Which path is right for you?
SAT vs ACT
Here are some basic differences to consider:
The ACT has a Science test, and the SAT does not.
The SAT has two Math tests, and the ACT has one.
There is more both Science and Math to prepare for on the ACT.
The SAT gives more time per question than the ACT does.
Click below to expand each section.
Timing
SAT
3 hours
(without breaks)
ACT
2 hours + 55 minutes
+40 minutes for optional essay
(without breaks)
Sections
SAT
Reading
Writing and Language
Math with calculator
Math without calculator
ACT
Reading
English
Math
Science
Essay (Optional)
Reading
SAT
65 minutes
5 passages, 52 questions
Average of 1.25 minutes/question
Questions in chronological order
Passages:
US or World Literature
Social Science
2 Natural Science
US History
Question Types:
Main Idea
Words-in-Context
Inference
Detail-Oriented
Command of Evidence
Data Reasoning
Technique
ACT
35 minutes
4 passages, 40 questions
Average of 0.87 minutes/question
Questions are ordered randomly
Passages:
Prose Fiction or Literary Narrative
Social Science
Natural Science
Humanities
Question Types:
Main Idea
Words-in-Context
Inference
Detail-Oriented
Writing and Language
English
SAT
35 minutes
44 questions
4 passages, 11 questions each
Average of 0.80 minutes/question
Standard English Conventions:
Sentence Structure
Conventions of Usage
Conventions of Punctuation
Expression of Ideas:
Organization
Effective Language Use
Development
ACT
45 minutes
75 questions
5 passages, 15 questions each
Average of 0.60 minutes/question
Usage and Mechanics:
Sentence Structure
Grammar and Usage
Punctuation
Rhetorical Skills:
Organization
Style
Strategy
Science
SAT
There is no separate Science section
35 Science Content Questions
2 passages in Reading (21 questions)
1 passage in Writing (6 questions)
and Math (8 questions)
Content varies by section
ACT
35 minutes
40 Questions
6 or 7 passages, 5-7 questions each
Average of 0.87 minutes/question
Data Representation : 30-40%
Research Summaries : 45-55%
Conflicting Viewpoints : 15-20%
Analysis
Interpretation
Evaluation
Basic Content
Problem Solving
Math
SAT
80 minutes
2 sections:
With Calculator: 55 minutes, 38 questions
Average of 1.45 minutes/question
No Calculator: 25 minutes, 20 questions
Average of 1.25 minutes/question
Topics:
Heart of Algebra
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
Passport to Advanced Math
Additional Topics in Math
Very Little Geometry
Lots of Algebra 1 + 2
Trigonometry
Multiple Choice + 13 Grid Ins
4 Answer Choices
ACT
60 minutes
1 Section:
With Calculator: 60 minutes, 60 questions
Average of 1.00 minute/question
Topics:
Pre-Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Coordinate Geometry
Plane Geometry
Trigonometry
Geometry
Algebra 1 + 2
Trigonometry
Multiple Choice
5 Answer Choices
Essay
SAT
The SAT essay is no longer being offered.
ACT
The ACT essay is optional and required by very few colleges.
Scoring
SAT
Total score is between 400-1600
200-800 for Reading + Writing and Language
200-800 for Math
ACT
Total score is between1-36 (average of all)
1-36 for Reading
1-36 for English
1-36 for Math
1-36 for Science
Optional Essay scored separately
Test Dates
SAT
Offered 7 times per year.
Mar/May/June/Aug/Oct/Nov/Dec
For upcoming SAT dates and to register, go to:
http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-us-dates
ACT
Offered 7 times this year.
Feb/Apr/Jun/July/Sep/Oct/Dec
For upcoming ACT dates and to register, go to:
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html