ACT vs SAT

The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test, and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator. Colleges don't prefer one over the other, so explore both tests to decide which one is right for you.

TEST STRUCTURE

SAT

 Reading

5 reading passages

 Writing & Language

 Math

Covers

 Arithmetic

 Algebra I & II

 Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis

Calculator Policy: Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.

Science - None

Essay (Optional)

Length

 3 hours (without essay)  3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)

ACT

English

Reading

4 reading passages

 Science Reasoning

Science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)

Math

Covers:

 Arithmetic

 Algebra I & II

 Geometry and Trigonometry

Calculator Policy: You can use a calculator on all math questions.

Essays

Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text.

Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.

 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)  3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)

How It's Scored?

SAT: Scored on a scale of 400–1600

ACT: Scored on a scale of 1–36