Convert your 32 ACT score to SAT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
Scoring a 32 on the ACT places you in an impressive position – approximately the 97th percentile nationwide. Based on official concordance tables, an ACT 32 translates to roughly an SAT 1420 on the 1600 scale (typically ranging from 1410–1440). This means your 32 ACT should convert to approximately 1410–1450 on the SAT. We'll explore how a 32 ACT corresponds to specific SAT section scores and examine 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 32 converts to an SAT composite of approximately 1420 (out of 1600). Multiple sources confirm this range: concordance tables consistently place a 32 ACT within the 1410–1440 SAT range. Practically speaking, a 32 ACT equates to scoring in the low-to-mid 1400s on the SAT. While these conversions serve as estimates – some institutions develop their own comparisons – official tables provide reliable guidance. Simply put, a 32 ACT ≈ 1420 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 32/36 in each ACT section:
ACT Math (32) → SAT Math ~720/800. Official ACT/SAT concordance indicates that an ACT Math score of 32 corresponds to approximately 720 on the SAT Math section. (For reference, a perfect ACT Math 36 equals an 800 SAT Math.)
ACT English (32) + Reading (32) → SAT Reading and Writing ~690/800. 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 64 (32+32) maps to about 690 on SAT Reading and Writing. In other words, if you scored 32 on both English and Reading, you'd anticipate roughly a 680–700 combined score in SAT Reading/Writing.
ACT Science (32) → 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 ~690 we mentioned represents the total for the entire Reading and Writing section (both Reading and Writing combined), while the Math score of ~720 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 32 ACT roughly converts to about 720 Math / 690 Reading and Writing (1410 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 32 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 32) 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 32 ACT, you possess a very strong score. It places you above 97% of test-takers, making you competitive at nearly all universities. For most students, retaking the ACT proves unnecessary.
College admissions experts note that a 32 ACT "enables you to apply to every college in the country and be competitive… even the most selective institutions." At ultra-selective schools like Harvard and Yale, a 32 sits at or slightly above their 25th-percentile score (usually 32) and falls just below the 75th (usually 34–35).
However, if you're targeting the absolute top-tier schools (where 75th percentile ACT scores reach 35-36), you might consider a retake. Only pursue this if you believe you can improve your score with reasonable effort.
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 32 ACT grants you access to a broad range of colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, a 32 typically falls above or near the middle of admitted students. For example, public universities like the University of Florida or Georgia Tech often report mid-50% ACT ranges that include the upper 20s to low 30s, so a 32 would make you very competitive. Similarly, many private universities have comparable ranges.
Even some Ivy League and other highly selective schools list 32 in their middle 50%. For instance, Yale University's admitted ACT range is about 33–35, and Cornell's is 33–35. That means a 32 falls just below their typical range. (Harvard and Stanford tend to have higher ranges, around 34–36, so a 32 is below their 25th percentile.) Another example: Georgetown University's mid-50% is roughly 31–35, so 32 sits comfortably in the middle there. In general, with a 32 you could expect to be a competitive applicant at most top-50 schools.
Moreover, virtually all less-selective colleges and universities would consider a 32 ACT an excellent score. Many merit scholarships become available. One college guide states that "a 32 lands you solidly in the competitive range for average acceptance at places like Yale and Harvard" (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 32, 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 32 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, 1420 SAT ≈ 32 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 32 ACT, you're clearly talented on standardized tests. If you do take the SAT, aim to beat that 1420 equivalency – if not, remember the 32 ACT stands strong on its own.