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 scores from either test, so you can take the test that’s right for you. Your college application journey is likely starting with the question, “Which test should I take?” Use this handy guide to help you decide.
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 | 75 questions | 45 minutes |
Mathematics | 60 questions | 60 minutes |
Break | --- | 15 minutes |
Reading | 40 questions | 35 minutes |
Science | 40 questions | 35 minutes |
Break* | --- | 5 minutes |
Writing* | 1 essay | 40 minutes |
Total without Writing | --- | 175 minutes |
Total with Writing | --- | 215 minutes |
*Since the Writing section of the ACT is optional, you will only complete this section and its preceding break if you opted in during registration.
ACT Test Changes
Beginning in spring 2025, the ACT will begin gradually introducing a revised, shorter version of the exam. These ACT test changes are scheduled to take place April 2025 for National tests taken digitally, September 2025 for International tests and for National tests taken with paper-and-pencil, and spring 2026 for State & District tests. See ACT’s website for continued updates.
SAT Format & Timing
Learn about the SAT's structure so you know what to expect on test day. Note that the SAT is now offered only as a digital exam.
SAT Section | Number of Questions | Timing |
|---|---|---|
Reading and Writing | 54 | 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) |
Break | --- | 10 minutes |
Math | 44 | 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules) |
Total | --- | 134 minutes |
ACT vs. SAT Scoring
Learn how these college entrance exams are scored.
Scoring | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
Score | You will receive a composite score on a 1–36 scale. This score is an average of your scores on the multiple-choice test sections (each section is scored on 1–36 scale). The optional Writing Test is not included in the composite score. You will receive 5 scores for the Writing Test: one overall score on a 2–12 scale and 4 domain scores, also 2–12, that are based on an analytic scoring rubric. | You will receive an overall score from 400 to 1600. This score is calculated by adding your score on the Math section with your score on the Reading & Writing section (each section is scored on a 200–800 scale). |
Wrong Answer Penalty | No penalty for wrong answers. | No penalty for wrong answers. |
Sending Score History to Colleges | You can decide which score is sent to colleges. Note: If students have taken the ACT multiple times, ACT allows students to share their Superscore, which is the calculated average of their best score in each subject from all the times they took the ACT. | You can decide which score is sent to colleges. Note: All scores from your selected test date are sent. |
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 English:
|
ACT Reading | Key Ideas & Details Craft & Structure Integration of Knowledge & Issues |
ACT Math | Preparing for Higher Math:
Integrating Essential Skills Modeling |
ACT Science | Interpretation of Data Scientific Investigation Evaluation of Models, Inferences & Experimental Results:
|
Optional ACT Essay | 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 | ACT (no writing): $65 Writing add-on: $25 Science add-on (once Science becomes optional): $4 | $68 |
Late Registration | $38 | $34 |
Change Fee (Includes Test Date or Test Center changes) | $44 | $29 |
Cancel Fee | Nonrefundable | $29 or $39, depending on when canceled |
Waitlist/Standby Fee (Charged only if admitted to the test center on test day) | $69 | Currently unavailable |
First 4 Score Reports | Free | Free |
Additional Score Reports | $19 each | $14 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.