The digital 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 April 5, 2025, the ACT will offer a shorter, digital test at select locations (2 hours and 5 minutes without breaks), with an optional Science section. The 3-hour paper-based ACT will remain available until July 12, 2025. From September 2025, the shorter format will apply to all ACT tests – paper and digital versions will be offered. 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 digital 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. Unlike the previous 3-hour paper-and-pencil SAT, 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 current, paper-based ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes and consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored from 1-36 and a student’s Composite score is the average of all four. The test is administered on paper and includes a bubble sheet for answers. This longer version of the ACT will be retired following the July 12th administration.
The new, shorter 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 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 digitally beginning in April at select testing locations. Starting in September 2025, all students will take the new, shorter test either on paper or digitally.
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 | Current ACT | New ACT |
| Timing: 2 hours, 14 minutes |
Timing: 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)* |
Timing: 2 hours, 5 minutes |
| # of Questions: 98 |
# of Questions: 215 |
# of Questions: 131 |
| Subjects: Reading and Writing, Math |
Subjects: English, Math, Reading, Science |
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: Four sections are averaged for a Composite score from 1-36 |
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 |
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 is 50% of the SAT score, but only 25% of the current ACT Composite. On the new, shorter ACT, Math makes up 33% of the Composite.
- The ACT provides less time per question than the SAT. For example, students have 60 seconds per question on the current ACT Math section versus 95 seconds per question on the Digital SAT Math section. Students have 67 seconds per question on the new, shorter ACT.
- The ACT has a Science section. 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! Due to both timing and stamina, many students find the ACT Science section the most challenging. The Science section is required on the current ACT and optional on the new ACT.
- The SAT Reading and Writing section consists of 54 short passages (usually 2-4 sentences) followed by one question. The current ACT has significantly longer passages in English (five passages followed by 15 questions) and in Reading (four passages followed by 10 questions). The new ACT will feature some shorter passages for both the English and Reading sections. There will be 50 total questions in the English section and 36 in the Reading section.
- Many aspects of the Math sections differ. The chart below summarizes the key aspects.
Consider which test is better for you math-wise:
| SAT | Current ACT | New ACT |
| The SAT provides students with a built-in Desmos calculator or the option to use a personal calculator. | Students can use a personal calculator. | |
| Math makes up 50% of total score | Math makes up 25% of Composite score | Math makes up 33% of Composite score |
Content breakdown is as follows:
|
Content breakdown is as follows:
|
|
| Mostly multiple choice (four choices). Some free-response questions | Entirely multiple choice (five choices) | 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 and the new ACT | Less time per question, on average, than on SAT. More time per question, on average, than the current ACT |
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 the PSAT or a practice PSAT 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!
