ACT vs SAT: Which Test Should You Take in 2026?

Choosing between the ACT and SAT is one of the most important decisions in your college application process. While most colleges accept both tests equally, one might be significantly better suited to your strengths. Here's exactly how to decide.

Quick Answer: Take Both Practice Tests

The only way to know which test is better for you is to take a full-length practice test for both. Your performance will reveal which test naturally fits your test-taking style.

Reality check: About 40% of students score meaningfully better (2+ points ACT or 80+ points SAT) on one test versus the other.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	SAT	ACT
Total Time	3 hours	2 hours 55 min (+40 min for Science)
Sections	Reading, Writing, Math	English, Math, Reading, Science
Math Calculator	Some sections	Allowed throughout
Science Section	No	Yes (35 min)
Reading Time	More time per passage	Faster pacing required
Math Coverage	No trigonometry	Includes trigonometry
Scoring	400-1600	1-36
Wrong Answer Penalty	No	No
Question Style	More reasoning	More straightforward

The SAT: Deep Thinking Required

The SAT focuses on reasoning and critical thinking. Questions often have multiple steps and require you to synthesize information.

SAT Strengths:

• More time per question (especially Reading)
• Evidence-based questions help you find answers
• No science section (good if science isn't your strength)
• Calculator section lets you use calculator on half the math
• Vocabulary in context (no obscure vocab memorization)

SAT Challenges:

• Longer, denser reading passages
• Complex math word problems
• Requires strong analytical skills
• Some "trick" questions that test reasoning

Best for Students Who:

• Read deeply and carefully
• Excel at analyzing complex passages
• Prefer fewer, harder questions over many easier ones
• Struggle with time pressure
• Want more time to think through problems
• Don't love science

The ACT: Fast-Paced and Straightforward

The ACT is more content-heavy and fast-paced. Questions tend to be more straightforward but you have less time per question.

ACT Strengths:

• More straightforward questions
• Science section tests data interpretation (not science knowledge)
• Consistent pacing across all sections
• Calculator allowed on all math questions
• Less "tricky" questions overall

ACT Challenges:

• Extreme time pressure (especially Reading and Science)
• More questions overall (215 vs 154 on SAT)
• Science section requires fast data analysis
• Trigonometry included in math
• Grammar section is longer and more detailed

Best for Students Who:

• Read and work quickly
• Excel under time pressure
• Like straightforward, content-based questions
• Are strong in science
• Prefer quantity over depth
• Can maintain focus for longer sustained periods

Section-by-Section Comparison

Reading Section

SAT Reading: - 5 passages, 52 questions, 65 minutes - ~13 minutes per passage - Passages are dense and academic - Questions test deep comprehension and inference - Evidence-based question pairs help you find answers

ACT Reading: - 4 passages, 40 questions, 35 minutes - ~8.5 minutes per passage - More straightforward comprehension - Faster pacing required (53 seconds per question!) - Questions are more literal

Winner for you if: - SAT: You read slowly but carefully, need time to process complex ideas - ACT: You're a fast reader who gets the main idea quickly

English/Writing Section

SAT Writing: - 4 passages, 44 questions, 35 minutes - Tests grammar, punctuation, and rhetoric - Questions about passage organization and style - More about editing and improving passages

ACT English: - 5 passages, 75 questions, 45 minutes - Heavy focus on grammar rules and punctuation - More questions, faster pacing (36 seconds per question) - More straightforward grammar testing

Winner for you if: - SAT: You like editing and improving writing style - ACT: You know grammar rules cold and work quickly

Math Section

SAT Math: - 2 sections: No calculator (25 min, 20 Q) + Calculator (55 min, 38 Q) - Total: 58 questions in 80 minutes - More word problems and multi-step questions - Focuses on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis - No trigonometry

ACT Math: - 1 section: 60 questions, 60 minutes - Calculator allowed throughout - More geometry and trigonometry - More straightforward computational questions - Covers more topics overall

Winner for you if: - SAT: You're great at logical reasoning, algebra-heavy, okay without calculator - ACT: You know formulas well, like having calculator access, comfortable with trig

Science Section (ACT Only)

ACT Science: - 40 questions, 35 minutes - Tests data interpretation, not science knowledge - Read graphs, charts, and experimental designs quickly - Requires fast analysis under time pressure

Impact: - This section makes or breaks many students' ACT scores - If you're slow with data interpretation, SAT might be better - If you love analyzing charts and graphs quickly, ACT could be great

Scoring Comparison

Understanding how scores convert helps you compare your practice test results:

ACT Score	SAT Score
36	1600
35	1540-1580
34	1500-1530
33	1460-1490
32	1420-1450
31	1390-1410
30	1360-1380
29	1330-1350
28	1300-1320

Use this table to compare your practice test scores and see which test gave you a better equivalent score.

How to Decide: The 5-Step Process

Step 1: Take Both Diagnostic Tests

Block out 7 hours total: - Take a full SAT practice test (3 hours) - Take a full ACT practice test (3.5 hours) - Score both accurately - Convert ACT score to SAT equivalent

Where to find practice tests: - SAT: collegeboard.org (8 official tests available) - ACT: act.org (official practice tests available)

Step 2: Compare Your Scores

Calculate which test gave you a better score using the conversion table above. If there's a 2+ point ACT difference or 80+ point SAT difference, you have a clear winner.

Example: - SAT: 1320 (equivalent to 28 ACT) - ACT: 31 (equivalent to 1390-1410 SAT) - Winner: ACT (3-point advantage)

Step 3: Analyze Your Experience

Beyond scores, consider: - Which test felt more natural? - Where did you run out of time? - Which question styles were easier? - Did the ACT Science section stress you out? - Did SAT Reading feel too slow-paced or too rushed?

Step 4: Consider Your Academic Strengths

Choose SAT if you: - Excel in English/humanities over STEM - Prefer analytical over computational math - Read carefully and need processing time - Like having more time per question - Don't enjoy science

Choose ACT if you: - Excel in STEM subjects - Work quickly under pressure - Like straightforward, content-based questions - Are comfortable with trigonometry - Can analyze data/graphs quickly

Step 5: Make Your Decision

If scores are similar (within 50 SAT points or 1 ACT point): - Choose the test that felt more comfortable - Consider your academic strengths - Think about which test you'd rather spend 3 months preparing for

If one score is significantly better: - Choose that test (obvious winner) - Focus all your prep on that test - Don't waste time on the other test

What If I Still Can't Decide?

If you're truly torn after taking both practice tests, consider these factors:

Timing Preferences

• Prefer more time? SAT
• Work fast under pressure? ACT

Reading Style

• Deep, analytical reader? SAT
• Fast skimmer who gets main ideas? ACT

Math Comfort

• Stronger in algebra/problem-solving? SAT
• Stronger in geometry/trigonometry? ACT

Science Skills

• Don't like science? SAT (no science section)
• Good at interpreting data? ACT (science section could boost your score)

Can You Take Both Tests?

Yes, but it's generally not recommended. Here's why:

Reasons to focus on one test:

• More efficient preparation - Master one format instead of juggling two
• Deeper skill development - Better results from focused practice
• Less stress - One test date to worry about
• Better use of time - 100% effort on one test beats 50% on two

When taking both makes sense:

• Your practice test scores are identical
• You have ample preparation time (6+ months)
• Your target schools strongly prefer one test
• You want a backup plan (different test dates)

Reality: Most students who try to prepare for both tests end up performing worse on both than students who focused on one test.

Test Prep Strategy Differences

SAT Prep Focus:

• Master grammar rules (only ~30 rules tested)
• Practice multi-step math problems
• Learn evidence-based question strategies
• Build reading endurance for dense passages
• Focus on analytical reasoning

ACT Prep Focus:

• Speed drills (timing is critical)
• Trigonometry review
• Science graph interpretation practice
• Grammar rule memorization (more rules tested)
• Quick reading comprehension strategies

Special Circumstances

Learning Differences

Both tests offer accommodations: - Extended time - Separate testing room - Breaks - Large print or assistive technology

Important: Apply for accommodations early (several months before test date). Requirements and timelines are similar for both tests.

State Requirements

Some states require all students to take one test: - Check your state's requirements - You may need to take a specific test regardless of preference - Additional voluntary testing is still allowed

College Preferences

Myth: Some colleges prefer one test over the other. Reality: All U.S. colleges accept both SAT and ACT equally.

However, check if your target colleges: - Require the essay/writing section (less common now) - Use superscoring (combine best sections from multiple test dates) - Have test-optional policies

Making Your Final Choice

After taking both diagnostic tests and considering all factors, commit to one test. Here's a simple decision framework:

Choose the SAT if: - Your SAT score is 80+ points higher (converted) - You prefer slower, deeper thinking - Science isn't your strength - You need more time per question - You're stronger in reading and writing than math

Choose the ACT if: - Your ACT score is 2+ points higher - You work quickly and efficiently - You're comfortable with trigonometry - You can analyze data/graphs quickly - Time pressure doesn't stress you out

Flip a coin if: - Scores are within 50 SAT points / 1 ACT point - Both tests felt equally comfortable/uncomfortable - You have no strong preference

Then commit 100% to that test.

Your Next Steps

Now that you understand the differences:

1. Download practice tests for both SAT and ACT
2. Schedule diagnostic testing - Block out a Saturday
3. Take both tests under real conditions (timed, no breaks)
4. Score and compare using the conversion table
5. Make your decision within 24 hours
6. Start preparing for your chosen test immediately

Ready to start preparing? See our SAT tutoring programs →

Or explore our ACT tutoring options →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do colleges prefer one test over the other? No. All U.S. colleges accept both tests equally. Choose based on your strengths, not college preferences.

Can I send both scores to colleges? Yes, but it's unnecessary. Send your best score. Colleges don't give extra credit for taking both tests.

What if I score the same on both tests? Choose whichever test felt more comfortable during the practice test. Or choose SAT (slightly more common nationwide).

Should I take the test without the essay/writing section? Check your target colleges' requirements. Most schools no longer require or recommend the essay sections.

How many times should I take my chosen test? Most students take the test 2-3 times. Scores typically improve with each attempt, but gains diminish after the third try.

When should I take my first official test? Take your first official test 2-3 months after starting preparation. This gives you time to improve while leaving room for retakes if needed.

Final Thoughts

The ACT vs SAT decision is personal. There's no universally "better" test—only the test that's better for you.

Take both diagnostic tests, trust your results, and commit fully to one test. Students who focus on one test consistently score higher than those who split their preparation.

Remember: The goal isn't to take both tests perfectly—it's to excel at one test and get into your dream school.

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Still unsure which test is right for you? Book a free consultation with one of our expert tutors. We'll review your practice test results and help you make the best decision.