SAT vs ACT: Which One Should I Take?

For many students applying to colleges, standardized testing just makes sense. Even if your dream school dropped the requirement, there’s no guarantee they won’t bring it back– and if you don’t take the ACT or SAT, you are missing out on some massive scholarship opportunities. Both schools and testing centers offer the opportunity to take tests, making it easier than ever to access the exams– but which one should you take? Both are widely accepted by colleges and universities across the United States, and neither is considered superior to the other. However, the tests differ in structure, content, and scoring.

The SAT has recently transitioned to a fully digital format, offering an adaptive test that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on previous answers. It also has a more flexible timing structure, and questions are spread across sections like Reading and Writing, as well as Math. The test duration is shorter than in the past, with a streamlined focus that provides results more quickly.

The ACT, on the other hand, is still available in both paper and digital formats, and a fully updated version is being rolled out in phases. Its structure includes sections on English, Math, Reading, and Science, along with an optional writing portion. The ACT is often favored by students who feel confident in their ability to manage time, as it moves at a brisker pace, requiring more questions to be answered in less time compared to the SAT.

Both tests have unique strengths, and the decision between them comes down to personal strengths and comfort with the subjects and timing strategies.

ACT vs SAT At A Glance

Please note that all data comes from the enhanced/digital ACT and may vary based on which version of the test you take!

	SAT	ACT
Length of Full Test	2 hours 14 minutes	For the enhanced/digital ACT, between 2 hours 5 minutes and 3 hours 25 minutes based on sections taken
Digital or Paper	Digital Only	Digital and Paper Options
Section Breakdown	2 sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math	3, 4, or 5 sections: English, Math, and Reading, with optional Science and Writing
Total Number of Questions	98 (54 for Reading and Writing, 44 for Math)	171 questions with Science section (50 English, 45 Math, 36 Reading, 40 Science)
Scored Out Of	400-1600	1-36
Essay	No	Optional
Science Section	No	Optional

Pros of the ACT

The ACT offers several benefits for students who excel in fast-paced test environments and prefer a straightforward question style.

Science Section

One of the most distinctive features of the ACT is its Science section. Although this section doesn’t necessarily test specific science knowledge, it requires strong data analysis, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills. For students interested in STEM fields, the ACT’s inclusion of this section may be a helpful way to highlight their analytical abilities– and it will allow you to present a STEM score on your college applications.

More Direct Questioning Style

The questions on the ACT are often said to be more straightforward than those on the SAT. If you prefer clear, direct questions that don’t require as much complex reasoning or interpretation, the ACT’s format might feel more comfortable.

ACT Scoring

For many students, the way the ACT is scored is actually one of the big advantages of taking the test. Your composite score out of 36 is based on the averages of the sections you take. 

You are allowed to take the ACT as many times as you want, and when you take it more than one time, you are able to report your ACT Superscore. This presents colleges with the highest scoring for each portion of the exam. 

Cons of the ACT

So why wouldn’t you want to take the ACT? There are a couple of important reasons that impact many students’ decisions. 

Time Pressure

One of the biggest difficulties students face on the ACT is the time crunch. The ACT has more questions than the SAT, and less time is provided for each section. This can create pressure, especially on sections like Reading and Science, where managing time effectively is necessary for success.

Nonadaptive Testing

While the SAT has adopted an adaptive format that adjusts difficulty based on responses, the ACT remains more rigid. This can result in fewer opportunities to earn additional points through higher-difficulty questions, as seen with the SAT’s adaptive structure.

Pros of the SAT

Nearly 1.3 million students took the SAT last year, about a third of high school seniors. There are many reasons why students are comfortable with this exam, including the following.

Adaptive Testing Format

The digital SAT offers an adaptive model, meaning the test adjusts in difficulty based on a student’s performance in earlier questions. This format allows students to potentially earn higher scores by performing well early on, making it less punishing if they miss a few questions.

More Time Per Question

Compared to the ACT, the SAT offers more time per question in most sections. This can be helpful for students who need extra time to process information and feel less rushed when working through complex problems.

Emphasis on Logic and Problem Solving

The SAT’s questions, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections, tend to focus more on logical reasoning and interpreting evidence. This emphasis on critical thinking and analysis appeals to students who excel in these areas.

Cons of the SAT

However, there are also reasons that you might prefer to take ACT over the SAT, including these negative marks.

More Complex Question Styles

The SAT’s focus on reasoning and problem-solving means its questions are often more complex than those on the ACT. Students may find themselves spending more time interpreting what the question is asking, even if the content itself is straightforward.

Digital Format

While the digital format offers some advantages, it may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for students who are used to paper exams. Additionally, students who do not have regular access to technology may struggle with this transition, making it harder to perform at their best.

Should I Take Both the SAT and the ACT?

Taking both the SAT and the ACT can be a strategic choice for students who want to maximize their college options or explore which test best highlights their strengths. Some students find that their scores improve significantly on one test over the other, and by taking both, they can submit their strongest results.

Preparing for both tests can broaden a student’s skill set. The SAT emphasizes logical reasoning, while the ACT rewards quick problem-solving and data interpretation. Mastering both test styles can strengthen a student’s abilities in ways that go beyond college admissions.

Preparing for Standardized Testing

Whether you choose the SAT, ACT, or both, preparation is key to achieving your best possible score. Start by familiarizing yourself with the format of each test through practice exams. Understanding the types of questions and the timing will help reduce test-day anxiety and allow you to focus on answering the questions effectively.

The best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT, however, is a prep course with a guaranteed score improvement. Courses like ones I designed for Prep Expert provide structured guidance, expert tips, and proven strategies that can help boost your score. These courses are designed to teach students how to approach each section of the test with confidence, offering personalized support and practice that addresses individual weaknesses. Check out our ACT and SAT offerings today and get ready to study!