When looking to get into college, one of the most significant hurdles high school students face is standardized testing. For decades, the SAT and ACT have been the most commonly taken standardized tests in the United States, and are in many ways the ‘gatekeepers’ of college admissions. Navigating the differences between these two exams can …
When looking to get into college, one of the most significant hurdles high school students face is standardized testing. For decades, the SAT and ACT have been the most commonly taken standardized tests in the United States, and are in many ways the ‘gatekeepers’ of college admissions. Navigating the differences between these two exams can be intimidating, but we are here to help! In this post, we walk you through the differences between the SAT vs ACT and help you decide which one will be the best fit for you.
The Scholastic Assessment Test, commonly known as the SAT, has been a staple in the college admissions process for decades. This is a computer-based exam comprising 98 multiple-choice questions that is administered by the College Board.
The SAT test aims to assess a student’s readiness for college, and is offered as a standardized metric for colleges to use to evaluate their applicants. College admission committees typically consider SAT scores alongside factors such as high school performance, course selection, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The weight placed on SAT scores in the admissions process can vary from college to college.
In general, achieving higher scores on the SAT broadens the selection of college options and financial aid opportunities available to you.
The exam consists of two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is made up of two equally divided segments: the base module and the adaptive module. The base module of each section is a mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions. Depending on the students’ performance in this segment, the difficulty level of the second segment will be adjusted accordingly, either becoming more challenging or less so.
In this section, there are 54 questions: 27 questions in the base module and 27 questions in the adaptive module. The students are presented with short reading passages (or pairs of passages) followed by a multiple-choice question. Questions within this section are covered by four main content domains:
Craft and Structure
Assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and use high-utility words and phrases in context, rhetorically evaluate texts, and connect thematically related texts.
Information and Ideas
Tests understanding, thinking, and problem-solving skills by checking how well you can find, understand, judge, and put together information and ideas from written and visual graphics.
Standard English Conventions
Measures your ability to correct texts to follow the basic rules of English grammar, usage, and punctuation.
Expression of Ideas
Tests how well you can revise texts to improve it and achieve particular goals in communication.
The passages in this section range from 25 to 150 words, covering topics from literature, humanities, science, and history/social studies.
The Math section consists of 44 questions, 22 questions each in both the base and adaptive module, concentrating on Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry. Throughout this section, students will encounter both multiple-choice and student-produced response questions designed to assess your comprehension, fluency, and ability to apply the fundamental math concepts, skills, and practices.
Roughly 30% of the Math questions are contextualized. These word problems require you to apply your math skills and knowledge to a social studies, science, or real-world scenario, thus requiring an understanding of both math and the given context to correctly solve the problem.
Type of Math | # of Questions |
|---|---|
Algebra | 13-15 |
Advanced Math | 13-15 |
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis | 5-7 |
Geometry and Trigonometry | 5-7 |
As of 2023 and the new digital SAT, students are allotted 2 hours and 14 minutes for the examination. A 10-minute break is provided between the Reading & Writing and Math sections, resulting in a cumulative exam length of 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Section | # of Questions | Time Provided |
|---|---|---|
Reading & Writing (Base Module) | 27 | 32 minutes |
Reading & Writing (Adaptive Module) | 27 | 32 minutes |
Math (Base Module) | 22 | 35 minutes |
Math (Adaptive Module) | 22 | 35 minutes |
Total | 98 | 134 minutes / 2 hours and 14 minutes |
Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, with the total SAT score ranging from 400 to 1600.
This is calculated based on the number of correct answers provided on each section of the exam. The raw scores are then converted to scaled scores.
The registration fee for the SAT is $60. Late registration incurs an additional fee of $30, while changing your testing center or canceling your registration altogether results in an extra charge of $25. Canceling your registration after the cancellation deadline carries an additional fee of $35.
Fee waivers for the SAT are accessible to 11th and 12th grade students from low-income backgrounds residing in the US or US territories. Additionally, US citizens studying abroad may also qualify for fee waivers.
The majority of high school students opt to take the SAT during the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. It is advisable to allow time for potential test retakes to improve scores before college applications. The SAT exam is administered nationally every year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June.
The ACT, formally known as the American College Testing assessment, is a standardized test commonly taken by high school students in the United States. This exam, overseen by the ACT, Inc., can be taken in a pencil-and-paper format or digital format and consists of 215 multiple-choice questions.
Similar to the SAT, it is designed to evaluate students’ readiness for college-level academics and serves as an important component of the college admissions process for most colleges and universities.
The ACT exam consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Additionally, there is an optional Writing section. Each section is designed to evaluate a student’s academic proficiency.
In the ACT English section, students are presented with a series of 75 multiple-choice questions. There will be five passages with approximately 15 questions each and the student acts as the editor, tasked with reviewing the passage to ensure it is grammatically correct, well-organized, and effectively communicated.
This section assesses two primary skill areas. First, it evaluates the test-taker’s understanding of the usage and mechanics, including grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Essentially, it sees whether the student knows the ins and outs of English rules and if they can accurately apply them.
Second, it measures their rhetorical skills – their ability to craft passages that flow smoothly, make sense, and get the point across effectively.
The Mathematical section has 60 multiple-choice questions covering a range of topics like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Here, students must apply their mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills to solve equations, analyze geometric figures, and interpret data.
There are six main content areas: Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Trigonometry. These questions are presented in a five-choice multiple-choice format, and can vary in presentation, including word problems, straightforward math questions, sometimes with pictures charts to help.
The Reading section is designed to evaluate the student’s ability to comprehend written passages and draw conclusions from them. It consists of four subsections, each containing one long passage or two shorter passages. These passages cover a variety of subjects, including prose fiction, humanities, social science, and natural science.
There will be a total of 40 questions: 10 questions for each passage. The questions will measure the student’s critical reading skills and their ability to analyze and interpret written texts.
The Science section evaluates your ability to interpret, analyze and evaluate scientific information data. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions divided into seven passages, each focusing on a different aspect of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space science.
These passages may include charts, graphs, and tables alongside written explanations. Students must use this information to answer questions that test their understanding of scientific concepts, experimental design, data analytics, and reasoning skills.
This section does not require specific pre-existing knowledge of scientific content beyond what is covered in high school science courses. Instead, it’s more of an evaluation of your capacity to think critically and apply scientific reasoning to solve problems and draw conclusions based on the provided information.
The optional Writing section of the exam presents you with a single essay prompt that addresses a contemporary issue or problem, usually of a philosophical nature. The prompt typically presents multiple short perspectives on the topic and has the student develop their own arguments or position in response.
You will be expected to analyze and evaluate the given perspectives and reinforce your stance with well-developed, logical arguments. You have the option to fully agree with one perspective, partially agree, or present an entirely different perspective – all within a 40-minute period.
The ACT exam lasts 3 hours and 10 minutes. This includes the 15-minute break provided between the Math section and the Reading section. However, this time can vary slightly depending on whether you decide to take the optional writing section, which adds an additional 40 minutes to the overall test duration. So, with the optional writing section, the ACT exam can take approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete.
Section | # of Questions | Time Provided |
|---|---|---|
English | 75 | 45 minutes |
Math | 60 | 60 minutes |
Reading | 40 | 35 minutes |
Science | 40 | 35 minutes |
Writing (optional) | 1 prompt | 40 minutes |
Total (w/o Writing) | 215 | 175 minutes / 2 hours and 55 minutes |
Total (w/ Writing) | 215 questions and 1 essay | 215 minutes / 3 hours and 35 minutes |
For each section – English, Math, Reading, and Science – your raw scores (number of correct multiple-choice answers) are taken and converted to scale scores ranging from 1 to 36. These scores are then averaged to calculate the ACT Composite Score, which also ranges from 1 to 36.
The optional Writing Test is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12, with the scores reflecting the quality of the writing in response to the prompt. You will receive five scores in total: one overall writing score and four domain scores, that are based on an analytic scoring rubric. The overall writing score will be the rounded average of the four domain scores. These domains include: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions.
The essay is read and graded independently by two trained people, each rating the essay from a scale of 1-6 for each of the four domains. The total of the readers’ evaluation for each criteria determines the domain score, which is reported on a scale from 2 to 12. Once they have your individual scores for each section, they are averaged to calculate your Composite Score.
The registration fee for the ACT exam varies based on whether you opt for the test without writing or with writing. Without writing, the fee stands at $68, while with writing, it amounts to $93. This fee includes sending the reports to you, your high school, and up to four colleges, provided that the relevant codes are furnished during registration.
Should you decide to add or remove the writing test before the late deadline, an additional fee of $25 applies. Late registration incurs an extra charge of $38, whereas changing your test date or test center carries a fee of $44.
ACT fee waivers are available for 11th and 12th-grade low-income students testing in the US or US territories. This covers the basic registration fee for either the ACT with Writing or the ACT without Writing. It may also cover other services like sending score reports to additional colleges.
Most high school students choose to sit for the ACT during the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. It is recommended to allow for sufficient time for potential retakes if you wish to improve your scores before applying to colleges. The ACT exam is administered nationally each year in September, October, December, February, April, and June. A July test date is also available for all states except New York.
Deciding whether to take the SAT or the Act depends on various factors, including your strengths and weaknesses, preferences, and college goals. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
The SAT and ACT cover similar topics but approach them differently and emphasize different skills. The SAT has two main sections: Reading & Writing, and Math. This highlights the SAT’s focus on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The SAT’s Reading & Writing section is all about testing your advanced language skills. They want to see how well you understand fancy words and complicated sentences.
In contrast, the ACT consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. This broader range of subjects reflects the ACT’s goal of evaluating a wider array of skills, including scientific reasoning and interpretation. The addition of the Science section on the ACT is to challenge the students’ abilities to interpret and analyze scientific data. It evaluates not only factual knowledge but also the ability to understand and apply scientific concepts, which is crucial for those who wish to pursue a field in STEM.
When it comes to the specifics of the questions, there are some differences. The SAT typically features shorter reading passages but compensates with more difficult text complexity and broader vocabulary. while the ACT has longer reading passages but less vocabulary.
In terms of math, the SAT tends to focus more on algebraic concepts and real-world applications, aligning with its emphasis on analytical reasoning. On the other hand, the ACT covers a wider range of math topics, including geometry and trigonometry, to assess comprehensive math skills.
Both the SAT and the ACT allow calculator use throughout the entirety of the Math section. Since 2023, the Digital SAT has removed their no-calculator section and students are allowed to use their own personal graphing calculator or the built-in Desmos calculator provided on the exam.
If you prefer clear-cut questions and direct content, the ACT might be a better fit. If you excel in problem-solving and critical analysis, the SAT could be more suitable. Consider which format aligns better with your skills and academic strengths.
The SAT utilizes a form of adaptive testing known as multistage adaptive design. Each section of the test (Reading & Writing, and Math) is divided into two equal-length parts: base module and adaptive module. You will answer a set of questions in the first part before progressing to the next. Your performance in the initial module dictates the level of difficulty in the following adaptive module.
There are two main benefits to the multistage adaptive design:
Improved Efficiency: Ensures the accurate measurement of knowledge and skills in a shorter period of time. The SAT now takes just a little over 2 hours compared to the previous 3 hours.
Flexible Question Navigation: Unlike most adaptive tests, you have the freedom to move between questions within a module. You can preview upcoming questions, revisit earlier ones, or mark questions for later review if time permits. It’s worth noting that there’s is no penalty for guessing, so make sure to answer every question to the best of your ability.
In the English and Reading section of the ACT, the difficulty level of the questions varies, there is no particular pattern. However, in the Math section, the questions typically become progressively harder as you advance through the section. There are 60 questions in the Math section, and you can consider questions 1-20 to be “easy”, 21-40 as “medium”, and 41-60 as “hard”. Similarly, in the Science section, the difficulty of the passages tends to increase as you move through the test, and the questions become more difficult as you navigate each passage. The harder questions are not worth more than the easier questions, so make sure to answer to the best of your ability since there is no penalty for guessing.
The SAT and ACT differ in the amount of time allocated per question, which can significantly impact test-taking strategies and overall performance.
For the SAT, test-takers are given 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete 98 questions across all sections. In the Reading & Writing section’s two modules, you have 32 minutes to handle 27 questions, which is roughly 1 minute and 11 seconds per question. Similarly, each Math module provides 35 minutes for 22 questions, approximately 1 minutes and 35 seconds per question.
On the other hand, the ACT provides a total of 2 hours and 55 minutes for 215 questions. In the English section, you must answer 75 questions in 45 minutes, equating to about 36 seconds per question on average. For Math, you are tasked with 60 questions in 60 minutes, giving you about 1 minute per question. As for the Reading and Science sections, you’re given 35 minutes for 40 questions, averaging roughly 52 seconds per question.
The difference in time per question between the two exams can have implications for test-takers’ abilities to manage time effectively and answer questions accurately. With less time per question on the ACT, students may feel increased pressure to work quickly and efficiently, potentially leading to heightened test anxiety and rushed decision-making. While the additional time per question on the SAT may afford test-takers more opportunity to carefully consider each question and formulate accurate responses.
It’s important for students to consider their individual pacing preferences and test-taking strategies when choosing between the SAT and ACT. Some students may thrive under the pressure of shorter time constraints and prefer the quick pace of the ACT, while others may feel more comfortable with the extended time per question provided by the SAT. Selecting the exam that aligns with one’s pace and testing approach can contribute to a more confident and successful testing experience.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the format of the content of both exams through practice tests. Take practice exams for both the SAT and ACT and see which one you feel more comfortable with and where you perform better.
For the most accurate benchmarks and a true-testing experience, students should utilize the official practice exams directly from the College Board or ACT websites. These practice exams are created by the same organizations that administer the actual SAT and ACT, ensuring that the questions are authentic and a true representation of what students will face on test day. By taking these official practice exams, students can gain valuable insight into the structure of the tests and develop strategies for managing their time and approaching different types of questions.
Diagnostic tests from third-party sources can aid in identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses, but they may not always accurately reflect the content and difficulty level of the actual exams. These tests may be based on limited data and might not fully capture the nuances of the SAT and ACT. While they can still be beneficial for general practice and skill-building, they may not provide the most accurate assessment of a student’s readiness for the real exam.
Students should prioritize official practice exams for the most authentic and reliable preparation. These practice exams offer the students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the content and format of the SAT and ACT, helping them feel more confident and prepared on exam day.
The SAT is administered digitally with students using their own devices, like their tablets or computers. The ACT is offered in both paper and digitally depending on test location. If you are more comfortable with a pencil-and-paper format, consider taking the ACT. If you find familiarity and comfort in using a computer to take the exam, the SAT is now fully digital.
Research the colleges and universities you’re interested in applying to check their admissions requirements. Most institutions accept both the SAT and ACT, but others may have a preference for one over the other. Choose the exam that most or all of your target schools will accept.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your strengths, preferences, and goals. Consider all these factors carefully when making your decision, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselor for advice. If you still can’t decide, there is always the option to take both exams. Best of luck!
