ACT vs. SAT: Understanding the Difference

You’ve got enough to worry about, so let us make choosing between the ACT and SAT easier! Our detailed comparison and FAQ below will help you make the best decision as you prepare to complete college applications, compete for scholarship opportunities, and plan your career ahead.  

Some students choose to take both the ACT and SAT – while others find they are more comfortable with one test or the other based on their learning styles and preferences. Either way you choose, know that colleges and universities have no specific test preference. 

An ACT Score Is a Predictor of College Success

Having an ACT or SAT test score is much more than a ticket into college. In fact, admissions officials will share that the entire goal of the ACT and SAT is to assist colleges and universities with understanding how likely you will be to succeed at your first in college. It helps colleges understand potential college courses and major placements, academic support you might need, scholarship potential, advising opportunities, and much more!  

Comparing the ACT and SAT* at a Glance

 

ACT

SAT

Accepted at all U.S. colleges and universities

YES

YES

ACT Superscore 

YES

NO

The ACT mathematics section is 25% of the test and 25% of score. 

YES

NO

Purchase your test answer key to help you prepare for future tests (Test Information Release TIR) 

YES

NO

Allows for paper/pencil testing as well as online 

YES

NO

No penalty for guessing  

YES

YES

Free daily practice questions 

YES

YES

Free comprehensive practice test  

YES

YES

Test fees waived for eligible students  

YES

YES

Students registering with a fee waiver are eligible for college application fee waivers 

YES

YES

Free score reports

YES

YES

All tests 1 hour or less

YES

NO

Measures what you learn in high school

YES

YES

Access to English learner supports at every national test date

YES

YES

You get a STEM score to provide to colleges 

YES

NO

Optional writing test to showcase critical writing and communication skills to colleges and universities 

YES

NO

Testing time 2 hours 55 minutes 
+ Optional 40-minute essay  
2 hours 14 minutes
Structure 4 tests + optional writing test 2 tests
Longest test 1 hr 1 hr 10 min
Shortest test 35 minutes 1 hour 4 minutes
Score range

Total Score = 1-36 

Each section uses a scale of 1-36. Your total score is the average of your four section scores. 

The optional Writing section uses a scale of 2-12 and does not count toward your final score. 

Students can also get an ACT Superscore. 

Total Score = 400-1600

The Reading and Writing and Math sections each use a scale of 200-800 and are combined for a total score. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT vs. the SAT

What are the ACT and SAT?

The ACT and SAT are the two most widely recognized standardized tests used in the college admissions process in the United States. The ACT is an assessment that tests students on their understanding of their high school curriculum and covers coursework in English, reading, math, and science. The SAT, on the other hand, has traditionally been considered more of an aptitude test that includes only English, reading, and math; it does not have a science section.  

What Is the Difference Between the ACT and SAT?

While the ACT and SAT may seem similar at first glance, there are key distinctions that set them apart. Both tests evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. However, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities. Additionally, the ACT also includes a science section, making it a go-to choice for those interested in STEM fields.  

The ACT’s emphasis on practical language skills, as opposed to memorizing a long list of complex vocabulary, can make it more relevant for many students. The ACT evaluates your ability to understand language in context, which many students find to be a more natural skill. Another significant difference is that the ACT offers support for English learners on every national test date, adding another layer of accessibility. 

Additionally, the ACT's scoring system is designed to give you detailed insights into your strengths and weaknesses. This information can help you choose the right classes during your high school career and can add focus to your studying if you decide to retake the ACT to improve your scores.   

Which Test Is Easier, the ACT or SAT?

That’s the question we always get. We know you’re smart enough to succeed on either! Questions on the ACT and SAT have very similar levels of average difficulty – so it really comes down to student preference. Check out our free practice test to get a sense of our test format to help you determine your best test fit. 

Should You Take the ACT or SAT?

Some reasons a student might consider the ACT over the SAT:

  • The ACT gives each student that takes the ACT more than once the chance at an ACT Superscore, which takes the average of the four best subject scores from each ACT test attempt — and counts it as your official score.  
  • You should consider what test center availability is like in your area – you may find there is more availability to take the ACT test! [Find a Test Center
  • Students can choose how they take the ACT – either on paper or online. The SAT is now only offered online. Some students like paper and pencil, others like the computer. With the ACT, you decide which test format is best for you. 
  • The ACT offers a test answer key (TIR) for certain test dates. This means you can choose to get your answer key back with your test and see the questions you missed and which you got right. This is an excellent study tool especially for those students who know they want to take the test multiple times to superscore
  • Students who take the ACT will complete a science section which allows them to receive a STEM score. This is a strong benefit for any students looking to pursue STEM majors or STEM careers. The U.S. will need to fill millions of STEM jobs in the upcoming years; show your college of choice that you’re serious about your STEM future!  
  • The ACT has an optional writing section which allows students to showcase their writing skills to colleges and universities. With AI technology changing the digital and writing landscape, it’s important that students can show colleges they have what it takes to write papers, compose essays, and utilize their communication skills in the classroom and beyond. 
  • ACT is known for its commitment to equity and diversity. This expands to our test too! We offer accommodations for all types of diverse learners. One example of this is our English learner supports for U.S. students not proficient in English on all national test days.
  • The ACT is predictive! Students meeting three or four ACT College Readiness Benchmarks have a strong likelihood of experiencing success in first-year college courses.
 
 
The ACT gives you balance. Math is half the SAT score. The ACT mathematics section is 25% of the test and 25% of score. 
 

Can I Use a Calculator?

Yes! You can use your calculator throughout the test.

Which Test Is Longer – the ACT or the SAT?

The ACT has a longer testing time; however, the test is broken up into 4 smaller sections – English, math, reading, and science. Many students find it easier to maintain focus and attention with the shorter sections. The SAT has fewer, longer sections. 

Still can’t decide between the ACT and SAT? Be one of the many students who opts to take both tests! 

ACT Distributes an Average of $32 Million in Fee Waivers Each Year

As you can see, the ACT offers many compelling benefits, but none of that may matter much if exam fees put the test out of reach. ACT’s Fee Waiver Program covers exam fees for eligible students and includes top-of-the-line test prep resources along with other resources, ensuring students can show what they're capable of, regardless of their financial situation.