Convert your 1350 SAT score to ACT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
A composite SAT score of 1350 is a strong result — roughly the 91st percentile nationally. According to official concordance tables, an SAT 1350 is equivalent to about an ACT 29 on the 36-point scale (with a typical range of 28–30). In other words, scoring 1350 on the SAT should translate to around 28–30 on the ACT. Below we break down how a 1350 SAT maps to ACT section scores, and discuss what this means for college admissions and test choices.
You can double-check this estimate with our concordance calculator:
By concordance, an SAT 1350 converts to an ACT composite of about 29 (out of 36). Most concordance tables place a 1350 SAT in the 28–30 ACT range, with 29 being the most common equivalent. In practical terms, that means a 1350 SAT is roughly like scoring in the upper 20s on the ACT. Keep in mind these conversions are approximate — some colleges draw their own comparisons — but official tables give a solid guide. In short, a 1350 SAT ≈ 29 ACT.
Although SAT and ACT composite scores convert by table, it is useful to see how individual sections compare. Here is a rough breakdown if you scored 1350 total on the SAT:
| SAT Section | Approx. Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Math | ~675 | ACT Math ~29 |
| Reading and Writing | ~675 | ACT English ~29 / ACT Reading ~29 |
| (No Science) | — | ACT Science varies |
SAT Math (~675) → ACT Math ~29. Official SAT/ACT concordance shows that an SAT Math score around 675 corresponds to about 29 on the ACT Math section. For context, a perfect SAT Math 800 equals an ACT Math 36.
SAT Reading and Writing (~675) → ACT English + Reading ~29 each. The SAT combines Reading and Writing into one 800-point section, while the ACT separates them. Concordance tables show that an SAT Reading and Writing score around 675 maps to about 29 on both ACT English and ACT Reading sections. In other words, if you scored 675 on SAT Reading and Writing, you would expect roughly 28–30 on both ACT English and Reading.
SAT has no Science section → ACT Science varies. The SAT has no separate science section, while the ACT includes Science Reasoning. Since there is no SAT science score to convert from, your ACT Science score would depend entirely on your science reasoning abilities. Many students find ACT Science challenging because it is unlike anything on the SAT.
It is worth noting the digital SAT format (introduced in 2024) consists of exactly two sections: Reading and Writing combined (64 minutes, 54 questions) and Math (70 minutes, 44 questions). The digital SAT is adaptive (each section has two modules of varying difficulty) and fully computer-based. Overall, a 1350 SAT roughly translates to about 29 Math / 29 English / 29 Reading / variable Science on the ACT format.
Since the ACT includes a Science Reasoning section but the SAT does not, remember that your SAT composite of 1350 provides no direct guidance for ACT Science performance. The SAT instead weaves science-related questions into its regular Reading and Math sections. In practice, this means your ACT Science score will be determined by your ability to interpret graphs, charts, and scientific passages — skills that are not explicitly tested on the SAT. When converting from SAT to ACT, we can only estimate English, Reading, and Math scores. Science remains a wild card that could significantly impact your ACT composite.
With a 1350 SAT, you have a strong score that places you above 91% of test-takers, making you competitive at many universities. However, for highly selective schools, you might want to consider improvement options.
If you are aiming for highly competitive schools (where 75th percentile SAT scores are 1500-1600), you should consider a retake. Focus on identifying your weak areas and developing targeted improvement strategies.
What about taking the ACT? Many students double up and sit for both, but it is optional. If you have access to practice, try a full-length ACT practice test to see how you score. The advice from test prep pros is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type and compare results. Some students find they do slightly better on one format.
For example, if you prefer having more time per question (the SAT offers about 41–44% more time per question than the ACT) or you are more comfortable with the SAT's built-in formulas and calculator on all math problems, you might lean toward the SAT. Conversely, if you are quick at processing information, enjoy science reasoning, or find the ACT's straightforward question style more appealing, you might prefer the ACT.
A 1350 SAT gives you access to many colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, a 1350 is usually at or above the middle of admitted students. For example, public universities like the University of Wisconsin or University of Minnesota often report mid-50% SAT ranges that include the upper 1200s to mid-1400s, so a 1350 would make you competitive. Likewise, many private universities have similar ranges.
At some Ivy League and other highly selective schools, 1350 is below their typical range. For instance, Cornell University's admitted SAT range is about 1450–1550, and Dartmouth's is 1440–1560. That means a 1350 is below their 25th percentile. (Harvard and Stanford tend to have higher ranges, around 1460–1580, so a 1350 is well below their 25th percentile.) Another example: Northwestern University's mid-50% is roughly 1440–1550, so 1350 is below their typical range there. In general, with a 1350 you could expect to be competitive at most schools outside the top 50 or 60.
Moreover, many colleges and universities would consider a 1350 SAT a good score. Some merit scholarships may be available. And of course, public honors programs and state flagships routinely admit students in this range.
In practical terms, you should include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools — but with a 1350, your "safety" schools will be solid programs (often any school outside the top 50 or 60). Do not count any college out solely because of your score; a 1350 SAT makes you eligible at many colleges in the country.
If you are considering whether to stick with the SAT or switch to the ACT (or vice versa), it helps to compare the tests. Here are some key tradeoffs and facts:
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hr 14 min | 2 hr 55 min (no essay) |
| Sections | Reading/Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Questions | ~98 | ~131 |
| Time per Question | ~82 sec | ~57 sec |
| Calculator | Built-in app + formula sheet | Bring your own, no formula sheet |
| Scoring | 400–1600 | 1–36 composite |
| Science | Embedded in other sections | Dedicated section |
The digital SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes total, with two sections (Reading/Writing and Math). The ACT is longer, about 2 hours 55 minutes, and has four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science). Because the SAT has fewer questions overall (~98) and more time, you get roughly 40% more time per question on the SAT. The ACT is more intense time-wise (131 questions in 125 min, about 57 seconds per question). If you find timing stressful, the SAT's longer per-question time can be a big advantage.
SAT reading passages tend to be shorter and each passage has only 1–2 questions. On the ACT, passages are longer and each passage has about 9 questions. Some students find the SAT's short passages less overwhelming, while others prefer fewer longer passages on the ACT.
The SAT offers free official practice via Khan Academy, including 7 full-length practice tests. The ACT has fewer free resources on its site. Both tests are accepted at all colleges that require standardized tests. No college inherently favors one over the other. Use practice tests to see which test style suits you better.
In short, neither test is "harder" overall, but differences exist. The SAT rewards careful pacing, math formula knowledge, and strong vocabulary. The ACT rewards quick work, strong science-reading skills, and comfort with its specific question styles. Many counselors advise trying both if possible. Since you already have a 1350 SAT, you are clearly capable on standardized tests. If you do take the ACT, aim to beat that 29 equivalency — if not, remember the 1350 SAT stands strong on its own.
If you decide to take the ACT after scoring 1350 on the SAT, here are some key strategies to maximize your performance:
Since the ACT Science section is completely new territory for SAT test-takers, focus heavily on this section. Practice interpreting graphs, charts, and scientific data. The Science section tests your ability to analyze information quickly rather than your knowledge of specific scientific facts.
The ACT's faster pace (about 57 seconds per question) requires different strategies than the SAT. Practice working quickly while maintaining accuracy. Many students find they need to adjust their pacing significantly.
Unlike the SAT's built-in calculator, you will need to bring your own to the ACT. Make sure you are comfortable with your calculator model and know which functions are allowed.
ACT Reading passages are longer with more questions per passage. Develop strategies for quickly identifying main ideas and supporting details. Practice skimming techniques to save time.
ACT English focuses heavily on grammar rules and sentence structure. Review common grammar concepts and practice identifying errors quickly.