The “Real” Difference Between SAT & ACT

Students applying to American universities face a dilemma. “Should I take the SAT or ACT?” Since US universities value the tests equally, you can pick whichever fits your strengths.

Differences at a glance

1. Sections: The ACT has four sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—plus an optional essay. The SAT has two sections—Reading/Writing and Math—each split into two separate question sets, called “modules."
2. Scoring: Each ACT section is scored out of 36 points, then those section scores are averaged to form a student's overall score out of 36. Each SAT section is scored out of 800 points, then summed together to form an overall score of 1600 points.
3. Access: For students outside the US, both exams are computer-based and taken at testing centers. One difference between the exams, though, is access to testing centers. Access may be limited depending on where you live and when you plan to test. Be sure to check the SAT and ACT websites to see which is given near you.
4. Length and Pace: Most importantly, the testing experiences are very different. The ACT is just over three hours, with an average 49 seconds per question; the SAT is only about two hours with an average 82 seconds per question. That means that the SAT is both shorter, and students can move at a slower pace through the test.

Adaptive testing

One unique element of the SAT is that it's adaptive. How you perform on a section's first module determines the difficulty level of that section's second module. The better you do, the higher the difficulty on your second module. This allows the SAT's algorithm to quickly home in on your score.

In contrast, the ACT is non-adaptive—meaning that you'll see the same questions in the same order as every other student, regardless of how you perform. ACT students see 215 questions on the test; SAT students see just 98. This big difference means students who struggle with test-taking endurance might choose the SAT over the ACT.

Verbal

The ACT tests verbal skills across its English, Reading, and Science sections. English tests grammar rules. Reading tests your ability to identify main ideas and details from long passages. And, contrary to its name, Science doesn't test your scientific knowledge. Instead, it tests your ability to synthesize information from text, charts, and graphs. The SAT tests these same skills in a single section—the Reading/Writing section.

For students, the most important Verbal differences to consider:

1. Passage Length: SAT reading passages are short, usually under 150 words. Plus, there's only one question per passage. Conversely, ACT passages are 5 times as long, with about 750 words. The ACT asks a student to answer 10 questions on every passage.
2. Content Depth: ACT reading questions test surface-level information, essentially asking “do you remember the basic facts?” However, the SAT tests critical reading skills. It asks you to make complex inferences and connections between ideas. The trade-off for this increased difficulty is that the SAT gives you significantly more time per question.

Math

Both exams permit calculators, though the SAT also has Desmos's graphing calculator built right into the test. And both test arithmetic, algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, and statistics.

The tests differ on the harder questions. The ACT includes longer story problems and more advanced topics from pre-calculus. On the SAT, concepts aren't as advanced but can be trickier—this is again offset by giving SAT students more time per question.

Which test should you take?

Consider the parable of the tortoise and the hare.

The SAT is for tortoises—slow, careful workers, who shine when judged on their critical thinking.

The ACT is for hares—fast workers with sharp, short-term memories.

But this just scratches the surface. The next step is to try one of each and compare your experience. Which did you score better on? Which test felt more comfortable? To access full-length practice tests, try the PSAT at school, visit the SAT and ACT official websites to download sample exams, or email us at ArborBridge (info@arborbridge.com) for free diagnostic tests and advice. We're here to help you find the right, customized path!