When it comes to college admissions, two standardized tests stand out: the ACT and the SAT. Both are designed to assess a student’s readiness for higher education, but they have distinct differences in format, content, and scoring.
Keep reading to learn more about how these tests compare, which one you should take, and how colleges feel about these two exams.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Most colleges do not have a strong preference between the ACT and SAT; they accept both tests equally and consider them as part of the overall application package.
• One difference is that the ACT includes a science section and covers more advanced math topics, while the SAT focuses more on critical reading and writing.
• Students should choose the test that aligns better with their strengths and testing style. Taking practice tests for both can help determine which one is a better fit and where you are likely to perform better.
• The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, combining scores from the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections, while the ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, averaging the scores from four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
• Thorough preparation is essential for both tests. Understanding the specific requirements and preferences of your target colleges can help you tailor your test preparation and application strategy effectively.
Purpose, Structure, and Cost
The SAT and ACT are two exams that serve the same purpose. Colleges utilize both exams to determine admission and award merit-based scholarships. Both tests are similar in length and structure, with the SAT taking 2 hours and 14 minutes, and the ACT taking 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay), and 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay) to complete.
For the 2025-26 school year, it costs $68 to register for the SAT. There are additional charges if you change test centers ($34) or you register late ($38). Your first four score reports are free if you order them within nine days after the test date. After that, any additional reports you want to send to multiple colleges cost $15 each.
The cost to register for the ACT for the 2025-26 school year is $65 with no writing ($25) or science ($4). There are additional charges if you change test centers ($44) or you register late ($38). Your registration fee covers reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if you provide the codes when you register). Additional score reports are $19.
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The Subject Matter
These two exams cover similar subject matter and include an optional essay portion, although there are some key differences worth noting when it comes to preparing to take these exams. The main difference between the ACT and SAT subject matter is that the ACT has a science section, whereas the SAT does not.
ACT Subject Matter
The ACT includes four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The English section focuses on grammar, usage, and rhetorical skills, while the Math section covers a broader range of topics, including trigonometry and advanced algebra. The Reading section tests comprehension and analysis of passages, and the Science section evaluates a student’s ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate scientific information and data.
SAT Subject Matter
The SAT is structured into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math, with an optional Essay section. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is divided into Reading and Writing & Language tests, focusing on critical reading, vocabulary, and writing skills. The Math section is split into two parts: one that allows the use of a calculator and one that does not, and it emphasizes problem-solving and data analysis, with a greater focus on algebra and less on advanced math topics like trigonometry.
How Each Exam Is Scored
Both the SAT and ACT have unique scoring systems. Here’s a bit of information on each.
How the SAT Is Scored
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600. Breaking down the scoring process a bit further, the SAT has not just a “total score,” but “section scores.” Each of the main sections, reading/writing and math, may be scored up to 800 points. These scores are then combined for the total.
Last but not least, students will receive subscores, evaluating their performance of certain or subject areas. These scores are included as a part of the total score, but this breakdown can be insightful for students looking to retake the test and improve their skill set.
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How the ACT Is Scored
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The ACT scoring system begins by taking into account how many questions a student answers correctly. The “raw scores,” which represent the number of correct answers on each test, are then converted to “scale scores.” Each subject section — English, Math, Reading, and Science—receives a scale score.
The “composite score,” which ranges from 1 to 36, is an average of each subject test, rounded to the nearest whole number. The scoring process is completed after identifying the percentage of correctly answered questions.
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Do Colleges Prefer the ACT or SAT?
Both the ACT and SAT are widely accepted by U.S. colleges and schools generally don’t have a preference for one over the other. Many people believe that the SAT is more popular, especially with elite colleges, but that is a higher education urban legend.
There may, however, be some regional preferences between ACT vs SAT. College Raptor analyzed the numbers of students who applied to colleges with ACT or SAT scores (numbers that colleges and universities report to the government) and found that, while many states were split down the middle, a few lean more in one direction towards ACT or SAT. For example, Wisconsin leans heavily towards an ACT preference — there, 95.27% of applicants submitted ACT scores.
Knowing Which Test to Take
While some students opt to take both the SAT or ACT, some choose just one in order to focus on preparing for the test they believe they are more likely to score higher on. Neither test is generally easier than the other, but some students may find their different structures suit their needs better.
The SAT focuses more on critical reading, writing, and problem-solving, with a greater emphasis on algebra and data analysis in its Math section. The ACT, on the other hand, includes a Science section and covers a broader range of math topics, including trigonometry. If you excel in science and math, the ACT might be a better fit. If you are strong in reading and writing, the SAT could be more advantageous.
Taking a full-length practice test of each exam can give you a better idea of which test you’ll score higher on. Once you’ve determined which is a better fit, you can spend their time and resources preparing for just one test instead of two. If you feel comfortable preparing for and taking both exams, doing so can be beneficial as you will have two scores to choose between to send to colleges.
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Paying for College
The options don’t stop after you complete the test (or tests) of your choice. Once you use your solid scores to get into the college of your dreams, you and your family may be faced with some other big decisions, especially when it comes to paying for college.
Luckily, there are options — including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans — that can help offset the out-of-pocket costs. If you’ve exhausted those avenues and still have a funding gap, you may want to explore private student loans and or parent loans.
Private student loans are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Unlike federal loans, applying for a private loan requires a credit check. Students who have solid financials (or a cosigner who does) typically qualify for the best rates and terms. Just keep in mind that private loans don’t come with the same protections, like government-sponsored forgiveness programs, that you get with federal loans.
The Takeaway
In the ongoing debate between the ACT and SAT, it’s clear that most colleges do not have a strong preference for one over the other. Both tests are designed to measure college readiness and are widely accepted. Ultimately, the choice should be based on which test aligns better with your strengths and testing style.
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
Do most colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?
Most colleges do not have a strong preference for one test over the other. They accept both and consider them equally in the admissions process.
How can students decide which test to take?
Students should consider their strengths and testing style. If you excel in science and advanced math, the ACT might be a better fit. If you are strong in reading and writing, the SAT might suit you more. Taking practice tests for both can also help determine which one you perform better on.
What are the main differences between the ACT and SAT?
The ACT includes a science section and covers more advanced math topics, while the SAT focuses more on critical reading and writing. The ACT is generally more straightforward, while the SAT can be more complex and requires strong reasoning skills.
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