Convert your 27 ACT score to SAT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
A composite ACT score of 27 is a strong result - roughly the 85th percentile nationally. According to official concordance tables, an ACT 27 is equivalent to about an SAT 1280 on the 1600 scale (with a typical range of 1270-1290). In other words, scoring 27 on the ACT should translate to around 1270-1290 on the SAT. Below we break down how a 27 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 27 converts to an SAT composite of about 1280 (out of 1600). Many sources agree: concordance tables consistently place a 27 ACT in the 1270-1290 SAT range. In practical terms, that means a 27 ACT is roughly like scoring in the mid-to-high 1200s 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, a 27 ACT ≈ 1280 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 27/36 in each ACT section:
| ACT Section | ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 27 | SAT Math ~590 |
| English + Reading | 27 + 27 | SAT Reading and Writing ~610 |
| Science | 27 | No SAT equivalent |
ACT Math (27) → SAT Math ~590/800. Official ACT/SAT concordance shows that an ACT Math score of 27 corresponds to about 590 on the SAT Math section. (For context, a perfect ACT Math 36 equals an 800 SAT Math.)
ACT English (27) + Reading (27) → SAT Reading and Writing ~610/800. 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 54 (27+27) maps to about 610 on SAT Reading and Writing. In other words, if you scored 27 on both English and Reading, you would expect roughly a 600-620 combined score in SAT Reading/Writing.
ACT Science (27) → 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, a 27 ACT roughly translates to about 590 Math / 610 Reading and Writing (1200 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 27 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 27) 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 a 27 ACT, you have a solid score. It places you above 85% of test-takers, making you competitive at many universities nationwide. For some students, retaking the ACT might be worth considering.
However, if you are targeting the most selective schools (where 75th percentile ACT scores reach 30-31), 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 to "take a timed full-length practice test of each type" and compare 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.
A 27 ACT grants you access to a broad range of colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, a 27 typically falls above or near 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 a 27 would make you very competitive. Similarly, many private universities have comparable ranges.
Even some highly selective schools list 27 in their middle 50%. For instance, University of North Carolina's admitted ACT range is about 29-33, so a 27 falls below their range. (Ivy League schools tend to have higher ranges, around 32-35, so a 27 is below their 25th percentile.) Another example: University of Virginia's mid-50% is roughly 30-34, so 27 falls below their range. In general, with a 27 you could expect to be a competitive applicant at most top-50 schools.
Moreover, virtually all less-selective colleges and universities would consider a 27 ACT an excellent score. Many merit scholarships become 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 27, your "safety" schools will be very solid programs. Do not count any college out solely because of your score; a 27 ACT makes you eligible at essentially every college in the country.
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.
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.
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 27 ACT, you are clearly capable on standardized tests. If you do take the SAT, aim to beat that 1280 equivalency - if not, remember the 27 ACT stands strong on its own.