
Students often ask, “Which test should I take? The SAT or the ACT?”
The answer is related to each person’s individual strengths and weaknesses. While the ACT and SAT both challenge students’ basic math, reading and writing skills, they emphasize different aspects of each and sharply differ in the way in which those skills are tested.
Therefore, students asking this question should take practice tests for each to determine where their natural aptitude and preferences lie. A tutor or counselor can also advise students on the best test for them.
If you’d like to get a head start by learning the differences between each test, you can read the overview below, view our comprehensive SAT vs ACT FAQ, or visit our SAT and ACT description pages to see how we help you prepare for each.
|
Characteristic |
SAT |
ACT |
|
Description |
Apply your skills to tricky problems |
An assessment test: demonstrate your academic skills quickly and competently |
|
Good For People Who Are… |
Vocabulary whizzes
Comfortable testing |
Fast readers Straight A students prone to testing anxiety |
|
Time to Completion |
3 hours, 45 minutes |
3 hours, 25 minutes |
|
Top Score |
2400 |
36 |
|
Number of Questions |
170 |
215 |
|
Number of Sections |
3 types, 10 total |
4 |
|
Sections Covered |
Critical Reading, Math, Writing |
English, Math, Reading, Science |
|
Writing Essay Included |
Yes |
Optional (some colleges require it) |
|
Penalty for Wrong Answers |
Yes |
No |
|
Allow for Score Choice |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Preparation Time |
Varies; average of 3 months |
Varies; average of 3 months |
|
When Offered |
October-January, March or April, May, and June |
September, October, December, February, April, and June |
|
Registration Fee |
$47 |
$33 $48 ACT with Writing |
|
How to Register |
Sat.collegeboard.org website |
Actstudent.org website |
If you still need to talk with someone about which test is right for you, let us help you decide.