Convert your 33 ACT score to SAT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
A composite ACT score of 33 is an excellent result - roughly the 98th percentile nationally. According to official concordance tables, an ACT 33 is equivalent to about an SAT 1460 on the 1600 scale (with a typical range of 1450-1480). In other words, scoring 33 on the ACT should translate to around 1450-1500 on the SAT. Below we break down how a 33 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 33 converts to an SAT composite of about 1460 (out of 1600). Many sources agree: most concordance tables place a 33 ACT in the 1450-1490 SAT range. In practical terms, that means a 33 ACT is roughly like scoring in the mid-1400s 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 33 ACT ≈ 1460 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 33/36 in each ACT section:
| ACT Section | ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 33 | SAT Math ~740 |
| English + Reading | 33 + 33 | SAT Reading and Writing ~710 |
| Science | 33 | No SAT equivalent |
ACT Math (33) → SAT Math ~740/800. Official ACT/SAT concordance shows that an ACT Math score of 33 corresponds to about 740 on the SAT Math section. (For context, a perfect ACT Math 36 equals an 800 SAT Math.)
ACT English (33) + Reading (33) → SAT Reading and Writing ~710/800. 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 66 (33+33) maps to about 710 on SAT Reading and Writing. In other words, if you scored 33 on both English and Reading, you would expect roughly a 700-720 combined score in SAT Reading/Writing.
ACT Science (33) → 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.")
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 33 ACT roughly translates to about 740 Math / 710 Reading and Writing (1450 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 33 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 33) 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 33 ACT, you already have a very strong score. It places you above 98% of test-takers, making you competitive at nearly all universities. For most students, retaking the ACT is unnecessary.
However, if you are aiming for the absolute top-tier schools (where 75th percentile ACT scores are 35-36), you could consider a retake. Only do this if you believe you can boost your score with reasonable effort.
What about taking the SAT? Many students double up and sit for both, but it is optional. If you have access to practice, try a digital SAT 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 are more comfortable with the SAT's built-in formulas and calculator on all math problems, you might lean toward the SAT.
A 33 ACT gives you access to a wide range of colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, a 33 is usually 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 33 would make you very competitive. Likewise, many private universities have similar ranges.
Even some Ivy League and other highly selective schools list 33 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 33 is within or just below their typical range. (Harvard and Stanford tend to have higher ranges, around 34-36, so a 33 is a bit below their 25th percentile.) Another example: Georgetown University's mid-50% is roughly 31-35, so 33 is comfortably in the middle there. In general, with a 33 you could expect to be a solid applicant at most top-50 schools.
Moreover, virtually all less-selective colleges and universities would consider a 33 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 33, your "safety" schools will be very solid programs. Do not count any college out solely because of your score; a 33 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:
| 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. 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.
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 33 ACT, you are clearly talented on standardized tests. If you do take the SAT, aim to beat that 1460 equivalency - if not, remember the 33 ACT stands strong on its own.