SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take?

TL;DR

Take a practice test of EACH. Seriously. Most students naturally score higher on one than the other. The SAT gives more time per question and is adaptive; the ACT has a science section and moves faster. Colleges accept both equally.

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The Biggest Myth: You Have to Take Both

Let's kill this misconception right now: you do NOT need to take both the SAT and ACT. Every single college in the United States accepts both tests equally. No college prefers one over the other. Not Harvard, not your state university, not community college. Both count the same.

So your only job is figuring out which test plays to YOUR strengths. That's it.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	SAT	ACT
Sections	2 (Reading/Writing, Math)	4 (English, Math, Reading, Science)
Total Time	2 hours 14 minutes	2 hours 55 minutes
Total Questions	98	215
Score Range	400-1600	1-36 (composite)
Format	Digital (adaptive)	Paper (linear)
Calculator	All math questions	All math questions
Science Section	No	Yes
Essay	No	Optional (rarely required)
Time Per Question	~75 seconds average	~49 seconds average
Guessing Penalty	None	None
Cost	~$64	~$68 ($93 with Writing)

The biggest differences at a glance: the SAT is shorter and gives you more time per question. The ACT has more questions, moves faster, and includes a science section.

The SAT: What You Need to Know

Format

The digital SAT is taken on a laptop or tablet. It's adaptive, meaning the difficulty of your second module in each section adjusts based on how you did on the first module. If you crushed the first module, the second one gets harder (but you can earn more points). If you struggled, the second module is easier (but the score ceiling is lower).

Sections

1. Reading and Writing (64 minutes, 54 questions): Short passages with one question each. Tests reading comprehension, grammar, and rhetoric.
2. Math (70 minutes, 44 questions): Algebra, advanced math, problem-solving/data analysis, geometry/trig. Built-in Desmos calculator.

What It Rewards

• Careful reading and analysis
• Strong math reasoning
• Working methodically (you have more time per question)
• Comfort with digital testing and tools like Desmos

Who Does Well on the SAT

• Students who like to think deeply about each question
• Strong math students who enjoy problem-solving
• Students who read carefully and catch subtle distinctions
• Anyone who benefits from having more time per question

The ACT: What You Need to Know

Format

The ACT is still taken on paper with a scantron. It's a linear test (same difficulty for everyone) with four required sections and one optional essay.

Sections

1. English (45 min, 75 questions): Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and writing style
2. Math (60 min, 60 questions): Pre-algebra through trigonometry
3. Reading (35 min, 40 questions): Four passages, 10 questions each
4. Science (35 min, 40 questions): Data interpretation, experimental analysis, conflicting viewpoints

What It Rewards

• Speed and efficiency
• Broad knowledge across subjects
• Graph and data reading skills
• Pattern recognition and quick decision-making

Who Does Well on the ACT

• Fast readers who process information quickly
• Students comfortable with science-style reasoning
• Students who'd rather answer more straightforward questions quickly than puzzle over fewer tricky ones
• Students who are good across all subjects (rather than amazing at one)

The 5 Biggest Differences That Actually Matter

1. Time Pressure

This is the #1 difference students feel. The ACT gives you roughly 49 seconds per question. The SAT gives you roughly 75 seconds per question. That's a huge gap.

If you're a slow, careful reader — the SAT is probably your friend. If you're someone who works quickly and trusts your first instinct — the ACT might be better.

2. The Science Section

The ACT has a dedicated science section. The SAT does not. But here's the twist: the ACT "science" section barely tests actual science. It's really about reading graphs, interpreting data, and understanding experiments. You don't need to know biology or chemistry — just how to read a chart.

If data interpretation comes naturally to you, the science section is basically free points. If looking at graphs makes your brain hurt, this section could drag your composite score down.

3. Adaptive vs Linear

The SAT adapts to your performance. The ACT gives everyone the same test.

SAT advantage: If you bomb a few questions, the test adjusts and gives you easier questions, so you don't spiral. ACT advantage: You know exactly what to expect — no surprises.

4. Math Coverage

Both tests cover similar math, but the emphasis differs:

SAT Math: Heavier on algebra and data analysis. More word problems. Questions can be conceptually tricky. ACT Math: Broader coverage including more geometry and trigonometry. Questions are more straightforward but you have less time.

If you're stronger in algebra and reasoning: SAT If you're stronger in geometry and trig with broader math skills: ACT

5. Reading Passages

SAT: Each question has its own short passage (1-2 paragraphs). You're never stuck on one long passage. ACT: Four long passages with 10 questions each. You need to read and comprehend quickly.

If long reading passages exhaust you: SAT (shorter passages) If you're a fast reader who gets the gist quickly: ACT (longer passages but manageable)

How to Decide: The 3-Step Method

Step 1: Take a Practice Test of Each

This is the only reliable way to decide. Don't go based on what your friends say or what you've heard online.

• Take an official SAT practice test on the Bluebook app
• Take an official ACT practice test from act.org
• Take them on different days when you're well-rested
• Score both and compare

Step 2: Compare Your Scores

Use a concordance table to compare SAT and ACT scores (College Board and ACT publish these). For example:

• SAT 1200 ≈ ACT 25
• SAT 1300 ≈ ACT 28
• SAT 1400 ≈ ACT 31

If you scored significantly higher on one test (equivalent of 2+ ACT points), go with that one.

Step 3: Consider Your Testing Style

If scores are similar, think about:

• Do you prefer digital or paper testing?
• Do you work better with more time per question (SAT) or more questions with less time (ACT)?
• Are you comfortable with science-style data interpretation?
• Do you prefer adaptive testing or knowing exactly what's coming?

What About Test-Optional Schools?

As of 2026, many colleges are test-optional. Does that mean you shouldn't bother with either test?

Our take: If you can score at or above the middle 50% range for your target schools, submit your score. A good test score can only help your application. If you're well below the range, you might benefit from going test-optional.

But here's the thing: you won't know unless you take the test. Even at test-optional schools, students who submit strong scores have higher admission rates. The data is clear on this.

Can You Take Both?

Sure! Some students take both the SAT and ACT, then submit whichever score is higher. There's nothing wrong with this approach — it just requires more prep time.

If you go this route:

• Start with the test you think you'll do better on
• Prep and take that one first
• If you're not happy with the score, try the other test
• Submit whichever is stronger

Superscoring: What You Need to Know

SAT Superscoring: Many colleges take your highest section scores from different SAT test dates and combine them. So if you got a 700 in Reading/Writing on try #1 and 750 in Math on try #2, your superscore is 1450.

ACT Superscoring: Some (but not all) colleges superscore the ACT. They take your highest English, Math, Reading, and Science scores from different test dates.

This means: taking the test multiple times can only help your score. Each attempt is a chance to improve individual sections.

The Bottom Line

There's no universally "easier" test. The easier test is the one that fits YOUR brain better. Here's the fastest way to figure it out:

1. Take a practice SAT
2. Take a practice ACT
3. Compare scores using concordance tables
4. Go with whichever is higher
5. Prep for that test and crush it

Don't overthink this decision. Both tests measure similar skills, both are accepted everywhere, and both can be improved with practice. Pick one and put your energy into preparing.

Need Help Prepping?

Whether you choose the SAT or ACT, Gradily can help you sharpen the reading and writing skills that both tests demand. Practice with passages, improve your grammar, and build confidence.

[Try Gradily for Free →]

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You don't need to stress about this choice. Pick a test, make a plan, and start studying. The test itself is the easy part — deciding to prepare is the hard part. And you've already done that by reading this far. 🏆