Digital SAT vs. Digital ACT: Which One Is Right for You?

In the past, students choosing between the SAT and the ACT had to factor in different question types, essay requirements, and even regional preferences. Now that both tests have gone digital, many of the old distinctions have shifted or disappeared entirely. But that doesn’t mean the SAT and ACT are identical. In fact, as testing organizations have embraced adaptive technology and redesigned their formats, key differences have emerged.

Whether you’re planning ahead for junior year or trying to choose between upcoming test dates, understanding what sets these exams apart can help you make a smart decision. Here’s what’s changed, what to expect, and how to figure out which test fits you best.

The Digital SAT

The SAT is now fully digital for all U.S. students, and the changes go far beyond format. Administered through the Bluebook app, the test is adaptive, meaning your performance on the first module of each section influences the difficulty level of the next one. That’s part of why the SAT can now be completed in just over two hours.

The test is divided into two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Each section is split into two modules, and both are timed at 64 minutes total for Reading & Writing and 70 minutes total for Math. That’s 2 hours and 14 minutes altogether, not counting breaks.

There are 54 Reading & Writing questions and 44 Math questions. All questions are multiple-choice, and the Reading & Writing questions are passage-based, but the passages are much shorter than they used to be; often just a few sentences long instead of a full excerpt. 

The Math section allows a calculator throughout, and there’s a built-in Desmos calculator within the testing app. You can bring your own approved calculator too, but it’s not required. Scores are reported on the familiar 400–1600 scale, with Reading & Writing and Math each scored on a 200–800 scale.

The Digital ACT

The ACT has made its own transition into the digital world. Though the paper version is still available in some locations, many students are now taking the test on computers, and schools are increasingly opting for the digital format when offering in-school testing.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not adaptive. Everyone sees the same questions, regardless of how well they’re doing during the test. The format remains the same as it’s been for years: English, Math, Reading, and Science, always in that order. However, not everybody has the Science section; it is optional for many versions of the test, and will be fully optional for all test versions by September 2025. There’s also an optional Writing section (which is an essay), though most students don’t need to take it unless it’s required by a specific school.

The full ACT, with both the Writing and Science sections, gives you 3 hours and 35 minutes. There are 50 English questions, 45 Math questions, 36 Reading questions, and 40 Science questions. That’s 171 questions in total for the four sections, compared to the SAT’s 98. Timing is one of the biggest challenges on the ACT, and this test doesn’t allow for built-in breaks between modules the way the SAT does, which makes endurance a bigger factor. You can bring this time down if you don’t do Science or Writing, but depending on your strengths, you might want to.

Scoring is on a 1–36 scale for each section, and your overall composite score is the average of the three mandatory sections. Science is now scored separately and included in your score report, but not the composite.

Which One Should I Take?

Both tests are accepted by every college in the U.S., so your decision doesn’t need to be based on where you’re applying. Instead, think about how you test and what feels most comfortable to you.

If you’re a strong reader who prefers shorter passages and can handle adaptive shifts in difficulty, the SAT might be a better fit. It also gives you more time per question on average, which can make the pacing feel a little less intense. But if you like straightforward formatting or enjoy science and data interpretation, the ACT may play to your strengths. Its content doesn’t include a combined Reading & Writing section; instead, grammar and usage are tested separately in the English section, while Reading is its own section. So if you want more straightforward language arts questions, the ACT might be your best bet.

Math is another factor to weigh. SAT Math leans slightly more toward algebra and data analysis, while ACT Math includes a bit more geometry and trigonometry. If you’ve struggled with geometry, the SAT might feel easier. But if you’re more confident with a wide variety of math topics, the ACT gives you a chance to show that range.

Also, the tests are scored very differently. The ACT’s 1–36 scale can feel more rigid, while the SAT’s 1600 scale is more granular. That means a small improvement in raw score on the SAT could raise your overall score more than the same improvement would on the ACT. If you’re a high-scoring student trying to gain even just 10–20 points to edge out a competitive application pool, the SAT may give you more visible room to grow.

The best way to choose is to try a full-length practice test of each. Time yourself, simulate real testing conditions, and then compare how you felt and how you scored. That one experience can often make your decision a lot clearer.

Taking Both Tests

If you still can’t decide between taking the ACT and the SAT, you might want to consider taking them both. Colleges respect and weigh both test’s scores equally, so if you’re concerned about that, don’t be! Testing twice can be a useful backup. If something goes wrong on one test, like technology issues or anxiety, you’ll have another set of scores to rely on. And while the subject matter is a little different, the prep strategies are similar. You just need to make sure that you’re comfortable with both formats and content if you want to do both.

When To Take The Test

The right test to take may also depend on your schedule. If you’re a student with a packed extracurricular schedule, you probably already know that certain weekends just aren’t going to work. And while you might be able to juggle intensive test prep and your schoolwork and your other commitments, it might be more beneficial to time your testing so that it’s not during your busy season. 

Ideally, plan for your first test in the spring of your junior year. That gives you time to retake it in the summer or fall of senior year if needed. Fall of junior year is also a possibility, if you want to start your prep work the summer before your junior year. (And yes, you can take the SAT before the PSAT, which is nationally administered to high school juniors. It’s a little unconventional, but it’s totally allowed!) You’ll want at least six to eight weeks to prep seriously, so build that prep time into your calendar. While you’re considering that, here are the test dates for the rest of 2025 and up to summer of 2026:

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

SAT

–

23

13

4

8

6

–

–

14

–

2

6

ACT

–

–

6

18

–

13

–

15

–

11

–

13

The SAT list of dates and deadlines can be found here, while the ACT’s list can be found here. Please keep in mind that the ACT test dates are national test dates; the ACT also offers school-day testing that varies by state and school district. Ask your principal for more information!

Head to Head Comparison

Thinking about which test to take? Here is how they compare

	Digital SAT	Digital ACT
Number of Mandatory Sections	2 (Reading and Writing, Math)	3 (English, Math, Reading)
Number of Optional Sections	0	2 (Science, Writing)
Number of Questions	98	171 (with Science)
Total Test Time	2 hrs 14 mins	2 hrs 5 mins (no Writing or Science)2 hrs 45 mins (with Science but without Writing)3 hrs 25 mins (all sections)
In-School Options	Yes	Yes
Device Needed	Laptop or school-issued device	Computer provided at test site or school device for in-school testing
Registration Fee	$68	$68 for basic test; an additional fee of $25 for Essay and $4 for Science
Fee to Send Scores	First 4 free; $15 per additional report after 4	First 4 free; $19 per additional report after 4
Fee Waiver Available	Yes	Yes

Test Prep Strategies

Good test prep starts with understanding what you’re walking into. While the SAT and ACT share some skills, like algebra, reading comprehension, and grammar, how those skills are tested can feel very different.

The SAT, for example, often frames questions in more abstract ways and focuses heavily on evidence-based reasoning. You’ll be asked to justify answers, identify patterns, and evaluate data in short passages. That means your prep should focus on understanding question styles and practicing thoughtful elimination strategies.

The ACT is more straightforward, but fast. It rewards students who can move quickly and stay sharp across a wide range of topics. If timing is an issue for you, then your prep should include drills that build speed and accuracy under pressure.

Because the two tests use different apps and interfaces, you’ll want to practice using the same platforms that will be used on test day. The Bluebook app is required for the digital SAT, but the ACT’s digital test uses a separate system that feels different. So make sure you’ve tried both before you sit for the real thing! And no matter which test you choose, full-length timed practice tests are necessary. They help you build stamina, sharpen pacing, and reduce anxiety. The more you simulate the real thing, the more confident you’ll feel when the pressure is on.

Preparing Well with Prep Expert®

Choosing between the SAT and ACT is just the first step. Once you know which one you’re taking, the next move is to prepare with purpose. You can try self-study, of course, but if you really want the best test prep possible, look to the experts. 

Her at Prep Expert®, our courses are taught by instructors who scored in the top 1% on the SAT or ACT and know the tests inside and out. We’ll show you the strategies that make the biggest difference, from timing techniques to content review to test-day mindset. You’ll get guided practice, targeted feedback, and expert insights on how to handle every type of question. 

Ready to start building a plan that works? Explore our SAT and ACT course catalogs and take the first step toward your goal score today.