When it comes to applying for college, the SAT and ACT are two of the most important standardized tests that students often consider. Although both exams are accepted by all major colleges and universities across the United States, they differ in format, structure, and emphasis. Selecting the right test can depend on your personal strengths and preferences. In this guide, Test Prep Pundits breaks down 19 key differences to help you determine which test might be the better fit.
The SAT is operated by the College Board, a nonprofit organization that also manages the PSAT, CLEP, and AP exams. On the other hand, the ACT is run by ACT, Inc., another nonprofit founded in 1959, which focuses on education and career readiness tools.
Introduced in 1926, the SAT has a longer history in U.S. education. It became widespread after WWII. The ACT, first administered in 1959, was created to compete with the SAT. As of 2024, the SAT has transitioned to a fully digital format. The ACT plans to launch its digital version in April 2025 while continuing to offer paper tests.
In general, the SAT is more common in states like California, New York, and other coastal areas. The ACT tends to be more popular in the Midwest and parts of the South. Regardless of location, both tests are equally accepted by colleges.
Many states now use either the SAT or ACT to meet federal high school assessment requirements. Currently, around half of U.S. states require one of these exams for graduation or school accountability purposes.
SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, combining two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, each scored from 200 to 800. ACT scores range from 1 to 36 per section (English, Math, Reading, Science), and the average of those becomes your composite score. The optional ACT Essay receives its own score.
Compare scores across both tests easily with this official conversion reference.
| ACT Score Range | SAT Score Range | ACT Score Range | SAT Score Range |
| 36 | 1570–1600 | 24–25 | 1160–1220 |
| 35 | 1530–1560 | 22–23 | 1100–1150 |
| 34 | 1490–1520 | 20–21 | 1030–1090 |
| 33 | 1450–1480 | 18–19 | 960–1020 |
| 32 | 1420–1440 | 16–17 | 880–950 |
| 31 | 1390–1410 | 14–15 | 780–870 |
| 30 | 1360–1380 | 12–13 | 690–770 |
| 28–29 | 1300–1350 | 10–11 | 620–680 |
| 26–27 | 1230–1290 | 1–9 | 400–610 |
The SAT contains two sections: Math and Reading/Writing, with calculators allowed throughout. The ACT has four required sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—and an optional Essay, giving it a broader subject range.
The SAT is now offered only in digital format. The ACT will offer both digital and paper formats beginning April 2025, giving students flexibility in how they take the test.
The digital SAT uses an adaptive model that adjusts difficulty in real-time based on your performance. The ACT, even in digital form, will remain a linear (non-adaptive) test.
The ACT includes a Science section designed to test data interpretation and logical analysis of scientific information. It does not require memorizing specific science facts, but you’ll need to understand experimental setups and data.
The SAT discontinued its Essay section in 2021. The ACT still includes an optional Essay task, which some schools or states may require.
On the SAT, Math accounts for 50% of your total score. For the ACT, Math contributes only one-fourth of the overall composite score, making it slightly less dominant in your final results.
Without the essay, the SAT lasts about 134 minutes, while the ACT takes 125 minutes. Both exams require a similar time commitment, though the SAT runs slightly longer.
ACT sections move faster—on average, less than a minute per question in English and Science. The SAT gives students more time per question, especially on the Math section, which offers about 95 seconds per item.
The SAT tends to present more complex or abstract wording, requiring deeper analysis. The ACT emphasizes speed, with straightforward question phrasing. Also, ACT scores can be rounded up, while perfect scores on the SAT require maximum points in both sections.
Taking the PSAT can qualify students for National Merit Scholarships. The PreACT is a diagnostic test that mimics the full ACT, but it does not link to any scholarship programs.
Both the SAT and ACT offer seven national test dates per year. In-school testing options are also available in many districts. Students should schedule their exams thoughtfully to avoid academic or extracurricular conflicts.
| Month | ACT® Test Date | SAT® Test Date |
| January | – | – |
| February | ✅ | – |
| March | – | ✅ |
| April | ✅ | – |
| May | – | ✅ |
| June | ✅ | ✅ |
| July | ✅ * | – |
| August | – | ✅ |
| September | ✅ | – |
| October | ✅ | ✅ |
| November | – | ✅ |
| December | ✅ | ✅ |
As of 2025, the SAT costs $68. The ACT starts at $65, with $4 for the Science section and $25 more if you take the Essay. Many students qualify for fee waivers, and public schools often provide one free test.
Register for the SAT at collegeboard.org and the ACT at act.org. Be mindful of deadlines, which typically fall 4–6 weeks before the test date. Some high schools organize test days, which may simplify the registration process.
Most universities accept either test without bias. It’s a personal decision based on your strengths—if you’re a fast test taker with strong data skills, the ACT might suit you. If you prefer more time per question and excel in Math and Reading/Writing, the SAT may be better.
An increasing number of institutions like MIT, Harvard, and UT Austin have brought back standardized testing requirements. Even if your target schools are test-optional, a high score can set your application apart and unlock scholarships.
Test Prep Pundits recommends starting early, ideally in 9th or 10th grade. Early prep gives you more time to work on weak areas, take diagnostic tests, and plan strategically for multiple attempts if needed.
Though they aim to measure similar academic skills, the SAT and ACT differ in significant ways. A clear understanding of these differences will help you make the right choice for your college goals. If you’re unsure where to start, our team at Test Prep Pundits offers expert coaching, diagnostic testing, and personalized study plans to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation today to kick-start your test prep journey!
