


3) Math Concepts

When it comes to the math concepts tested, the ACT puts a greater emphasis on geometry and has a slightly larger focus on trigonometry than the SAT.

You’ll also find topics on the ACT like matrices, graphs of trigonometric functions, and logarithms.

One key difference is that the SAT provides you with mathematical formulas during the exam, whereas the ACT does not. If memorizing formulas isn't your strong suit, the SAT could be a better fit.

If geometry and trigonometry are your strengths, the ACT might be the way to go. But if you excel in algebra, leaning toward the SAT could be your best bet.

Master Math with Mathnasium Tutors Near You


4) Impact of Math on Your Final Score

Another factor to consider when choosing between the SAT and ACT is how much the Math section impacts your overall score.

For the ACT, Math accounts for about one-fourth of your total score. This means that if math isn’t your strongest subject, it won’t drag your overall score down too much.

On the other hand, the SAT places a much heavier emphasis on math, as it makes up half of your total score. So, a subpar performance in math could noticeably affect your overall results.


5) Multiple Choice vs. Free Response Questions

Both the SAT and ACT primarily use multiple-choice questions, but the SAT also includes student-produced responses for math problems.

In fact, on the SAT Math section, you’ll need to fill in your answers about 25% of the time.

If you’re not confident about producing your own answers, the ACT, with its entirely multiple-choice format, might be the better choice for you.


FAQs about SAT vs. ACT


1) What are the test fees for the SAT and ACT?

The fee for the ACT is $69 without the writing section and $94 with it.

The SAT registration fee is $68, but some students may qualify for a fee waiver.

*Prices in 2024


2) Can I bring a calculator to the ACT or SAT?

On the ACT, Calculators can only be used during the math sections of the tests. For details on approved calculators, check out the ACT's calculator policy page.

For the SAT, students can either bring their own calculator on test day or use the built-in graphing calculator available in the testing application. Scan the  SAT's calculator policy for more details.


3) How many times can I take the SAT and ACT?

You can take the ACT up to 12 times. While it's perfectly fine to retake the test, keep in mind that taking it too many times might not present the best impression on your college application.

You can take the SAT as many times as you'd like. While the College Board recommends taking it at least twice, excessive attempts may not enhance your chances of getting into your desired college.


4) How long will my SAT and ACT scores be valid?

ACT scores are valid for five years, while SAT scores do not have an expiration date.


5) Can I take both tests?

Certainly! Many students choose to take both the SAT and ACT. Just keep in mind that each test has its own registration dates and fees, so plan accordingly!


6) When should students begin studying for the SAT/ACT?

It’s recommended to start studying at least 3-4 months before the SAT or ACT.

Start Preparing with Our Specially Trained Math Tutors


Master ACT & SAT Math with Mathnasium

Mathnasium is a math-only learning center for K-12 students of all skill levels, including high schoolers preparing for college admission tests.

Using a proprietary teaching approach, The Mathnasium Method™, our specially trained math tutors provide face-to-face instruction in a supportive group environment to help students truly understand the math concepts they’ll encounter on the exam.

Explore our approach to standardized test preparation.

Each student begins their Mathnasium journey with a diagnostic assessment that allows us to understand their unique strengths and knowledge gaps. Guided by assessment-based insights, we create personalized learning plans that will put them on the best path towards math excellence.

Whether you are looking to prepare for ACT, SAT or any other standardized test, find a Mathnasium Learning Center near you, schedule an assessment, and enroll today!

Find a Math Tutor Near You