SAT or ACT: What's the Difference, Anyway?

Standardized testing can feel like one of the most confusing parts of the college admissions process. The SAT and ACT are two different tests, but both are widely accepted by colleges and universities across the country. So which one should your student take, when should they prepare, and what scores really matter? Let’s break it down.

How are the SAT and ACT different?

While both tests are designed to measure college readiness, they look a little different in structure and pacing:

• English/Reading vs. Reading/Writing: The ACT splits language skills into two separate sections: English (grammar and writing conventions) and Reading (comprehension and interpretation). The SAT combines these into one Reading & Writing section. If your student has especially strong grammar and editing skills, the ACT might give them more room to shine.

• Math: The ACT Math section covers a wider variety of content (including more geometry and trigonometry) but tends to be more straightforward. SAT Math questions emphasize algebra and problem-solving, covering a narrower range of topics but often requiring deeper reasoning. The biggest difference? Pacing. Students get a little under 30 seconds more per question on the SAT than on the ACT.

• Science: Only the ACT has a dedicated Science section. It’s less about memorized facts and more about interpreting graphs, data, and experiments. While some schools are moving away from the Science section (see more information below), others are still requiring it, which can be advantageous to some students. The SAT weaves these skills into Reading & Writing instead of making them a standalone section.

• Format: The SAT is fully digital. The ACT still offers both paper and digital formats (and we generally recommend paper when possible—more on that below).

Do colleges require both exams? If not, how do I know which test is better for my student?

No. Colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT. One is not “better” in the eyes of admissions officers. The key is determining which test highlights your student’s strengths.

The best way to know? Mock testing. We offer proctored mock SAT and ACT exams in our office, so students can compare results and see which test feels like a better fit. Learn more and sign up here.

And remember, every student is different. Just because an older sibling excelled at the SAT doesn’t mean that the same test is right for the younger one. Sometimes the opposite is true!

Most of my student’s schools of interest are test-optional. Can we skip SAT/ACT prep altogether?

No, because test-optional doesn’t mean “score-free.” If a student has a strong test result, submitting it can still strengthen their application, especially when their grades, writing sample, or extracurriculars might not fully show their academic strengths. Universities value test scores as an important data point and indicator of future academic success, so when a student does not submit a test score, it can negatively impact their chances of admission. Even scores that may not have been your student’s goal should be carefully considered for submission on a school-by-school basis. Further, colleges often use standardized scores for scholarship eligibility. 

At the end of the day, Test Prep teaches valuable skills beyond test performance: reading comprehension, formal grammar, math problem solving, data interpretation, time management, and critical thinking. These are all skills that carry into college coursework and beyond.

When should my student begin SAT or ACT tutoring? How long is the study process?

The ideal time to begin is during or just after the second semester of Algebra II (or its equivalent). This timing ensures that students have covered most of the math content that appears on either exam.

We recommend at least 8–10 weeks of focused tutoring before the first official test. During this time, students should plan to practice consistently between sessions; even 15–30 minutes of at-home prep each day makes a big difference.

The process is highly individual, but most students take the exam more than once. Often, a first sitting helps them settle nerves and identify areas to target, while additional sittings offer opportunities to raise scores overall and target specific sections. 

What is a “good” SAT or ACT score?

That depends on your student’s goals. A “good” score is one that puts them at or above the middle 50th percentile range for their target schools. For example, if a college reports an ACT middle 50th percentile range of 29–33, then a 31 is solidly in range. 

In our College Advising practice, we work with students to align test goals with their college lists. For highly selective schools, this often means aiming for the upper end of the reported ranges. 

What is superscoring?

Superscoring is when colleges take your student’s highest section scores across multiple test dates and combine them into a new “superscore.” For example, if your student scored highest on Math in March and highest on Reading in May, the superscore would use both top section scores.

Many, but not all, colleges superscore the SAT and ACT. Policies vary, so it’s important to check each school’s website or speak with your college advisor.

What does this mean in practice? Students should consider taking the SAT or ACT at least twice. Even if the overall composite doesn’t jump dramatically, superscoring can create a stronger profile for admissions.

My oldest took the SAT as a paper test. How has it changed?

One of the biggest testing changes in recent years is the transition of the SAT to a fully digital, adaptive exam. The exam has changed drastically since then, mostly in a positive direction. Here’s what you need to know.

First, the SAT is now an “adaptive” exam. It is divided into two modules per subject area. A student’s performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the second. Strong performance early on leads to more challenging questions—and the potential for a higher score.

The digital SAT takes just over two hours to complete, compared to three hours for the ACT. For some students, the shorter length reduces fatigue. Additionally, students can access a digital calculator for all math questions, use a timer, and highlight or cross out answer choices directly on screen.

Do admissions officers consider the new SAT differently? Has the scoring system changed?

No, colleges view the digital SAT the same way they viewed the old paper test. There is no disadvantage for students taking the new format.

I heard the ACT has been changed. Is it online now? Is it easier or harder than the old version?

Yes, the ACT was updated starting in April of 2025. Students now have a little more time per question, bringing its pacing closer to that of the SAT (though it’s still a bit quicker overall). The content, however, hasn’t changed—it tests the same reading, math, English, and science skills as before.

The ACT is offered in both paper and digital formats. While the digital option is newer, we generally recommend students stick with the paper version if possible. Being able to mark up the test booklet, underline passages, and work problems out by hand is a valuable test-taking strategy.

So, is it “easier” or “harder”? Not really. It’s the same exam with updated timing, which most students find to be an improvement.

The ACT Science section is optional?! What does this mean? Should my student take it?

That’s right—the new ACT makes the Science section optional, and it no longer counts toward the composite score.

Right now, we are advising most students to take it anyway. Why? Because some colleges may still expect to see it, and we don’t want students to risk closing a door unnecessarily. For example, certain universities with STEM-heavy programs recommend submitting a Science score, while others may not weigh it as heavily.

As this new version of the ACT moves through its first admissions cycle, policies will become clearer. Until then, we suggest erring on the side of taking the Science section. We can help families check individual college policies as they build a student’s list.

Should my student take the optional Writing section of the ACT?

The ACT Writing section (an essay completed after the main exam) is no longer required by virtually any college, and admissions offices don’t use it to make decisions. Students are better off focusing their prep energy on the main sections of the exam.

Final Thoughts

The SAT and ACT are both excellent options for college admissions, but they aren’t interchangeable for every student. Choosing the right test, starting prep at the right time, and sticking to a structured plan makes all the difference.

If you’d like guidance on which test is the best fit for your student, or to schedule a mock exam, please contact us!