The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests that colleges use to evaluate a student during the admission process. Some schools will accept both SAT and ACT scores while others show preference to one, and some schools don’t require students to submit scores for either test.
It’s possible to compare estimated scores across the two tests using a simple conversion chart or formula. It’s also worth understanding how the two tests are different, what a student can expect when taking each test, and which test might be the best to take for you.
ACT and SAT History
In 1926, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) was developed as the Army Alpha test to measure the IQ of Army recruits. Over time, the format and audience for the SAT changed. The scoring method, format, and subjects have been adjusted over the years to better reflect the high school curriculum and college application process.
The current version of the SAT takes three hours and includes sections on math, reading comprehension, and writing. The highest score a person can achieve on the SAT is 1600.
The American College Test (ACT), created in reaction to the SAT, was first administered in 1959. University of Iowa Professor of Education Everett Franklin Linquist developed the standardized test to better evaluate a student’s practical knowledge instead of reasoning skills that the SAT focuses on.
The modern ACT takes two hours and 55 minutes (add 40 minutes for the optional writing section) to complete. The test includes sections on English, math, reading, and science, plus the optional writing portion. The highest score possible is 36.
Colleges and universities generally accept both the ACT and SAT, but preparing for and taking the two tests is not the same. Understanding the differences between the ACT and SAT might help students decide which test to take and how they might best maximize their score.
Difference Between the ACT and SAT Tests
Other than the score a test taker receives, the SAT and ACT have several differences that might inform a student’s decision to prepare for one over the other. Students are taking both tests now more than ever, but preparing for each is different, and it’s possible to prefer one test experience over another.
Scoring
One of the most obvious differences between the two tests is the score. An ACT score ranges from 1 to 36, and there’s no penalty for getting a question wrong. The score is calculated by adding the raw scores of each section, then dividing by four to get the composite score (out of 36).
SAT takers get a score between 400 and 1600. Once again, there’s no penalty for answering a question wrong, and the score goes up with every right answer. Section scores are added together to yield the total score (out of 1600).
Type of Testing
There’s a common belief that students’ strengths in the classroom might allow them to test better on one standardized test over the other. The ACT, with a deeper focus on verbal skills, might be a better fit for students who excel in English classes. Those with strong math skills could prefer the SAT, with a bigger emphasis on math questions.
Both tests have a math section, but the SAT covers data analysis, while the ACT will have questions about probability and statistics.
Format and Subjects
Even when the essay portion is included, the ACT is shorter than the SAT. However, the SAT has 154 questions, while the ACT has 215 — how does that compute? SAT takers have an average of one minute and 10 seconds on each question, compared with 49 seconds for the ACT (time allotted per question varies on section).
Time per question could be important to a student’s test taking strategy, especially when factoring in the difficulty levels of each test. In the SAT’s math section, the questions become harder the further a student moves along. The same goes for the ACT’s math and science section, where passages and the questions become more difficult as the test progresses.
The ACT has more sections than the SAT, including multiple-choice questions on:
• English: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure
• Math: algebra, geometry, trigonometry
• Reading: passage comprehension on fiction, humanities, and sciences
• Science: comprehension, including summaries, charts, and graphs
• Writing (optional)
The SAT has fewer sections, with all multiple-choice questions about:
• Reading: comprehension questions based on passages
• Writing and language: grammar, editing, and vocabulary
• Math: algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
The SAT used to have an optional essay section, but it was discontinued in 2021.
The major differentiator between the SAT and ACT experience might be the ACT’s dedicated science section. The SAT includes questions about science, but they are dispersed across the test.
Pricing
The cost of taking the SAT and ACT is similar:
• SAT: $68
• ACT: $69, $94 with writing
The cost of taking the test shouldn’t keep a student from doing so. Both the College Board and ACT offer fee waivers for students who meet the requirements.
Evaluating options for paying for college is another important piece of the college preparation puzzle. Options include grants, scholarships, and undergraduate loans, including both private and federal student loans.
Recommended: 11 Strategies for Paying for College and Other Expenses
Geography
Because the ACT was founded out of a Midwestern university, the test is somewhat more popular in middle America. The SAT has its origins in testing aptitude for admission to Northeastern educational Army institutions. Because of this, students on the east and west coasts are slightly more likely to take the SAT than the ACT.
Because of these geographic trends, students on the coasts might find more SAT prep courses than ACT prep courses, and vice versa.
Converting Test Scores
SAT to ACT conversion is a hot topic. Comparing the tests on their face is like comparing apples to oranges. However, if a student takes both, it helps to figure out which one they performed better on. That means finding a way to compare one test score to another.
Here’s how the ACT’s composite scores compare to the SAT:
| ACT Score | SAT Range |
|---|---|
| 36 | 1570-1600 |
| 35 | 1530-1560 |
| 34 | 1490-1520 |
| 33 | 1450-1480 |
| 32 | 1420-1440 |
| 31 | 1390-1410 |
| 30 | 1360-1380 |
| 29 | 1330-1350 |
| 28 | 1300-1320 |
| 27 | 1260-1290 |
| 26 | 1230-1250 |
| 25 | 1200-1220 |
| 24 | 1160-1190 |
| 23 | 1130-1150 |
| 22 | 1100-1120 |
| 21 | 1060-1090 |
| 20 | 1030-1050 |
| 19 | 990-1020 |
| 18 | 960-980 |
| 17 | 920-950 |
| 16 | 990-910 |
| 15 | 830-870 |
| 14 | 870-820 |
| 13 | 730-770 |
| 12 | 690-720 |
| 11 | 650-680 |
| 10 | 620-640 |
| 9 | 590-610 |
Should I Take the ACT or SAT?
To determine whether you should take the ACT or SAT, think about your strengths and test-taking style. The SAT emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving with a stronger focus on evidence-based reading and math. The ACT is faster-paced, with straightforward questions and a science section. Consider taking practice tests to decide which suits you best.
The Takeaway
Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests designed to gauge a student’s readiness for college. One test is not inherently easier than the other and both are accepted at a wide array of colleges and universities. Taking a timed practice test can be one of the best ways to roughly estimate your score.
Paying for college is another important step in preparing for college. Students may consider using a combination of grants, scholarships, and student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Is the ACT harder than the SAT?
One test might be harder than the other depending on a student’s strengths. The ACT has a faster pace with more straightforward questions and a science section, while the SAT focuses more on problem-solving and critical thinking. Difficulty is subjective and varies by individual.
What are the differences between the ACT and SAT?
The ACT includes four sections: English, math, reading, and science, with an optional writing section. It has a faster pace and more questions. The SAT has two main sections: Evidence-based reading and writing, and math. The SAT emphasizes reasoning skills, while the ACT tests straightforward knowledge.
Do most colleges prefer SAT or ACT?
Most colleges accept both tests equally. Admissions committees focus on a student’s overall performance rather than the specific test taken. Students should choose the test that aligns best with their strengths and preparation style for the best results.
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