The SAT or the paper-based ACT? As you approach the college application process, one of the most critical decisions you will have to make is which standardized exam to take. Each test has its fans and its detractors, and there are benefits and drawbacks to each. Starting September 6th, 2025, the ACT will offer a shorter test (2 hours and 5 minutes without breaks) in both a paper and digital format, with an optional Science section. Take time to educate yourself about the format and timing of the exams. We can help guide you through this decision-making process.
Here are some helpful tips to figure out which test is best for you.
Learn about the tests:
The SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes – split between a Reading and Writing section and a Math section. Each section is scored on a 200 to 800 scale and contains two stage-adaptive modules. Your performance on the first module will dictate the difficulty of the second module. The total score ranges from 400 to 1600. Students can take the test on their own laptop, tablet, or school-issued device at a testing center. The test is administered through the College Board’s Bluebook app.
The new ACT is 2 hours and 5 minutes and consists of three sections: English, Math, and Reading. Each section is scored from 1-36 and a student’s Composite score is the average of all three. The Science section is optional. If a student chooses to add the optional 40-minute Science section, they will receive a Science section and STEM (Science + Math Sections) score in addition to their Composite score. The test will be administered either on paper or digitally beginning on September 6th, 2025.
Both the SAT and the ACT test for “college readiness” and are accepted at all colleges and universities in the U.S. Let’s discuss the similarities between the exams for starters:
- Knowledge of English language conventions (grammar)
- Reading comprehension
- Math skills, up to and including precalculus/statistics
- Interpreting and analyzing charts and tables
Each test consists almost entirely of multiple-choice questions.
Understand the timing and differences between the exams:
The following table summarizes the format and timing of the tests.
| SAT | New ACT |
| Timing: 2 hours, 14 minutes |
Timing: 2 hours, 5 minutes |
| # of Questions: 98 |
# of Questions: 131 |
| Subjects: Reading and Writing, Math |
Subjects: English, Math, Reading (Option to add Science) |
| Scoring: Two sections are scored from 200-800 for a total score of 400-1600. Each section consists of two individual, “stage adaptive” modules. The level of difficulty of the questions in the second module is determined by the student’s performance in the first module. The more challenging second module offers a higher scoring potential. |
Scoring:
Three sections (English, Math, Reading) are averaged for a Composite score from 1-36. |
| Score Cancellations: Cancel scores no later than 11:59pm one week after test date |
Score Cancellation: Delete the record of your scores on a test date any time |
* The ACT also offers an optional Writing section which is not required by any colleges or universities.
Alright, let’s cut to the chase, what are the key differences between the tests and why should I care?
We could provide a laundry list of all the little differences between the two exams, but, instead, we’ll focus on the key differences between the SAT and ACT. So, what are they?
- The Math section of the SAT comprises 50% of the total score; Math is only 33% of the new ACT Composite.
- The ACT provides less time per question and there is more time pressure than the SAT. For example, students have 67 seconds per question on the ACT Math section versus 95 seconds per question on the SAT Math section.
- The ACT has an optional Science section. This is not included in the student’s Composite score of English, Math, and Reading. Students who opt to take the Science section will receive a separate Science score and a STEM score reflecting the Science and Math section scores. The Science test is all about data interpretation – rapidly interpreting and analyzing diagrams, graphs, and tables. Knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics will only get you so far!
- The SAT Reading and Writing section consists of 54 short passages (usually 2-4 sentences) followed by one question. The ACT English section has five passages and 44 questions. The ACT Reading section consists of four passages and 36 questions.
- Many aspects of the Math sections differ. The chart below summarizes the key aspects.
Consider which test is better for you math-wise:
| SAT | New ACT |
| The SAT provides students with a built-in Desmos calculator or the option to use a personal calculator. | Students use their own calculator for the paper-based ACT. A built-in graphing calculator is included in for digital only. |
| Math makes up 50% of total score | Math makes up 33% of Composite score |
Content breakdown is as follows:
|
|
| Mostly multiple choice (four choices). Some free-response questions | Entirely multiple choice (four choices) |
| The SAT provides a math formula sheet. | No formulas provided |
| More time per question, on average, than on ACT | Less time per question, on average, than on SAT. |
Which test is more difficult?
In short, neither test is inherently more difficult, but due to the differences between the tests, some students find one more challenging than the other. The best way to know which test is a better fit for you is to take a practice SAT and a practice ACT and compare the score reports and your preference for either format.
CONCORDANCE TOOLS
SCORE CONVERSION
Enter your PSAT, SAT, or ACT score into our concordance tool to convert your score.
SCORE COMPARISON
While the concordance tool above can show you how your score on one test equates to your score on another, our comparison tool can help guide your decision on which test is a better fit for you. Simply enter your PSAT/SAT and ACT scores below to find out if you favor one test versus another. Note: there are a number of factors that go into making the SAT/ACT decision. Please call us at 203.352.3500 to discuss your diagnostic plan and a testing timeline- we are happy to help!
