SAT vs. ACT: Choose the Right Test for College Admissions
More than 1.7 million high school seniors in the class of 2022 took the SAT, up from 1.5 million the year before. The ACT saw a similar increase, with nearly 1.35 million students taking the test. While these numbers are still lower than pre-pandemic levels, they represent a promising trend.
It’s not uncommon for students to take both the SAT and ACT, as both tests are used to assess critical thinking and analytical skills. Many colleges and universities require applicants to submit scores from one or both tests as part of the admissions process.
So, which test should you take? The SAT and ACT have different formats, question types, and scoring scales. It’s important to consider your strengths and weaknesses to determine which test is a better fit for you.
This blog will provide an overview of the key differences between the SAT and ACT, helping you decide which test is right for you.
SAT vs. ACT: Similarities
Most colleges and universities expect applicants to take the SAT or ACT and score above a certain threshold. This helps them compare students from different high schools and gauge their readiness for college-level work. Each school has its own admissions process and places varying importance on standardized test scores.
In general, these tests serve as a predictor of how well a student will perform in college. The SAT and ACT are like two different paths that lead to the same destination: college. Both tests assess your skills in reading, writing, and math, and colleges accept them equally.
Both the ACT and SAT exam have reading, writing, and math sections. The reading sections have passages that you need to read and answer questions about. The writing sections test your grammar, punctuation, and essay-writing skills. The math sections cover algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Neither test punishes you for guessing or leaving a question blank. So, don’t stress if you’re not sure about an answer—just take a guess!
SAT vs. ACT: Differences
While the SAT and ACT may seem similar, there are some key differences to be aware of. The ACT has traditionally been seen as more closely aligned with the high school curriculum, while the SAT has been viewed as more of an aptitude test. Recent changes to the SAT have blurred these lines somewhat. Jaekyung Lee, a professor of education at the University of Buffalo in New York says, “Even still, I think the ACT is a more curriculum-based assessment”.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between the two tests:
SAT vs. ACT: Scoring Range
The SAT and ACT are both scored on different scales. The SAT has a total score range of 400 to 1600, while the ACT has a composite score range of 1 to 36. The ACT also has an optional writing test, which is scored separately from the composite score. The writing test score ranges from 2 to 12.
Read More: Understanding the SAT Score Range for Academic Success
SAT vs. ACT: Format, Sections, and Time
While they both assess your readiness for college-level work, they differ in a few key aspects: format, sections, and duration.
Here’s a quick table summarizing the key differences between the SAT and ACT:
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with a calculator), Math (no calculator) | English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional essay) |
| Length | 3 hours | 2 hours and 55 minutes (without essay) or 3 hours and 35 minutes (with essay) |
| Timing per section | 65-minute reading test35-minute writing and language test80-minute math section | 35-minute reading test45-minute English test60-minute math section35-minute science test |
| Number of questions | 154 | 215 + 1 optional essay |
Although both the ACT and SAT are about the same length, they have different pacing. The ACT has more questions, so you’ll have less time to spend on each one.
SAT vs. ACT: Math Section
The SAT and ACT math sections cover a lot of the same material. However, there are a few key differences. The ACT places a greater emphasis on upper-level math concepts, such as trigonometry, logarithms, and matrices. Additionally, the ACT has five answer choices per question, while the SAT has four. This means that you have a slightly better chance of guessing correctly on the SAT math section.
Another difference between the two tests is that the SAT includes grid-in questions, while the ACT does not. Grid-in questions are questions where you have to write your own answer instead of choosing from a multiple-choice list. These questions can be more difficult, but they also tend to be worth more points.
Finally, the SAT provides a comprehensive reference guide with math formulas, mostly for geometry problems, which make up less than 10% of SAT Math questions. You can use it during the test, which means that you may not need to memorize as many formulas for the SAT as you do for the ACT.
SAT vs. ACT: Calculator Rules
There are a few differences in how calculators can be used on each test.
- SAT: The SAT math section is split into two parts: one where you can use a calculator and one where you can’t. The first part, called Math (No Calculator), has 20 questions, and you’ll have 25 minutes to solve them. The second part, called Math (Calculator), has 38 questions, and you’ll have 55 minutes to solve them.
- ACT: You can use a calculator for all math questions on the ACT. This means you don’t have to worry about memorizing formulas or being able to solve math problems quickly by hand.
Some students may prefer the ACT because they can use a calculator for all of the math questions. Others may prefer the SAT because they have more practice with mental math.
SAT vs. ACT: Science Section
The ACT has a dedicated Science section that counts for 25% of your composite score. This section assesses your ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate scientific information presented in a variety of formats, including graphs, tables, and diagrams. To do well in the Science section, you should be familiar with a range of scientific concepts and be able to apply your knowledge to solve problems.
The SAT does not have a separate Science section, but science-related questions are scattered throughout the Reading, Writing, and Language, and Math sections. These questions test your ability to understand and apply scientific concepts in the context of a passage or problem. While there are fewer science questions on the SAT than on the ACT, they are still important for your overall score.
SAT vs. ACT: Costs
The price of taking the SAT or ACT has increased in recent years. The SAT now costs $60, up from $52 last year, while the ACT costs $68 for just the exam, up from $55 last year. If you want to take the optional writing section on the ACT, you’ll need to shell out an extra $25, bringing the total cost to $93.
Both the SAT and ACT offer fee waivers for students who qualify. With an SAT fee waiver, you can take the test twice for free, avoid late fees, get unlimited score reports to send to colleges, access answer services twice, get waived application fees at participating schools, and receive a free CSS Profile.
An ACT fee waiver gives you similar benefits, including four free tests, unlimited score reports, waived application fees at participating schools, and free access to an official ACT online prep course.
There may be additional fees for things such as late registration, and some students may be able to take the SAT or ACT for free through their state or with other fee waivers.
Is a Test Score Mandatory for College Admission?
Despite many colleges adopting test-optional or test-blind policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the SAT and ACT remain widely accepted. In recent years, especially since the pandemic, colleges have placed less emphasis on standardized test scores, favoring other application components such as GPA, course rigor, and letters of recommendation. However, many schools still require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Even if your desired college doesn’t mandate standardized test scores, submitting strong scores can boost your admission chances.
If you’re planning to submit your SAT or ACT scores for college applications, here’s a quick rundown of the average scores for the class of 2022. The average SAT score was 1050, which is a slight decrease from the previous year’s score of 1060. The average ACT score for the class of 2022 was 19.8, which is also a slight decrease from the previous year’s score of 20.3. These scores are still within the range that colleges typically consider competitive.
It is important to keep in mind that these are just average scores. Your individual score may be higher or lower than the average.
From the Desk of Yocket
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between the SAT and ACT. Ultimately, the best test for you is the one that you feel most comfortable with and that you perform best on. If you have any inquiries, feel free to get in touch with our Yocket experts. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Your strengths and weaknesses: If you are strong in vocabulary and abstract reasoning, the SAT may be a better fit for you. If you are strong in grammar and punctuation and enjoy problem-solving, the ACT may be a better fit for you.
Read More: 125 SAT Vocabulary Words You Must Know - Your study habits: If you prefer shorter, more focused study sessions, the SAT may be a better fit for you. If you prefer longer, more sustained study sessions, the ACT may be a better fit for you.
- The colleges you are interested in: Some colleges and universities have a preference for one test over the other. It is a good idea to check the admissions requirements of the colleges you are interested in before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do the SAT and ACT cost?
- For the SAT, the test costs $60.
- For the ACT, the test costs $68, or $93 if you choose to take the writing section.
2. How can I decide which test to take?
The best way to decide which test to take is to practice for both tests and see which one you score better on. You can also consider taking both tests to get the most options for college admissions.
3. Can I send my SAT or ACT scores to multiple colleges?
Yes, you can send your SAT or ACT scores to multiple colleges through the College Board or ACT website.