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 an online 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)
By concordance, an ACT 33 converts to an SAT composite of about 1460 (out of 1600). Many sources agree: one expert FAQ notes that 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's useful to see how individual sections compare. Here's a rough breakdown if you scored 33/36 in each ACT section:
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'd 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.")
It's 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). Thus the SAT score of ~710 we quoted is the total for the entire Reading and Writing section (both Reading and Writing combined), while the Math score of ~740 is for the Math section. 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 (1500 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.
A college admissions expert notes that a 33 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 33 is above their 25th-percentile score (usually 32) and only slightly below the 75th (usually 34–35).
However, if you're 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's 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're 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. One college guide bluntly states that "a 33 lands you solidly in the mid-range for average acceptance at places like Yale and Harvard" (meaning you'd be 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 33, 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 33 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, 1460 SAT ≈ 33 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 33 ACT, you're 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.