Convert your 1370 SAT score to ACT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
A composite SAT score of 1370 is a strong result – roughly the 93rd percentile nationally. According to official concordance tables, an SAT 1370 is equivalent to about an ACT 30 on the 36-point scale (with a typical range of 29–31). In other words, scoring 1370 on the SAT should translate to around 29–31 on the ACT. Below we break down how a 1370 SAT maps to ACT section scores, and discuss what this means for college admissions and test choices.
You can double-check this estimate with an online concordance calculator:
Instructions
Enter your SAT or ACT score in the fields below to convert between the two tests using the official concordance tables.
SAT Score (400-1600)
ACT Score (1-36)
By concordance, an SAT 1370 converts to an ACT composite of about 30 (out of 36). Most concordance tables place a 1370 SAT in the 29–31 ACT range, with 30 being the most common equivalent. In practical terms, that means a 1370 SAT is roughly like scoring around 30 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 1370 SAT ≈ 30 ACT.
Although SAT and ACT composite scores convert by table, it's useful to see how individual sections compare. Here's a rough breakdown if you scored 1370 total on the SAT:
SAT Math (~685) → ACT Math ~30. Official SAT/ACT concordance shows that an SAT Math score around 685 corresponds to about 30 on the ACT Math section. (For context, a perfect SAT Math 800 equals an ACT Math 36.)
SAT Reading and Writing (~685) → ACT English + Reading ~30 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 685 maps to about 30 on both ACT English and ACT Reading sections. In other words, if you scored 685 on SAT Reading and Writing, you'd expect roughly 29–31 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's 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's unlike anything on the SAT.
It's 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 SAT score of ~685 we quoted is the total for the entire Reading and Writing section, while the Math score of ~685 is for the Math section. The digital SAT is adaptive (each section has two modules of varying difficulty) and fully computer-based. Overall, a 1370 SAT roughly translates to about 30 Math / 30 English / 30 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 1370 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 aren't 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 1370 SAT, you have a strong score that places you above 93% of test-takers, making you competitive at most universities. For many students, retaking the SAT is unnecessary unless you're targeting highly selective schools.
A college admissions expert notes that a 1370 SAT "makes you competitive at most colleges and universities, including many top-tier institutions." At selective schools like Cornell and Dartmouth, a 1370 is at or just below their 25th-percentile score (usually 1440–1460), while at ultra-selective schools like Harvard and Stanford, it's below their typical range (usually 1460–1580).
However, if you're aiming for the most competitive schools (where 75th percentile SAT scores are 1500-1600), you could consider a retake. Only do this if you believe you can boost your score with reasonable effort and practice.
What about taking the ACT? Many students double up and sit for both, but it's 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're more comfortable with the SAT's built-in formulas and calculator on all math problems, you might lean toward the SAT.
Conversely, if you're quick at processing information, enjoy science reasoning, or find the ACT's straightforward question style more appealing, you might prefer the ACT.
A 1370 SAT gives you access to a wide range of colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, a 1370 is usually at or above the middle of admitted students. For example, public universities like the University of Michigan or University of Virginia often report mid-50% SAT ranges that include the upper 1300s to mid-1500s, so a 1370 would make you competitive. Likewise, many private universities have similar ranges.
At some Ivy League and other highly selective schools, 1370 is at the lower end of their middle 50%. For instance, Cornell University's admitted SAT range is about 1450–1550, and Dartmouth's is 1440–1560. That means a 1370 is just below their typical range. (Harvard and Stanford tend to have higher ranges, around 1460–1580, so a 1370 is below their 25th percentile.) Another example: Northwestern University's mid-50% is roughly 1440–1550, so 1370 is at the lower end there. In general, with a 1370 you could expect to be a competitive applicant at most top-100 schools.
Moreover, virtually all less-selective colleges and universities would consider a 1370 SAT an excellent score. Many merit scholarships become available. One college guide notes that "a 1370 makes you competitive at most colleges and universities, including many top-tier institutions." 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 1370, your "safety" schools will be very solid programs (often any school outside the top 50 or 60). Don't count any college out solely because of your score; a 1370 SAT makes you eligible at essentially every college in the country.
If you're 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:
Format & Timing: The digital SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes total, with two sections (Reading/Writing and Math). The ACT (without essay) is longer, about 2 hours 55 minutes, and has four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science). Because the SAT has fewer questions overall (about 98) and more time, you get roughly 40% more time per question on SAT than on ACT. In contrast, the ACT is more intense time-wise (131 questions in 125 min, about 57 sec per question). If you find timing stressful, the SAT's longer per-question time can be a big advantage.
Sections: The SAT now has two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Importantly, ACT's Science is optional after 2025, but traditionally there has been a science section, whereas the SAT never has a separate one. (On the SAT, science questions appear within other sections, not standalone.) If you're strong in science reasoning, the ACT's format may suit you. If not, the SAT might feel easier since it never presents a formal science section.
Calculator Policy: On the SAT Math section, you get a built-in graphing calculator app and all necessary math formulas on-screen. On the ACT, you must bring your own calculator and only certain models are allowed; no formula sheet is provided. If you rely heavily on a calculator or the SAT formula sheet, you might prefer the SAT.
Reading Passages: 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, others prefer fewer questions per passage on the ACT.
Scoring Scale: SAT total is out of 1600, ACT composite is out of 36. Concordance (as above) can map scores between them. For example, 1370 SAT ≈ 30 ACT.
Test Prep & Practice: The SAT offers free official practice via Khan Academy, including 7 full-length practice tests. The ACT has fewer free resources on its site. Many students appreciate the SAT's free materials.
Acceptance: 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's 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. If you had to pick one, consider your strengths:
If you get anxious about timing, like built-in tools, or prefer shorter reading sections, the SAT might be your pick.
If you are very quick, enjoy science passages, or find SAT's tricks (like vocabulary questions) off-putting, you might choose the ACT.
Many counselors advise trying both if possible. But since you already have a 1370 SAT, you're clearly talented on standardized tests. If you do take the ACT, aim to beat that 30 equivalency – if not, remember the 1370 SAT stands strong on its own.
If you decide to take the ACT after scoring 1370 on the SAT, here are some key strategies to maximize your performance:
Science Section Preparation: 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.
Timing Practice: 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.
Calculator Familiarity: Unlike the SAT's built-in calculator, you'll need to bring your own to the ACT. Make sure you're comfortable with your calculator model and know which functions are allowed.
Reading Strategy: 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.
English Grammar: ACT English focuses heavily on grammar rules and sentence structure. Review common grammar concepts and practice identifying errors quickly.