SAT vs. ACT: Understanding the Key Differences

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests widely used for college admissions in the United States. While both exams assess a student's readiness for college-level work, they differ significantly in their structure, content, scoring, and overall approach. Understanding these differences is crucial for students to determine which test best suits their strengths and learning styles. As a college entrance exam, higher education institutions are looking at scores to help predict class profiles and overall academic success.

Test Structure and Content

The SAT is a digital test with two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section has two modules. The new Digital SAT® is adaptive. This means that the difficulty of the questions in the second module will be based on your performance in the first module. The ACT, on the other hand, traditionally covers four main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. Some colleges may require or prefer a science score.

Reading and Writing

Both the SAT and ACT assess reading comprehension and writing skills. However, the SAT Reading and Writing section focuses on analyzing and revising passages, emphasizing evidence-based reading and grammar in context. The ACT English section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills more directly. For example, on the SAT and ACT, semicolons and periods are considered identical, and you will never be asked to choose between them if all other things are equal.

Mathematics

The SAT Math section covers algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math topics. A calculator is permitted on one portion of the SAT Math section. The ACT Math section covers similar topics but also includes trigonometry.

Science

The ACT Science section assesses scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills through the interpretation of data, evaluation of experiments, and understanding of scientific concepts. The SAT does not have a dedicated science section, but scientific reasoning skills are integrated into the Reading and Writing section.

Writing

Both the SAT and ACT offer an optional essay section. The ACT Writing section requires students to analyze and evaluate different perspectives on a given issue.

Scoring

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with each section (Reading and Writing, and Math) scored out of 800. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with each section scored out of 36, and the composite score is the average of the four section scores.

Superscoring

Many colleges allow superscoring, which means they consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates. Caltech accepts a superscore for test results-the highest score one can achieve by combining the best section scores. To figure out your SAT® superscore, you’ll need to first compile all of the test days you took the DSAT®. Starting in April 2025, students who choose to take the online ACT test will have their ACT Superscore calculated using a new method that includes only English, math, and reading. For everyone else, this change will take effect in September 2025. ACT will continue to show your highest scores for each subject section along with the test date, but your Composite score on your Superscore report will be based on the new English, math, and reading.

Test-Optional Policies and Holistic Admissions

It's important to note that many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, making the submission of SAT or ACT scores optional for admission. UT has a competitive but holistic admissions process. Good scores on college placement exams are not required for admission to UT.

Holistic Review

Even when test scores are considered, many institutions employ a holistic review process, evaluating applicants based on a variety of factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and personal qualities. Admissions criteria is based on several performance criteria, including completion of core academic subjects, GPA scores on these subjects, and standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores.

Read also: Diploma or GED: Which is Better?

Preparing for the SAT or ACT

Effective preparation is key to achieving a good score on either the SAT or ACT.

Understanding Grammar

On the SAT and ACT, these two types of punctuation are considered identical, and all other things being equal, you will never be asked to choose between them. A colon or dash must always follow a full sentence that makes sense as a complete thought and logically sets up the information that follows. In particular, watch out for colons on digital SAT questions requiring you to separate two sentences. When two sentences are joined by a comma, the result is known as a comma splice, which is always incorrect. When the dependent clause comes first, it must be followed by a comma. Non-essential information can be removed from a sentence without affecting its essential meaning. The options above cannot be mixed and matched.

Utilizing Resources

Albert provides hundreds of Digital SAT® practice questions with detailed explanations and full-length practice tests. For a full-length practice online test that incorporates the enhancements made to the ACT, visit the bottom of this page. ACT will continue making student tests available with student responses during certain administrations. Those reports will NOT include field test questions, only questions that were used in the calculation of a student’s score. The Official Prep Guide (big red book) is available now. Sign up for the Question of the Day, and get tips and strategies to help you ace your exam.

What Constitutes a Good Score?

A good SAT® score really depends on the student and their aspirations. Generally, anything that falls into the top 30% of graduating high school students should be considered a good SAT® score. Reviewing the 2019 SAT® score trends, you’ll see that 1200 equates to the 81st percentile for the nationally representative sample and the 74th percentile for SAT® test takers.

Test Security Measures

There are serious consequences for not following the rules. You may be dismissed from the test. Your test may not be scored, or your scores may be canceled. You may be banned from taking future College Board tests. If we determine that there is substantial evidence that your scores are invalid ("Invalid Scores"), we may cancel your scores and/or take any of the other Measures described above. If we determine that any testing irregularity occurred (collectively "Testing Irregularities"), we may cancel your scores. We may do this regardless of whether or not you caused the Testing Irregularities, benefited from them, or violated these rules.

Rules and Regulations

You must provide an acceptable photo when you register for the SAT in accordance with sat.org/photo. You may make changes to your photo up to 5 days before you test. You cannot use any other devices to take the SAT. You must bring your electronic or printed admission ticket to the SAT. You'll show this to the proctor when you check in. Close all applications other than Bluebook before the test begins. You are not allowed to have any other apps open on your testing device during testing. You are not allowed to paste work into Bluebook from another program or application. You must stay for the full length of the standard time test.

Scholarships Based on Test Scores

You can earn thousands of dollars in scholarships based just on your test scores. Now we will highlight colleges that give automatic scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores, as well as qualifiers like GPA or class rank. For these scholarships, you don't have to submit any extra application information, but in some cases, you have to apply by a certain deadline to be guaranteed the scholarship. Note that small increases in your ACT or SAT score could increase your scholarship by $1,000 or more per year. To be considered for the Volunteer Scholarship, you need a strong GPA and SAT/ACT score.

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