SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take?

Overview of the SAT and ACT

Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests used for college admissions and scholarships​. At a high level, they cover similar subjects (reading, writing/English, and math, with some science reasoning on the ACT). But the format, timing, and scoring differ:

SAT Structure and Format

The SAT consists of two main sections: (1) Reading & Writing (combined into one section on the current SAT) and (2) Math​. There is no separate science section on the SAT. In total, the SAT contains 98 questions/tasks, all of which are multiple-choice.

The exam lasts about 2 hours and 14 minutes (not including breaks)​, with the Reading & Writing section taking 64 minutes and the Math section taking 70 minutes​. The SAT gives students more time per question compared to the ACT - about 1 minute 20 seconds on average, which is roughly 67% more time per question.

For scoring, each of the two sections (Math, and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) is scored from 200 to 800, combining for a total score between 400 and 1600 points​. A score of 1600 is perfect, and 400 is the lowest possible. There are no penalties for wrong answers - your score is determined solely by correct answers.

For more information on the SAT exam format, check out our Digital SAT Format page.

ACT Structure and Format

The ACT has three required sections: English, Math, Reading, and an optional Science section and Writing (essay) section that some colleges may recommend but many don't require.

The English section tests grammar and usage, Math covers various mathematical topics, Reading tests passage comprehension, and Science tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning rather than specific science knowledge​.

The exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete without the essay, and there are 171 questions in total​, giving students about 48 seconds per question on average​. This is a notably faster-paced exam than the SAT.

Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with your composite ACT score being the average of these four scores, also on a 1-36 scale​. A 36 is the highest possible composite score. Like the SAT, there's no penalty for wrong answers - you only earn points for correct ones.

SAT Pros

More Time per Question: The SAT gives about 67% more time per question compared to the ACT. This benefits students who work carefully or need extra time with reading passages.

Shorter Overall Test Duration: The SAT takes just over 2 hours versus nearly 3 hours for the ACT. The shorter length means less fatigue and better focus throughout.

No Science Section: If science isn't your strong suit, the SAT may be preferable since it has no dedicated science section. You'll see some data in math and reading, but no separate science test.

Emphasis on Algebra and Data Analysis: The SAT math focuses heavily on algebra and data analysis, with less geometry and minimal trigonometry. A formula reference sheet is provided.

SAT Cons

Trickier Question Wording: SAT questions often use complex wording and require multi-step reasoning. Even with more time per question, you'll need it to understand what's being asked.

Reading Passages Can Be Challenging: SAT Reading includes dense literature, historical documents, and science texts that require careful analysis and inference skills.

Math Without a Calculator (Historically): This was previously a con but is no longer relevant. The current digital SAT allows calculator use throughout the math section.

Overall, the SAT suits students who prefer more time, don't want a science section, and can handle complex reasoning questions.

ACT Pros

Straightforward Questions: ACT questions are typically direct and clear in what they're asking. The test avoids complex wording and gets straight to the point.

Predictable Structure and Content: The ACT follows a consistent format with predictable question types. This reliability helps reduce test anxiety and makes preparation more focused.

Includes a Science Section: Strong science students can boost their overall score through the Science section, which tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning.

Calculator on All Math Questions: You can use your calculator throughout the entire math section, providing extra confidence for calculations.

ACT Cons

Less Time per Question (Time Pressure): With under a minute per question, the ACT's pace is demanding. This can force rushed answers or guessing due to time constraints.

Longer Exam, More Endurance Needed: At nearly 3 hours, the ACT requires significant stamina. Fatigue can impact performance, especially in later sections.

Science Section Can Be Challenging: The Science section's rapid-fire data interpretation can be difficult for slower readers or those uncomfortable with scientific content.

Heavier Emphasis on Geometry/Trigonometry: The ACT math includes more geometry and trigonometry than the SAT, including topics like matrices and logarithms.

Which Test Fits Your Academic Profile?

Every student is different, and the choice between SAT and ACT can depend on your personal strengths and weaknesses. Below are five student profiles as examples. See if any description sounds like you – it might suggest which exam could be the better fit. (Of course, not everyone will fit neatly into a category, but these examples cover common scenarios.)

The Slow-and-Steady Thinker (Prefers SAT): This student likes to take their time on problems. Maybe you're the type who double-checks your work and doesn't like to be rushed. You perform best when you can methodically work through questions. If this is you, the SAT might be your friend. As mentioned, the SAT offers much more time per question​. You won't feel as extreme a time crunch as on the ACT. The SAT's pacing will let you breathe, think, and then answer. The trade-off is that you'll face some complex questions, but if you don't panic and can use the extra time to reason them out, you'll likely do well. In short, if you hate being hurried and often run out of time on tests in school, consider the SAT.

The Algebra Expert (Prefers SAT): This profile is a student whose math strengths align with algebra and data analysis rather than geometry or science. For example, suppose in math class you excel when solving equations or interpreting graphs, but you're not as excited about geometry proofs or trigonometric functions. The SAT leans toward algebra-heavy content​. It focuses on linear equations, functions, and data problems (like those involving charts or percentages). The ACT, meanwhile, will throw more geometry questions and a bit more trigonometry at you. Also, if you appreciate having formulas given (the SAT provides a reference of common formulas) rather than memorizing them all, that's another small point for SAT. So, if you're an "algebra ace" who prefers that style of math, the SAT might suit your math skills better.

The Verbal Scholar (Prefers SAT): This student loves reading, writing, and maybe history or social studies. Perhaps you have a strong vocabulary, enjoy analyzing literature or historical documents, and you don't mind digging into the meaning of a passage. You might also be someone who isn't particularly fond of science class. If this sounds like you, the SAT could be a better fit. The SAT's Reading & Writing section might play to your strengths: you get more time to read passages and find evidence for your answers, and you won't be distracted by an additional science section. You can focus on what you're good at – understanding complex texts and spotting grammar/writing issues in context. Meanwhile, the ACT's faster pace in Reading might feel too rushed for you to do the kind of thoughtful analysis you prefer. Also, not having to tackle an ACT Science section (with technical graphs) is a relief if you're not interested in that area. Students who identify as "verbal" or humanities-oriented often lean toward the SAT for these reasons.

The Fast-Paced Multi-Tasker (Prefers ACT): This profile describes a student who is quick on their feet academically. If you read quickly, process information on the fly, and actually like the challenge of racing a timer, you might do well on the ACT. Some students find they perform best under a bit of pressure – it keeps them focused and engaged. If you're the kind of person who finishes school exams faster than your classmates and scores well, the ACT's rapid pace might not faze you at all. Also, if you prefer questions that cut straight to the point (no riddles or puzzle-like wording), you'll appreciate that ACT questions are more straightforward​. This profile student might say, "I don't want to overthink it – just ask me the question plainly!" The ACT will do exactly that. In short, if you're quick, efficient, and not scared of a fast pace, the ACT could be the right choice.

The Science Enthusiast (Prefers ACT): This student is all about science, engineering, or just enjoys interpreting data. Maybe you're in the robotics club, or you love biology class, or you find graphs and experiments interesting. If you have strong scientific reasoning skills, the ACT gives you a platform to use them. The Science section, as noted, is about reasoning through scientific information. If you excel at reading a graph or understanding an experiment setup, you can potentially get a high score on this section, which boosts your composite. Also, consider if you enjoy a variety of subjects; the ACT will switch gears from English to Math to Reading to Science, which can actually be refreshing if you have a good attention span. Meanwhile, the SAT sticks to reading/writing and math. If you want that additional dimension to show off your analytical skills in science, the ACT is a better fit for you. (However, if you love science but still hate being rushed, you might have to practice pacing – the ACT science section is quick. If that combo is an issue, you could still consider SAT and demonstrate your science interest in other ways.)

These profiles are general, and you might see yourself in more than one description. They're meant to illustrate how certain strengths or preferences align with each test. Ultimately, you should choose the test where you believe you can score higher and feel more comfortable.