The ACT and SAT: Which Test Is Right for You?

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) are standardized tests that colleges use to evaluate students during the admission process. Some schools accept both SAT and ACT scores, others show a preference for one or the other, 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 differ, what you can expect from each test, and which one might be the most suitable for you to take.

ACT and SAT History

First administered in 1926, the SAT was created as a college admissions exam and was influenced by World War I Army intelligence tests, such as the Army Alpha. Over time, the format and the 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 digital version of the SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete and includes sections on math, reading comprehension, and writing. The highest score a person can achieve on the SAT is 1600.

The ACT, created as a result of the SAT, was first administered in 1959. University of Iowa Professor of Education Everett Franklin Lindquist developed the standardized test to better evaluate a student’s practical knowledge versus the reasoning skills that the SAT focuses on.

The modern ACT takes two hours and 45 minutes to complete. The test includes sections on English, math, and reading, plus optional 40-minute writing and science portions. 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.

Recommended: ACT vs. SAT: Which Do Colleges Prefer?

Difference Between the ACT and SAT Tests

The SAT and ACT have several differences that might inform a student’s decision to prepare for and take one over the other. More students are taking both tests than ever before, but preparing for each is different, and some prefer one test experience over another. If you’re wondering whether SAT scores are important for college admissions (especially at test-optional schools), here’s what to know.

Scoring

One of the most obvious differences between the two tests is the scoring method. An ACT score ranges from 1 to 36, and there’s no penalty for getting a question wrong. Your Composite score is the average of your English, math, and reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

SAT takers get a score between 400 and 1600. Once again, there’s no penalty for answering a question wrong, and answering more questions correctly generally leads to a higher score. 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 another. The ACT, because of its deeper focus on verbal skills, might be a better fit for students who excel in English classes. Those with strong math skills may prefer the SAT due to its emphasis on arithmetic.

Both tests have a math section that includes data analysis, statistics, and probability. On the SAT, many of these skills fall under Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, while the ACT explicitly includes Statistics and Probability.

Format and Subjects

Even though the ACT can be slightly shorter if you skip the optional science section, it’s a faster-paced test with less time per question. The SAT is 98 questions in 134 minutes (about 1 minute, 22 seconds per question), while the ACT is 131 questions in 125 minutes without science (about 57 seconds per question). If you add the optional science section, the ACT becomes 171 questions in 165 minutes (about 58 seconds per question).

Time per question could be important to a student’s test-taking strategy, especially when factoring in the difficulty levels of each test. On the digital SAT, each section is split into two modules. The first module includes a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions, and the second module is designed to be more difficult or less difficult overall based on a student’s performance in the first module. The same is true for the ACT’s math and science sections, in which 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, and sentence structure

•   Math: algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

•   Reading: passage comprehension on fiction, humanities, and sciences

•   Science (optional): comprehension, including summaries, charts, and graphs

•   Writing (optional)

The SAT has questions, all multiple choice, on:

•   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.

A major difference 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: $68, with a $25 writing add-on and a $4 science add-on

These costs should not deter students from taking them. Both the College Board and ACT offer fee waivers for students who meet the requirements.

Evaluating options for paying for tuition is another important piece of the college preparation puzzle. These may be in the form of grants, scholarships, and undergraduate loans, including both private and federal student loans. If you’ve compared your aid options and still have a gap, private student loans may help cover eligible education costs.

Recommended: 11 Strategies for Paying for College and Other Expenses

Geography

Historically, the SAT was more popular in the Northeast and the West, while the ACT was more common in the Midwest and the South. Today, participation varies by state and can be influenced by statewide testing programs.

Because of geographic trends, students on the coasts who are preparing to go to college 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 value is like comparing apples to oranges. However, if a student takes both, it’s useful to figure out which one they performed better on by finding a way to compare one test score to another.

Here’s how the ACT’s composite scores compare to the SAT range:

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	880-910
15	830-870
14	780-820
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, focusing more 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. If you’re weighing your options, it can also help to remember that college isn’t for everyone, and there are other paths worth exploring.

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 get an estimate of your potential 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.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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 more straightforward questions and a science section, while the SAT focuses more on problem-solving and critical thinking. The level of 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 is more fast-paced and has 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. Admissions committees focus on a student’s overall performance rather than the specific test they have taken. Students should choose the test that best aligns with their strengths and preparation style to maximize their score.

---

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Not all repayment options may be available for all loans. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is current as of 3/2/2026 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOISL-Q126-038