Convert your 18 ACT score to SAT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
A composite ACT score of 18 is a solid result — roughly the 40th percentile nationally. According to official concordance tables, an ACT 18 is equivalent to about an SAT 970 on the 1600 scale (with a typical range of 960–980). In other words, scoring 18 on the ACT should translate to around 960–980 on the SAT. Below we break down how an 18 ACT maps to SAT 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 ACT 18 converts to an SAT composite of about 970 (out of 1600). Many sources agree: concordance tables consistently place an 18 ACT in the 960–980 SAT range. In practical terms, that means an 18 ACT is roughly like scoring around 970 on the SAT. Keep in mind these conversions are approximate — some colleges draw their own comparisons — but official tables give a solid guide. In short, an 18 ACT ≈ 970 SAT.
Although ACT and SAT composite scores convert by table, it is useful to see how individual sections compare. Here is a rough breakdown if you scored 18/36 in each ACT section:
| ACT Section | ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 18 | SAT Math ~470 |
| English + Reading | 18 + 18 = 36 | SAT Reading and Writing ~500 |
| Science | 18 | (No SAT equivalent) |
ACT Math (18) → SAT Math ~470/800. Official ACT/SAT concordance shows that an ACT Math score of 18 corresponds to about 470 on the SAT Math section. For context, a perfect ACT Math 36 equals an 800 SAT Math.
ACT English (18) + Reading (18) → SAT Reading and Writing ~500/800. The SAT no longer separates Reading and Writing; instead it has a combined Reading and Writing score out of 800. Concordance tables for the sum of ACT English+Reading show that a combined score of 36 (18+18) maps to about 500 on SAT Reading and Writing. In other words, if you scored 18 on both English and Reading, you would expect roughly a 490–510 combined score in SAT Reading/Writing.
ACT Science (18) → no direct SAT counterpart. The ACT's Science section is unique; the SAT has no separate science section. The SAT integrates science reasoning into its Reading and Math questions, so there is no standalone "science score."
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, an 18 ACT roughly translates to about 470 Math / 500 Reading and Writing (970 combined) on the current SAT format.
Since the ACT includes a Science Reasoning section but the SAT does not, remember that your ACT composite of 18 does not count science when converting to the SAT. The SAT instead weaves science-related questions into its regular Reading and Math sections. In practice, this means your ACT Science score (even if 18) has no separate SAT equivalent. When comparing to SAT, we only consider ACT English, Reading, and Math scores. This is why we focused on English+Reading → Reading and Writing, and Math → Math.
With an 18 ACT, you have a solid score. It places you above 40% of test-takers, making you competitive at many universities nationwide. For some students, retaking the ACT might be worth considering.
If you are targeting more selective schools (where 75th percentile ACT scores reach 29–30), you might consider a retake. Only pursue this if you believe you can improve your score with reasonable effort and additional preparation.
What about taking the SAT? Many students attempt both tests, but it is optional. If you have access to practice materials, try a digital SAT practice test to gauge your performance. Test prep professionals recommend taking a timed full-length practice test of each type and comparing results. Some students discover they perform slightly better on one format.
For instance, if you prefer having more time per question (the SAT provides 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.
An 18 ACT grants you access to a broad range of colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, an 18 typically falls below the middle of admitted students. For example, public universities like University of Georgia or University of Washington often report mid-50% ACT ranges that include the mid-20s to low 30s, so an 18 would be below their typical range.
Highly selective schools like University of North Carolina (admitted ACT range about 29–33) or Ivy League schools (ranges around 32–35) have ranges well above an 18. However, many state universities, regional institutions, and private colleges will consider an 18 ACT a competitive score.
In practical terms, you should include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. With an 18, many solid programs are accessible, and with targeted preparation you can improve to open even more doors.
If you are considering whether to stick with the ACT or switch to the SAT (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 an 18 ACT, you are clearly capable on standardized tests. If you do take the SAT, aim to beat that 970 equivalency — if not, remember the 18 ACT stands strong on its own.