Convert your 30 ACT score to SAT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
Earning a 30 on the ACT is a remarkable accomplishment – you've achieved the 93rd percentile nationally. Based on official concordance tables, an ACT 30 translates to approximately an SAT 1370 on the 1600 scale (typically ranging from 1360–1380). This means your 30 ACT should convert to roughly 1360–1380 on the SAT. We'll examine how a 30 ACT corresponds to specific SAT section scores and discuss the implications for college admissions and test strategy.
Verify this conversion using our 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)
According to concordance data, an ACT 30 converts to an SAT composite of approximately 1370 (out of 1600). Multiple sources confirm this range: concordance tables consistently place a 30 ACT within the 1360–1380 SAT range. In practical terms, a 30 ACT equates to scoring in the mid-to-high 1300s on the SAT. While these conversions serve as estimates – some institutions develop their own comparisons – official tables provide reliable guidance. Simply put, a 30 ACT ≈ 1370 SAT.
While ACT and SAT composite scores convert through concordance tables, examining individual section comparisons proves valuable. Here's an approximate breakdown assuming you scored 30/36 in each ACT section:
ACT Math (30) → SAT Math ~680/800. Official ACT/SAT concordance indicates that an ACT Math score of 30 corresponds to approximately 680 on the SAT Math section. (For reference, a perfect ACT Math 36 equals an 800 SAT Math.)
ACT English (30) + Reading (30) → SAT Reading and Writing ~670/800. The SAT combines Reading and Writing into a single score out of 800. Concordance tables for the sum of ACT English+Reading demonstrate that a combined score of 60 (30+30) maps to about 670 on SAT Reading and Writing. In other words, if you scored 30 on both English and Reading, you'd anticipate roughly a 660–680 combined score in SAT Reading/Writing.
ACT Science (30) → no direct SAT equivalent. The ACT's Science section remains unique; the SAT lacks a separate science section. (The SAT incorporates science reasoning into its Reading and Math questions, eliminating any standalone "science score.")
Note that the digital SAT format (launched in 2024) comprises precisely two sections: Reading and Writing combined (64 minutes, 54 questions) and Math (70 minutes, 44 questions). Therefore, the SAT score of ~670 we mentioned represents the total for the entire Reading and Writing section (both Reading and Writing combined), while the Math score of ~680 applies to the Math section. The digital SAT features adaptive testing (each section contains two modules of varying difficulty) and operates entirely on computer. Overall, a 30 ACT roughly converts to about 680 Math / 670 Reading and Writing (1350 combined) on the current SAT format.
Given that the ACT includes a Science Reasoning section while the SAT does not, remember that your ACT composite of 30 excludes science when converting to the SAT. The SAT instead integrates science-related questions into its standard Reading and Math sections. In practice, this means your ACT Science score (even if 30) lacks a separate SAT equivalent. When comparing to SAT, we only consider ACT English, Reading, and Math scores. This explains why we focused on English+Reading → Reading and Writing, and Math → Math.
With a 30 ACT, you possess a very strong score. It places you above 93% of test-takers, making you competitive at most universities nationwide. For many students, retaking the ACT may not be necessary.
College admissions experts note that a 30 ACT "positions you well for most colleges and universities… including many selective institutions." At competitive schools like Boston University or Northeastern, a 30 sits at or near their 25th-percentile score (usually 30-31) and falls within their middle 50% range.
However, if you're targeting the most selective schools (where 75th percentile ACT scores reach 33-34), 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's 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're more comfortable with the SAT's built-in formulas and calculator on all math problems, you might lean toward the SAT.
A 30 ACT grants you access to a broad range of colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, a 30 typically falls above or near the middle of admitted students. For example, public universities like the University of Wisconsin or University of Illinois often report mid-50% ACT ranges that include the upper 20s to low 30s, so a 30 would make you very competitive. Similarly, many private universities have comparable ranges.
Even some highly selective schools list 30 in their middle 50%. For instance, Boston University's admitted ACT range is about 30–34, and Northeastern's is 30–34. That means a 30 sits at the lower end of their typical range. (Ivy League schools tend to have higher ranges, around 32–35, so a 30 is below their 25th percentile.) Another example: University of Michigan's mid-50% is roughly 31–35, so 30 falls just below their range. In general, with a 30 you could expect to be a competitive applicant at most top-50 schools.
Moreover, virtually all less-selective colleges and universities would consider a 30 ACT an excellent score. Many merit scholarships become available. One college guide states that "a 30 lands you solidly in the competitive range for average acceptance at places like Boston University and Northeastern" (meaning you'd be at or above their 25th percentiles). 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 30, your "safety" schools will be very solid programs (often any school outside the top 20 or 30). Don't count any college out solely because of your score; a 30 ACT makes you eligible at essentially every college in the country.
If you're 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:
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 30 ACT, you're clearly talented on standardized tests. If you do take the SAT, aim to beat that 1370 equivalency – if not, remember the 30 ACT stands strong on its own.