Last Updated On: August 12th, 2026
The question of whether to take the SAT or the ACT is one of the most common questions asked of tutors. Over the past couple of years, there have been some major changes to both tests that might change the answer that we give an individual student. The basic advice, however, remains the same: take one free practice test of each, under similar test-like conditions, and decide which one will be a more pleasant experience and give you a higher score.
What are the specific steps to try out each test?
- Try a free, official version of both the SAT and the ACT. If you are taking the SAT, you must download the free Bluebook app and take it from there. If you’re taking the ACT, you can choose whether to take the digital test online or the paper version, with or without the science section.
- Obtain your test score.
- Compare your score using the LA Tutors’ score calculator.
- If there’s a significant difference in your scores, choose the test that scored higher. If they are about the same, choose the test you’re more comfortable with.
Since good preparation will likely require hours of work, it’s well worth it to spend 2-3 hours trying out the test you’re not going to take at least one time.
If you’ve already taken both tests and still can’t decide, keep reading!
Basic Format and Timing for SAT and ACT
| Digital SAT | “Enhanced” ACT (Digital or Paper) | |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Sections | Reading and Writing Module 1: 27 questions, 32 minutes Reading and Writing Module 2: 27 questions, 32 minutes |
English: 50 questions, 35 minutes Reading: 36 questions, 50 minutes |
| Math Sections | Math Module 1: 22 questions, 35 minutes Math Module 2: 22 questions, 35 minutes |
Math: 45 questions, 50 minutes |
| Optional Sections | None | Science: 40 questions, 40 minutes Essay: 1 question, 40 minutes |
| Total testing time (without breaks) | 2 hours, 14 minutes | 2 hours, 15 minutes without Science and Essay 2 hrs, 55 mins with Science 3 hrs, 35 minutes with Science and Essay |
| Ave time per question | 71 seconds per R&W question 95 seconds per Math question |
42 secs per English question 83 secs per Reading question 67 secs per Math question 60 secs per Science question |
What has changed recently between the SAT and ACT?
In short, I would say that the SAT and the ACT have become more similar. Both tests have become shorter and now allow more time per question. The ACT has made the Science section, which was its most unique (and for many students the trickiest) section, optional, and it no longer counts in a student’s composite score. The ACT has also reduced the number of answer choices on the math section so that each test now has just 4 answer choices per question, the same as the SAT. The ACT has added a digital option while keeping its paper test, while the SAT has gone completely digital.
Both tests are tricky in some ways but also very predictable. Not surprisingly, many students who try both tests find that they earn similar scores, which means that the test they choose to take is a matter of their own personal preference.
How are the new tests similar and different?
| SAT | Both Tests | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Digital only
Adapts per test section (harder second section for those who do well on the first section) One short passage per question on the Reading and Writing section Explicit “vocabulary in context” questions Math section includes open response questions Math formula sheet provided (but incomplete) Similar to the PSAT test that qualifies students for National Merit Semifinalist 8 free practice tests available on the Bluebook app |
Accepted by almost all colleges and universities
Calculator allowed for all math questions; built-in graphing calculator for digital test Tests reading comprehension and writing mechanics Math includes pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, algebra 2, and trigonometry, but not pre-calculus or calculus Includes multiple-choice questions (choose 1 of 4 answer choices) for all sections No guessing penalty Predictable format, question types, and concepts Performance can be significantly improved with practice and preparation Numerous practice tests and preparation materials available for purchase |
Choice of digital or paper test
Does not adapt (same test for every test-taker) Longer passages with multiple questions each on the English and Reading sections Vocabulary is tested as part of longer reading passages Includes optional science and essay questions No math formula sheet Can be submitted to advance from National Merit Semifinalist to Finalist (but students still need to take the PSAT for the first round selection) 2 free practice tests available online or on paper |
Should I prepare for and take both tests?
As a tutor, I highly recommend taking a full version of both tests one time to decide which test is best. After that, however, I generally recommend choosing a test and sticking with it. While there are many similarities between the two tests, especially with the concepts tested, there are also some differences. Since most students have limited preparation time and colleges generally view the tests as being equal, it’s better to choose one test and stick with it.
If I take the ACT, should I take the Science and Essay sections?
As before, the Science and Essay sections will be the last two sections of the test, respectively. With the “Enhanced ACT”, though, test takers can now choose not to complete the Science section at all. (The Essay section has been optional for a while.) Because the Science section does not count toward your composite score, for most test-takers it will not be a factor in their decision of which test to take. For test-takers who choose the ACT, though, many are wondering if they should stay for the Science section.
The answer to this question seems to be one that many schools are still determining. You should definitely plan to take the Science section if a school you’re applying to requires it, which currently applies to only a small percentage of schools. If a top choice school lists it as “optional,” you might want to reach out to the admissions office to get an idea of whether achieving a good Science score will boost your application. It’s more likely that schools will consider this section if you’re planning to major in a STEM field. If there’s even a chance that one of your top choices will require or prefer the Science section then you should plan to take it on the same day as the other sections, as you cannot sign up for the Science section on its own. That said, if you haven’t had any time to prepare for the Science section, you might want to try it on your second test sitting instead of your first.
If you find the Science section stressful and are fairly certain you don’t need it, then leaving the test after the first three sections might be the best option. And if you really dislike the Science section and one of your top schools requires it but also allows the SAT, then the SAT might be the better test for you.
What is the best advice for any test?
The bottom line for any test is that test takers do best after receiving high-quality instruction and doing meaningful practice. After taking time to prepare, plan on a test date that gives you the option to take the test once or twice more to get the score you want. If you’re taking the ACT, this also gives you the option to add in the Science section if you didn’t take it the first time. Since many colleges now offer a “superscore” where they combine the best scores across all test sections, planning to take the test more than once can be especially advantageous.
No matter which test you choose, one-on-one tutoring is an excellent way to prepare and stay accountable throughout the process. LA Tutors has experts on all tests and test sections who are prepared to help you each step of the way, no matter which test you choose.
