What Test is Right for you
Should You Take the SAT or ACT
Scores for both the tests are accepted by colleges across the United States. Make sure to look carefully at admissions preferences and requirements. Make sure to know about scholarships as they relate to highly selective programs.
When it comes down to final decisions, the SAT or ACT question doesn't have to keep you up all night. Understand the basics for each test, your own strengths, and weaknesses.
The SAT focuses on your ability to apply yourself in the real-world. This is one of the reasons why you'll find everyday math formulas during the SAT, whereas the ACT expects you to pull them from memory.
SAT or ACT: At a Glance
| FEATURES | SAT | ACT |
| Widely accepted | All U.S. colleges | All U.S. colleges |
| Measures | What students learn in high school | What students learn in high school |
| What students need to succeed in college | ||
| Test the vocabulary you will use | Yes | Yes |
| Everyday math formulas provided | Yes | No |
| Essay is optional | Yes | Yes |
| Penalty for guessing | No | No |
SAT or ACT: Test Format
| SAT | ACT | |
| Testing Time | 3 hours + 50 minutes essay (optional | 2 hours 55 minutes + 40 minute essay (optional) |
| Structure | 3 test + optional essay | 4 test + optional writing test |
| Number of questions | 154 | 215 |
| Time per question | 1 minute, 10 seconds | 49 seconds |
| Number of breaks | 3 | 2 |
| Score range | Composite 400-1600 | Composite 1-36 ( writing) |
| (SAT essay: reported in 3 dimensions, each 2-8) | ||
| Structure & Timing | Reading Test | Reading Test |
| 65 minutes - 52 questions | 35 minutes - 40 questions | |
| Writing & Language Test | English test | |
| 35 minutes - 44 questions | 45 minutes - 75 questions | |
| Math Test | Math Test | |
| 80 minutes - 58 questions | 60 minutes - 60 questions | |
| Science Test | ||
| 35 minutes - 40 questions |