SAT vs ACT: Which Should You Take?
One of the most common questions high school students face during college preparation is whether to take the SAT or the ACT. Both tests are accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities, and neither is preferred over the other. However, each test has unique characteristics that may align better with your skills and learning style. In this guide, we’ll help you compare the two tests in depth so you can make an informed decision about which one to take—or whether you should take both.
Overview of the SAT and ACT
Both the SAT and ACT are standardized college admissions exams used to evaluate a student’s academic readiness for college. While they serve a similar purpose, their formats, content, and scoring differ significantly. Understanding these differences is essential to selecting the test that best suits you.
Structural Differences
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two exams:
| Component | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Duration | 3 hours (plus 50 minutes with optional Essay — now discontinued) | 2 hours 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes with optional Essay — now discontinued) |
| Sections | Reading, Writing & Language, Math (No Calculator & Calculator) | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Optional Essay | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Science Section | No dedicated section | Yes, includes graphs, data, and experimental summaries |
| Scoring | 400–1600 (composite of two 200–800 scores) | 1–36 composite average across four sections |
| Math Formula Reference | Provided at the start of each math section | Not provided; you must memorize formulas |
| Calculator Use | One section prohibits calculator | Calculator allowed on entire Math section |
Key Differences in Content
1. Reading
Both tests include reading comprehension sections, but the SAT reading passages tend to be more complex and vocabulary-rich. The ACT reading section focuses more on speed and straightforward detail-finding. If you’re good at analyzing challenging texts, the SAT may be for you. If you’re quick at finding key details, you may prefer the ACT.
2. Math
The SAT emphasizes algebra and data analysis, with less geometry and trigonometry than the ACT. It also separates calculator and no-calculator sections. The ACT includes more geometry, some trigonometry, and allows a calculator throughout. Choose based on whether your math strengths lie in algebra or broader math topics.
3. Science
The ACT includes a full Science section. While it doesn’t test specific science facts, it evaluates your ability to interpret graphs, analyze experiments, and make conclusions based on data. If you enjoy scientific reasoning and can process data quickly, you may find the ACT’s science section engaging. The SAT does include data interpretation, but it’s spread across reading and math sections.
4. Writing and Language / English
Both tests assess grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. The SAT’s Writing and Language section tends to emphasize sentence structure and concise expression, while the ACT’s English section often tests comma rules, verb tense, and passage organization. The difference is subtle, but some students find one more intuitive than the other.
Time Pressure and Pacing
The SAT generally gives students more time per question. If you work more slowly and carefully, this extra time may help. In contrast, the ACT is known for its fast pace. Students who can read and process information quickly may thrive under the ACT’s timing.
- SAT Reading: 65 minutes for 52 questions (75 seconds per question)
- ACT Reading: 35 minutes for 40 questions (52 seconds per question)
- SAT Math (Total): 80 minutes for 58 questions
- ACT Math: 60 minutes for 60 questions
Scoring Differences
The SAT gives you two scores (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) that combine to a total score between 400 and 1600. The ACT gives a composite score between 1 and 36, averaging four individual section scores. One major difference: the SAT does not penalize for wrong answers, and neither does the ACT—so guessing is always recommended on both exams.
Geographic Trends and Preferences
Historically, students in the East and West coasts of the U.S. have favored the SAT, while the ACT has been more popular in the Midwest and South. However, this divide is less pronounced today, and virtually all colleges accept both tests without preference.
Which Test Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here's a breakdown to help guide your decision:
- Choose the SAT if:
- You prefer more time per question
- You’re stronger in algebra and data interpretation
- You find science confusing or overwhelming
- You’re comfortable with deeper reading passages
- Choose the ACT if:
- You’re confident in working quickly under pressure
- You enjoy analyzing scientific data and charts
- You’re strong in geometry and trigonometry
- You prefer straightforward reading questions
Should You Take Both?
Some students take both exams to see which suits them best or gives them a higher score. However, this is only advisable if you have enough time and resources to prepare adequately for both formats. It's generally more effective to focus deeply on one exam.
Final Tips
- Take a full-length practice test of both the SAT and ACT
- Compare your scores using a concordance table
- Assess how you felt about pacing, question types, and fatigue
- Pick the test that plays to your strengths
- Stick with it and prepare consistently
Ultimately, both the SAT and ACT are tools to help colleges understand your academic potential. Choose the one that aligns best with your abilities and goals—and remember, either test can lead to college admissions success if you put in the effort to prepare.