SAT vs ACT Questions: How Similar Are They Really?

For college admissions, the common entrance exams in the U.S. are the SAT vs ACT, but how similar are these tests? This is a genuine question amongst the students whether they should take the SAT or the ACT. Both tests are widely accepted by U.S. colleges, and while they share the same purpose, the types of questions they ask can feel surprisingly different. The SAT comprises reading, writing, and Maths questions; on the other hand, ACT also includes an additional science section. But here’s the big question: how similar are SAT and ACT questions, really? Let’s break it down for you in this blog.

1. SAT vs ACT: The Basics

Let us first discuss the basic differences between these two tests.

SAT:

• SAT focuses more on evidence-based reading, grammar, problem-solving, and reasoning skills.
•  The number of questions is fewer but more complex.
• The exam is conducted in digital form.

ACT:

• Sections are the same, except there is an additional science section.
•  The number of questions is higher, but the questions are more straightforward.
• Conducted in both digital and paper-pencil formats.

2. Reading Questions: Critical Thinking vs Speed

• SAT Reading: In SAT reading, questions are designed in a way to analyse the author’s or character’s attitude and cite the exact evidence that proves it. The old SAT used to have 5 long passages and a total of 52 questions, but with the digital SAT, this format is no more. Now, there is no fixed number of passages; with one short passage, you can get only a single question or a few more questions. The Reading & Writing section includes four main question domains: Information and Ideas (main ideas, details, inferences, and evidence-based questions, sometimes linked to charts), Craft and Structure (words in context, author’s purpose, tone, structure, and relationships between paired passages), Expression of Ideas (clarity, transitions, and rhetorical effectiveness), and Standard English Conventions (grammar, usage, punctuation, and sentence structure). The key to scoring well is your efficiency in interpreting shorter but numerous texts, understanding purpose and tone, choosing precise evidence, and applying strong grammar and editing skills.
  
• ACT Reading: Questions are more straightforward, focusing on what the passage says. There’s less emphasis on finding direct evidence, but the challenge lies in time pressure. You’ll have less than a minute per question( 40 questions in 35 minutes), so speed is key. You will need to read 4 passages.

3. Math Questions: Reasoning vs Direct Problem-Solving

• SAT Math: Includes both multiple-choice and student-produced response questions, about 44 questions in total, split across two adaptive modules. You get 70 minutes (35 minutes per module), which gives you a little more than a minute and a half per question. A calculator is allowed on all questions, either through the built-in digital tool or your own approved calculator. The section still focuses strongly on algebra, advanced math, problem solving, and data analysis, with a smaller portion on geometry and trigonometry. It tests mathematical reasoning as much as raw calculation, but in a shorter, more adaptive format compared to the old paper SAT.

• ACT Math: includes 45 questions that you must complete in 50 minutes, giving you just over a minute per question. In ACT, a calculator is provided to you for all the questions. Although the SAT has more algebra and advanced questions, the ACT gives equal weight to geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and the broader, high school math curriculum; however, both the SAT and ACT questions are more straightforward and remain high school level questions (albeit you need to be fast to score well on the ACT).

Both exams test your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and data analysis, but the SAT wants you to “think” through problems, while the ACT wants you to solve them quickly.

Also know – IB Exam preparation

4. English/Grammar Questions: Almost Twins

Here’s where the SAT and ACT overlap the most.

• Both tests ask you to fix grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
  

SAT English (Reading & Writing): The SAT has combined its Reading and Writing into one single section. You’ll get short passages with questions that ask you to fix grammar, punctuation, word choice, or improve clarity. There are also reading-based questions where you need to find meaning, tone, or evidence from the text. You get 54 questions in 64 minutes, and the test gives you a little more breathing room compared to the ACT. 

ACT English: The ACT still has a separate English section, and it’s a lot faster. You’ll see longer yet high school level passages with underlined parts, and the questions will ask you to correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and style. You get 75 questions in just 45 minutes, which means you have to move quickly. The content is almost similar between the SAT and ACT; the only major difference will be the pace, which you will need to keep faster with the ACT.

5. The Science Section: The ACT’s Unique Twist

The science section is unique in the ACT. You must be wondering what this section actually tests. Mostly, students presume that this section tests their deep science factual knowledge, but that is not the case. It’s about your ability to read, analyze, and interpret data. If you’re familiar with writing the longer and more complex science sections of research papers or journal articles, that’s the kind of reading you’ll be doing.

You will be presented with a few passages that are often reports or experiments with figures and tables displayed. Then, you will be asked questions based on what that data likely means or how a variable may be changing. The Science section is primarily about being able to use logic and reasoning related to the scientific data presented. The number of questions in this section is 40, which you have to attempt in just 25 minutes, clearly suggesting you need to maintain a good pace to attempt this section.

6. Which Test Is Better for You?

It really depends on your strengths:

• If you’re strong at critical thinking and prefer a bit more time, the SAT is your best match.
  
• If your pace is good and you’re with science data, the ACT  is a better choice.

Final Thoughts

By now, you must have concluded the differences and similarities between both the test patterns and the questions they comprise. Pretty similar in content, but very different in style. Both test reading, writing, and math skills, but the SAT emphasizes reasoning and evidence, while the ACT emphasizes speed and breadth. Take mock papers, analyse your weaknesses and strengths along with the time management skills and your critical thinking, before you decide on which test is better for you.

How Princeton Review Can Help Students:

Preparing for the SAT or ACT is not only about knowing the syllabus; it is also about knowing the style of the exam. The Princeton Review helps students in both.

• The Princeton Review gives practice tests for the SAT and ACT, which mimic the real test, so you can analyze your prep and see which exam suits you better.
  
• The experts teach timing strategies for ACT’s fast pace and reasoning methods for SAT’s evidence-based questions.
  
• The highly qualified tutors help you with grammar and reading skills, so whether it is short SAT passages or long ACT passages, you know how to answer correctly.
  
• For  Math, the experts provide you step-by-step guidance for the SAT’s adaptive questions and ACT’s wider topics like geometry and trigonometry.
• The analytical tools provided track your prep. After each practice, you get detailed reports showing your strengths, weak areas, timing, and score trends. This way, you know exactly where to focus and how much you are improving.