A key aspect of college admission test prep is making a decision about whether to take the SAT or ACT. Although both tests are widely accepted at most U.S. colleges and an increasing number of international universities, knowing the format for each test, what they test, and the main differences between the two will help you decide which test is better for you. The exams are intended to serve the same purpose. There are many significant differences and even some differences that are more secondary than the various kinds of examinees. Choosing which test to take will allow you to maximize your potential to achieve the best score possible.
In this blog, we will discuss whether colleges and universities prefer one test to the other, identify the major differences between the SAT and ACT, and provide you with actionable steps to choose the best test for you according to your test-taking style and academic skills.
Do Colleges Prefer the SAT or ACT?
Like I said, simply put: no, most colleges don’t prefer one test over the other. Admissions officers are telling us that they consider both the SAT and ACT equally. Their written policies say that either test satisfies application requirements at U.S. institutions, and that students should use which one that is most suitable to their strengths.
In the past, some geographic areas of the U.S. seemed to prefer one test over the other (the ACT was probably favored in the Midwest and South, whereas the SAT was favored in both coasts), but in the new era of more national access for all students, students in all regions are taking both tests. A lot of colleges have now also adopted test-optional policies, but for the students submitting, most colleges generally accept either test with no preference stated.
Key Differences Between the SAT and ACT
While both tests evaluate college readiness, they differ in structure, timing, and focus. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
| Total Duration | 2 hours, 14 minutes (Digital SAT) | 125 minutes ( excluding optional sections) |
| Sections | Reading and Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science (Optional), Optional Essay |
| Math Content | Focus on algebra, data analysis, and problem solving | Includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus |
| Calculator Use | Calculator allowed on all math questions | Allowed only on the ACT math section |
| Scoring | 400-1600 | 1-36 |
| Science Section | None (science concepts are integrated into Reading and Math) | Dedicated Science Section assessing scientific reasoning |
| Guessing Penalty | None | None |
A Closer Look at the SAT
The SAT has experienced considerable changes as it is now a digital, adaptive assessment. An adaptive test means that when answering questions, the test will change difficulty based on your performance. Here are a few specifics about the new SAT on the above topics:
- Shorter Test Time: The test is designed to take an overall time of two hours and fourteen minutes instead of the previous longer time allotments and fewer questions than the previous version.
- Reading and Writing Combined: The reading was separated from the writing section of the older SAT. The new SAT combines reading and writing with short reading passages with related questions.
- Math Section: Math is now the primary emphasis in the new test, which includes reasoning around algebra, data analysis, and advanced mathematics. Additionally, this section allows for use of a calculator which is embedded online, or you may carry your own calculator from a list of approved calculators.
A Closer Look at the ACT
The ACT is still either a computer-based test (depending on the testing center). The ACT has a Science section as well, which examines a student’s reasoning in her capabilities in Science rather than knowledge. The ACT has more questions and creates an urgency for speed on the test.
- Mathematics: Has trigonometry and pre-calculus, which are not in the SAT.
- Reading Section: The Reading section has more time per question than it used to; therefore, it is not so hurried, while measuring comprehension and analysis.
- Science Section: The ACT provides an optional Science Section that provides the option to study data and reasoning in science, without any factual recall of scientific knowledge.
- Optional Essay: Although the essay on the SAT has been removed, the ACT keeps the optional essay to guide you to demonstrate your capacity for analytical writing.
How to Choose the Right Test for You
All schools use the SAT and the ACT in the same way, so really you should focus only on which is better for you. Here are some things that might help you figure out which test would work best for you:
1. Strengths in Content Areas
If math tends to be your skill area (particularly with the algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis sections), the SAT may offer a test more in line with your strengths (given the content emphasis).
If you are better at reading charts, interpreting scientific data, and graphical information, the ACT might lend you an advantage in its separate Science section.
2. Timing and Pacing
The ACT is known to be fast-paced, with more questions in a shorter amount of time than the SAT. If you thrive under pressure and are able to quickly digest the information, then you may be better off looking at ACT as a whole, timed-test experience.
If you like the comfort of having more time to decide your answers, the SAT will likely provide a more “controlled” testing experience.
3. Reading & Writing Format
The ACT’s Reading section is giving you more time per question than in previous iterations. So, if you prefer working through larger passages at a higher pace, this may make the ACT easier for you.
The SAT has divided the reading and writing sections into one. There are shorter passages, each followed by only a single question. If you prefer less reading per question and a more direct approach, you might benefit more from the SAT.
4. Science and Data Interpretation
The ACT provides an optional Science section, which assesses your ability to interpret charts, analyze data, and make meaning of experiments. If you like working with scientific information and want to take a chance to present those abilities, picking this section could work out well for you.
The SAT does not have a separate Science section, but it does ask some science-based questions among the Reading and Math sections. However, if you prefer seeing scientific content strewn throughout the test rather than a separate section, the SAT is an option you may prefer.
Practice Tests: A Key Step in Making Your Decision
The most effective means of determining which test is best for you is by taking full-length, timed practice tests for both the SAT and ACT. This will help you assess:
- How comfortable do you feel with each test, in terms of timing and format?
- Which test allowed you to better show your strengths?
- Your baseline scores will inform your prep plan.
Many students see similar scores on their SAT and ACT practice tests. If you are one of them, think through the experience you had test taking: did you feel more rushed on one of the tests? Did you find one of the tests to be a lot more straightforward?
Preparing for the SAT or ACT: How The Princeton Review Can Help
No matter which test you decide to take, you will want to get prepared! The Princeton Review has a variety of resources to help you succeed, including:
SAT and ACT Prep Classes: Scheduled lessons covering the sections of the SAT and ACT, with a focus on improving both content knowledge and test-taking techniques.
Practice Tests: Timed, complete SAT and ACT practice tests for you to build your stamina and get used to taking the test.
1-on-1 Tutoring: Private sessions that are tailored to your particular needs. Want to increase your math score or improve your pacing on the Reading section?
Score Improvement Guarantees: You are already taking a big step by committing to ACT test prep. The Princeton Review can offer proven techniques to help you improve your score and make your college admissions dreams come true!
In the end, choosing between the SAT and ACT is a personal decision with no guaranteed right or wrong answer. Colleges treat both tests as a whole with equal value, so the biggest question isn’t which test is better, but rather which is better for you in terms of your characteristics and strengths, your test-taking habits, and how you feel about the specific content and pacing associated with each test.
Understanding the major differences, taking practice tests, and being strategic with your preparation gives you the ability to decide whether the SAT or ACT is the better option for you to shine and get one step closer to accomplishing your college admissions plan.