Differences between ACT and SAT
ACT vs. SAT[edit]
The ACT and SAT are standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States.[1][2][3] All U.S. colleges and universities that require standardized test scores accept both the ACT and SAT.[1][4] The tests measure high school students' readiness for college and provide colleges with a common data point to compare all applicants.[3] While both exams test similar subjects, there are key differences in their structure, content, and scoring.[3]
The SAT is administered by the College Board and the ACT is administered by ACT, Inc.[5] Historically, the SAT was considered more of an aptitude test, while the ACT was seen as an assessment of high school curriculum knowledge.[1]
Comparison Table[edit]
[5]| Test Format || Linear; available in paper and digital formats || Digital-only, adaptive test| Category | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 2 hours, 5 minutes (without optional sections) | 2 hours, 14 minutes |
| Sections | English, Math, Reading, optional Science, optional Writing | Reading and Writing, Math |
| Scoring | [5][4]| Total score of 400–1600 (sum of two section scores) | |
| Math Content | Broader range including more geometry and trigonometry; no formulas provided. | Stronger[4] focus on algebra; formulas are provided. |
| Science Section | Optional 40-question Science section that tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning. | No[4] separate Science section; scientific reasoning questions are integrated throughout the test. |
| Pacing | Faster pace with less time per question. | Slower pace with more time per question. |
Structure and Content[edit]
The SAT consists of two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and an optional Science section. An optional Writing (essay) section is also available for the ACT.
The digital SAT is an adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of the second module of questions is determined by the student's performance on the first module. The ACT is a linear test, where all test-takers answer the same questions in the same order. The SAT is now only offered digitally, while the ACT is available in both paper and digital formats.
A significant[1] content difference is the ACT's dedicated Science section, which assesses data interpretation, analysis, and reasoning skills rather than specific scientific knowledge. The[4] SAT does not have a separate science section but includes science-related questions and passages in its other sections.
In the math sections, the ACT covers a wider array of topics, including more geometry and trigonometry, but does not provide formulas. The[4] SAT math section has a greater emphasis on algebra and provides a reference sheet of math formulas.
Scoring[edit]
The scoring scales for the two tests are different. The ACT uses a scale of 1 to 36, with the final composite score being an average of the four main section scores. The[5][4] SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, which is the sum of the scores from the Reading and Writing section and the Math section, each scored from 200 to 800. Neither[5] test penalizes students for incorrect answers.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "act.org". Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ↑ "studypoint.com". Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "cmich.edu". Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "kaptest.com". Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 "kdcollegeprep.com". Retrieved November 24, 2025.
