Most colleges accept scores from either test, so you can take the test that’s right for you. Your college application journey is likely starting with the question, “Which test should I take?” Use this handy guide to help you decide:
Table of Contents
- SAT vs. ACT Format and Timing
- SAT vs. ACT Scoring
- Score Equivalence Chart: ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score
- SAT vs. ACT Content
- SAT vs. ACT Comparison Frequently Asked Questions
- SAT vs. ACT Costs
SAT vs. ACT Format and Timing Breakdown
Understanding the timing breakdown of the SAT and ACT will help you practice under realistic testing conditions and know what to expect on test day. Both the ACT and SAT are long tests, and to succeed at either you’ll need to build endurance and learn to answer questions quickly.
SAT Timing Breakdown
|
SAT Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
|
Reading |
52 questions |
65 minutes |
|
Break |
– |
10 minutes |
|
Writing and Language |
44 questions |
35 minutes |
|
Math–No Calculator |
20 questions |
25 minutes |
|
Break |
– |
5 minutes |
|
Math–Calculator |
38 questions |
55 minutes |
|
Break* |
– |
2 minutes |
|
Essay* |
1 essay |
50 minutes |
|
Total without Essay |
– |
195 minutes |
|
Total with Essay |
– |
247 minutes |
ACT Timing Breakdown
|
ACT Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
|
English |
75 questions |
45 minutes |
|
Mathematics |
60 questions |
60 minutes |
|
Break |
– |
10 minutes |
|
Reading |
40 questions |
35 minutes |
|
Science |
40 questions |
35 minutes |
|
Break* |
– |
5 minutes |
|
Writing* |
1 essay |
40 minutes |
|
Total without Writing |
– |
185 minutes |
|
Total with Writing |
– |
230 minutes |
*Since the essay and writing section of the SAT/ACT is optional, you will only complete these sections and their preceding breaks if you opted in during registration.
SAT vs. ACT Scoring
Scoring on the SAT and ACT are very different. Understanding how your scores are calculated and how to use your scores can help you make the most out of your test prep, and ultimately get a better SAT or ACT score.
|
Scoring |
ACT |
SAT |
|
Score |
You will receive a composite score on a 1–36 scale. This score is an average of your scores on the 4 multiple-choice test sections (each section is scored on 1–36 scale). The optional Writing Test is not included in the composite score. You will receive 5 scores for the Writing Test: one overall score on a 2–12 scale and 4 domain scores, also 2–12, that are based on an analytic scoring rubric. |
You will receive an overall score out of 1600. This score is calculated by adding your score on the Math section with your score on the Evidence-Based Reading & Writing section (each section is scored on a 200–800 scale). The optional Essay is not included in the overall score. You will receive 3 scores for the essay: Reading, Analysis, and Writing, which are all on 2–8 scale. |
|
Wrong Answer Penalty |
No penalty for wrong answers. |
No penalty for wrong answers. |
|
Sending Score History to Colleges |
You can decide which score is sent to colleges. Note: all scores from your selected test date are sent. |
You can decide which score is sent to colleges. Note: all scores from your selected test date are sent. |
Score Equivalence Chart: ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score
Although ACT and SAT scores aren’t perfectly comparable, since the tests have slightly different sections, knowing your score on one can give you an idea of how you’d score on the other. ACT provides the ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score conversion chart below, as well as an SAT Total Score vs. ACT Composite Score chart on their website.
|
ACT Composite Score |
SAT Total Score Range |
|
36 |
1570-1600 |
|
35 |
1530-1560 |
|
34 |
1490-1520 |
|
33 |
1450-1480 |
|
32 |
1420-1440 |
|
31 |
1390-1410 |
|
30 |
1360-1380 |
|
29 |
1330-1350 |
|
28 |
1300-1320 |
|
27 |
1260-1290 |
|
26 |
1230-1250 |
|
25 |
1200-1220 |
|
24 |
1160-1190 |
|
23 |
1130-1150 |
|
22 |
1100-1120 |
|
21 |
1060-1090 |
|
20 |
1030-1050 |
|
19 |
990-1020 |
|
18 |
960-980 |
|
17 |
920-950 |
|
16 |
880-910 |
|
15 |
830-870 |
|
14 |
780-820 |
|
13 |
730-770 |
|
12 |
690-720 |
|
11 |
650-680 |
|
10 |
620-640 |
|
9 |
590-610 |
SAT vs. ACT Content Breakdown
The two tests might look similar on paper, but there are some key content differences to keep in mind as you decide which test to take.
|
Topics Covered |
ACT |
SAT |
|
Reading |
Key Ideas and Details |
Command of Evidence |
|
Math |
Preparing for Higher Math:
Integrating Essential Skills |
Heart of Algebra |
|
Science |
Interpretation of Data |
Science content is not tested on the SAT, but the test does measure your ability to interpret charts, infographics, and data on scientific topics in other sections. A Science Insight Score, based on these abilities, is provided. |
|
English/Writing and Language |
Production of Writing Optional Writing Test (essay) |
Command of Evidence Optional Essay |
|
Essay |
Optional final section, 40 minute testing time Separate score, not included in composite score Topic presents conversations around contemporary issues Tests ability to argue a point of view in a clear way, using concrete examples |
Optional final section |
SAT vs. ACT Comparison Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is the ACT or SAT harder?
Neither test is harder than the other. However, depending on where your individual strengths lie, you might be naturally suited to one exam over the other. The ACT has a Science section that the SAT does not, and the SAT has a No-Calculator Math section that the ACT does not. The SAT allows for slightly more time per question than the ACT, but the questions also require more logical thinking, thus necessitating that extra time. The ACT tests more math topics than the SAT, such as matrices and logarithms, but the questions are more straightforward than those you’ll find on the SAT. The differences between exams are fairly balanced, so you should take practice exams to determine in which test your strengths lie.
-
Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?
No. All universities that accept standardized test scores accept both the SAT and ACT. You can look up admissions statistics of previous freshman classes at the universities you’re interested in to see what percentage of incoming students took the SAT vs. ACT and use that information to decide which test you take, but as a general rule, universities have no preference for one exam over the other.
-
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
Although there is much in common between the ACT and SAT, there are a few significant differences to keep in mind while choosing which test to take and beginning your studies.
Each has one section that the other does not: the SAT has a No-Calculator Math section, while the ACT has a Science section. Despite the absence of a No-Calculator Math section, the ACT tests on a wider variety of math subjects than does the SAT, such as matrices, logarithms, and graphs of trigonometric functions. You’ll also see significantly more geometry on the ACT than you will on the SAT.
The essay prompts are also slightly different: the ACT will require you to analyze different perspectives, including your own, on a particular subject noted in the prompt. The SAT will ask you to read a passage and analyze the author’s argument.
The SAT allows for slightly more time per question than the ACT, but SAT questions require more logical thinking than do those on the ACT. Additional timing information can be found in the timing breakdown table above.
Lastly, the SAT and ACT are scored differently: the SAT from 400-1600, and the ACT from 1-36. Learn more about SAT vs. ACT scoring from the score equivalence chart above.
-
Is it worth taking both the SAT and ACT?
If you have the time and resources, it’s not a bad idea to take both the SAT and ACT. Because of differences in content and strategy between the two tests, you may score better on one than the other.
-
Should I take the SAT/ACT Writing Test?
Although the Essay portion is optional on both the SAT and ACT, it’s highly recommended that you complete it anyway. Some schools don’t require the essay as part of your application, but many do, and completing the SAT/ACT essay will open up more options for you.
SAT vs. ACT Cost Breakdown
The SAT and ACT are comparable in price. Learn about each exam’s price breakdown below.
|
Type of Fee |
SAT |
ACT |
|
Registration (without Essay) |
$52 |
$55 |
|
Registration (with Essay) |
$68 |
$70 |
|
Test Option Change Fee (from Essay to No Essay or vice versa) |
$0 from Essay to No Essay, $16 from No Essay to Essay |
$0 from Writing to No Writing (Writing fee refundable upon request), $15 from No Essay to Essay |
|
Late Registration |
$30 |
$35 |
|
Change Fee (Includes Test Date or Test Center changes) |
$30 |
$35 |
|
Waitlist/Standby Fee (Charged only if admitted to the test center on test day) |
$53 |
$56 |
|
First 4 Score Reports |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Additional Score Reports |
$12 each |
$13 each |