Most high school juniors take the SAT or ACT to include with their college applications, and oftentimes have no idea which test they should take. Here are the most important factors to consider when deciding which test will be the best for you.
SAT VS ACT
WHICH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE?
TEST LENGTH
Both tests are similar in length, and the ACT has an optional writing section. While some universities do not require the writing section of the ACT, most “recommend” it. The SAT Essay is only available in states where it’s required for accountability purposes and it can be assumed that ACT will soon make similar adjustments.
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SAT |
ACT |
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SUBJECTS
The ACT essay notwithstanding, the SAT covers three categories over four sections, while the ACT covers four categories. The ACT has a science section, but does not require a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry or biology; instead, the test assesses your analytical and problem solving abilities. Though the SAT is more straightforward and in line with the high school curriculum than it used to be, the ACT is still more straightforward in the wording of its questions.
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SAT |
ACT |
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SCORING/GUESSING PENALTY
Colleges tend to look at the individual sections of the SAT more closely than the ACT. The SAT now divides scores into several sub-scores and cross-test scores, but it’s unclear how much colleges look at these.
For the ACT, colleges tend to focus most on the composite score. That means that even if you do poorly on one section, if you do well enough on the other sections, you can still end up with a strong composite score.
Neither the SAT nor the ACT have a guessing penalty, which means that you should guess on every question and leave no question unanswered.
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SAT |
ACT |
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USE BY COLLEGES
Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.
SIMILARITY TO PSAT
If you are aiming for a top score in hopes of becoming a National Merit Scholar, you will need to prepare for the PSAT, which is very similar to the SAT. If, however, you had a difficult time with the PSAT, you might want to try out the ACT as an alternative.
PACING
If you have trouble finishing the test on time and do not receive an extended time accommodation, the SAT may be the better choice because it is slightly slower paced. The following chart shows the time per question for each section, which includes reading (or skimming) the passages. Even while adjusting for differences between the length and complexity of the passages and questions, you can see that the ACT is faster paced:
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Equivalent Sections |
SAT |
ACT |
|---|---|---|
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ACT English, SAT Writing and Language |
45 sec/question |
30 sec/question |
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Reading |
75 sec/question |
50 sec/question |
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Mathematics (Calculator) |
90 sec/question |
60 sec/question |
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Mathematics (No Calculator) |
75 sec/question |
N/A |
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Science |
N/A |
50 sec/question |
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Optional ACT Writing |
N/A |
40 minutes |
EXTENDED TIME ACCOMMODATION
During the SAT, students with 50% extended time can only complete one section at a time and must stay on the same timeline as the rest of the extended time group. This applies to the ACT as well, where students are provided 50% extended time per each section with a hard stop after each section. This has changed from ACT’s former self-pacing policy prior to September 2018. Click here for more information about ACT’s extended time change. Students who qualify for 100% extended time can take the SAT over two days at their school, while students who qualify for 100% extended time on the ACT can take one section per day at their school.
DATES
The below test dates are anticipated for College Board and confirmed for ACT. Check out our 2023-2024 downloadable PDF here: SAT & ACT Test Dates
For more information click here for SAT or here for ACT.
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SAT |
ACT |
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COMPUTER-BASED TESTING
Neither the SAT nor ACT offers a computerized version of the test for all students at this point in time. The SAT only offers use of a word processor on the essay for students with a special accommodation. For eligibility requirements, click here. The ACT has a pilot program for computer-based testing that it will be expanding in the near future. For more information about ACT’s computer based testing, click here.
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SUMMARY
The traits listed in the chart below can help you determine which test to take, but the most effective way to determine which test is best for you is to take a full-length practice exam for both the SAT and ACT and then compare the scores. To see how one score stacks up against the other using the College Board’s official concordance tools and tables, click here.
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You should take the SAT if … |
You should take the ACT if … |
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Don’t stop here! Check out our blog for new posts about how to best prepare for either test. Below are a few posts you may find useful.
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR TARGET SCORE
Though it’s tempting to simply say you want to score “as high as possible” on your college admissions exam, a target score will help you determine how much of your limited time and energy you devote to test preparations. So how should you determine you target score? There are several factors to consider… READ MORE
WHEN TO START STUDYING FOR THE SAT OR ACT
You’ve probably heard the solid advice that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to prepare for college admissions tests. But when is the right time to prep for the SAT or ACT? Here are some thoughts to consider… READ MORE
FIVE TEST-TAKING SECRETS FOR THE SAT OR ACT
So you’ve taken a class, or even had a private tutor help you prepare for your test. Is there anything else you can do? While private tutoring remains the most efficient way to improve your score… READ MORE
