SAT vs. ACT Summary
Both the SAT and the ACT are nationally recognized and all U.S. colleges now accept either test for admissions purposes. Here are some basic differences in test structure:
SAT
Total time
3 hours without essay
3 hours 50 minutes with essay
Order and Length of Sections
Reading (65 Minutes)
Writing & Language (35 Minutes)
Math, without calculator (25 Minutes)
Math, with calculator (55 Minutes)
Essay (optional) (55 Minutes)
Number of Questions
Reading – 52
Writing & Language – 44
Math Without Calculator – 20
Math With Calculator – 38
Essay – 1 (optional)
Scoring
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections each use a scale of 200-800 and are combined for a total score.
The optional essay uses three separate scales of 1-8 and does not count toward your final score.
Total Score Range: 400 - 1600
Cost
$47.50 without essay
$64.50 with essay
Time per Question
The SAT gives you more time per question on ALL sections of the exam.
Science
The SAT does not have a separate Science section. However, the SAT does test your understanding of scientific concepts through an analysis of your responses to questions dealing with scientific passages, data, and charts on the Reading, Writing, and Math sections. These are presented through “subscores” that are shared with colleges. That being said, most colleges do not pay particular attention to your subscores.
Math
The SAT tests basic math through Algebra 2, with a greater focus on Algebra. There is a small section that allows you to use a calculator. On the other hand, the SAT provides a diagram containing 12 Geometry formulas and 3 laws, requiring less memorization and saving you some prep-time!
Number of Answer Choices: 4 (meaning you have a 25% chance of getting your answer right if you guess
If you are good at Algebra and Data Analysis, the SAT may be more friendly for you. Also, if you believe you will have to guess on math, the SAT has a slight advantage.
Reading
All questions follow a chronological order within the passage…in other words, it can be easier to find the correct response when you go back to the passage and this can save you time.
Essay/Writing
Your writing will reflect your analysis of an author’s argument, and you will use evidence and reasoning.
ACT
Total time
2 hours 55 minutes without writing section
3 hours 35 minutes with writing section
Order and Length of Sections
English (45 Minutes)
Math (60 Minutes)
Reading (35 Minutes)
Science (35 Minutes)
Writing (optional) (45 Minutes)
Number of Questions
English - 75
Math - 60
Reading - 40
Science – 40
Writing – 1 Essay
Scoring
Each section uses a scale of 1-36. Your total score is the average of your four section scores.
The optional Writing section uses a scale of 2-12 and does not count toward your final score.
Total Score range: 1 - 36
Cost
$50.50 without writing
$67.00 with writing
Time per Question
The ACT allows you to use a calculator for ALL math questions, which could be a time-saver on the math section.
Science
The ACT includes a separate section just for Science. If you are considering a science-based major, such as pre-med, you should consider focusing your efforts on the ACT.
Science constitutes one-fourth of your total ACT score, so if you’re a science whiz, and the idea of having an entire section that focuses on scientific data, graphs and hypotheses appeals to you, this is the test for you!
Math
Much larger focus on Geometry (about 35 – 45% of the math questions are Geometry), and the ACT does not provide you with formulas, so you MUST memorize them!
More Trigonometry focus (about 7% of the math questions).
Number of Answer Choices: 5 (meaning you have a 20% chance of getting your answer right if you guess)
So, if Geometry and Trig are your fortes, the ACT may be a better fit!
Reading
Questions often flow randomly and don’t routinely follow the order of the content in the passage.
Essay/Writing
Your writing will reflect an analysis of the passage, AND you will give your opinion about what you’ve read. This requires you to compare and contrast different perspectives.