ACT® vs. SAT®
Both the ACT and the SAT are nationally administered, standardized tests that help schools evaluate your application and see how prepared you are for college courses.
Most colleges accept both the ACT and SAT, allowing you to choose the test that best matches your strengths. To help you decide where to start your application journey, use this quick guide.
Table of Contents
- ACT Format & Timing
- SAT Format & Timing
- ACT vs. SAT Scoring
- ACT vs. SAT Test Content
- ACT vs. SAT Test Costs
ACT Format & Timing
Learn about the ACT's structure so you know what to expect on test day.
ACT Section | Number of Questions | Timing |
|---|---|---|
English | 50 questions | 35 minutes |
Math | 45 questions | 50 minutes |
Reading | 36 questions | 40 minutes |
Science (Optional) | 40 questions | 40 minutes |
Writing (Optional) | 1 essay | 40 minutes |
ACT Test Changes
Major ACT updates introduced for 2025–2026 directly incorporate feedback from students and educators. The refreshed exam offers a shorter, lower-stress format designed to give test-takers greater control over their testing experience. Check the official ACT website or explore our updated guide for the latest details.
SAT Format & Timing
Learn about the SAT's structure so you know what to expect on test day.
SAT Section | Number of Questions | Timing |
|---|---|---|
Reading and Writing | 54 | 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) |
Math | 44 | 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules) |
ACT vs. SAT Scoring
Learn how these college entrance exams are scored.
Scoring | ACT Scoring | SAT Scoring |
|---|---|---|
Score Calculation | The ACT is scored by assigning a scaled score ranging from 1 to 36 for each required test (English, Math, and Reading). These scores are averaged to calculate the final composite ACT score. A separate score is issued for the optional Science and Writing Tests if a student chooses to take either. | Both the Reading and Writing section and the Math section of the SAT are divided into two modules. A student’s performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the questions in the second module. The highest scores can be earned by doing well on a more difficult second module. The Reading and Writing section and the Math section of the SAT are each worth 200 to 800 points, combining for a total score of 400 to 1600. |
Wrong Answer Penalty | No penalty for wrong answers. | No penalty for wrong answers. |
Score Percentile Rankings | Provided | Provided |
ACT vs. SAT Test Content
While the two tests are similar, there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Exam Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
SAT Reading & Writing | Information & Ideas Craft & Structure Expression of Ideas Standard English Conventions |
SAT Math | Algebra Advanced Math Problem-Solving & Data Analysis Geometry & Trigonometry |
ACT English | Production of Writing:
Knowledge of Language Conventions of Standard English:
|
ACT Math | Preparing for Higher Math:
Integrating Essential Skills Modeling |
ACT Reading | Key Ideas & Details Craft & Structure Integration of Knowledge & Ideas |
ACT Science (Optional) | Interpretation of Data Scientific Investigation Evaluation of Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence:
|
ACT Writing (Optional) | Idea & Analysis Development & Support Organization Language Use & Conventions |
ACT vs. SAT Test Costs
Learn about the different testing fees for the ACT and SAT.
Fee Type | ACT Fees | SAT Fees |
|---|---|---|
Registration | $70 for core exam (English, Math, and Reading) +$5 for Optional Science +$25 for Optional Writing | $68 |
Late Registration | $42 | $38 |
Change Fee | $49 | $34 |
Cancel Fee | Nonrefundable | $34 |
Waitlist | $75 | Free |
First 4 Score Reports | Free | Free |
Additional Score Reports | $20 each | $15 each |
Upcoming ACT Test Dates
Make your application process go smoothly by deciding which exam you plan to take as early as possible. You’ll want to have enough time to prepare for your test, and you may even want to take the test multiple times to improve your score. With that in mind, the schedule of upcoming ACT test dates may also play an important role in your decision of which test to take. Don’t worry, we’ve compiled all the upcoming test dates to help you plan.