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SAT vs. ACT: US College Entrance Exam Basics

The SAT and ACT are the two major standardized tests US colleges use in admissions. Here is how they actually differ.

SAT scoring: 400-1600

The SAT produces a total score between 400 and 1600, combining two section scores β€” Math, and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing β€” each scored on a 200-800 scale.

ACT scoring: 1-36 composite

The ACT produces a composite score from 1 to 36, which is an average of four section scores β€” English, Math, Reading, and Science β€” each also scored on a 1-36 scale.

Only the ACT has a dedicated science section

The ACT includes a Science section that primarily tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning rather than memorized science content, while the SAT does not have a separate science section at all, though it does weave some science-themed reading and data passages into its existing sections.

Calculator rules and math emphasis differ slightly

Both tests allow calculators on their math content, though the exact rules and allowed calculator types can differ between the two and change over time, so checking each test's current official policy before test day is worth doing.

Neither test currently penalizes guessing

Both the SAT and ACT score based on the number of questions answered correctly, with no deduction for wrong answers on either exam, so leaving a question blank has no scoring advantage over guessing.

Scores can be compared using concordance tables

The College Board and ACT publish official concordance tables that let a score on one test be compared to an equivalent range on the other, which colleges use when an applicant submits only one of the two tests. A concordance is a statistical relationship across large groups of test-takers, not a guarantee for any individual.

Some colleges "superscore" one or both tests

A number of colleges combine a student's best section scores across multiple test dates of the same exam into one composite, called superscoring, which can benefit students who retake the test. Superscoring policies vary by school and are generally not offered across the two different tests.

Many colleges have become test-optional

A large and growing number of US colleges have adopted test-optional or test-blind admissions policies in recent years, meaning submitting an SAT or ACT score is not required, though policies and the degree to which a score still helps an application vary considerably by school.

Neither test is objectively "easier"

The SAT and ACT are designed to measure overlapping but not identical skills, and individual students often perform noticeably differently on the two due to differences in pacing, question style, and the ACT's science section. Many students take an official practice test for each before committing, since a personal comparison tends to be more useful than general reputation.

Format has shifted toward digital

Both testing organizations have moved toward computer-based digital testing formats in recent years, changing aspects like section length, adaptive question difficulty on some versions, and how quickly scores are returned. Because these formats and policies continue to evolve, checking each organization's current official site for the exact current format is more reliable than relying on how the test worked in past years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take both the SAT and the ACT?

Some students do take both, often after an initial practice test on each suggests one favors their strengths, but many students take only one and it is generally accepted by colleges either way. Taking a full official practice test for each is a common way to decide before committing to test prep for one over the other.

Do colleges prefer the SAT or the ACT?

US colleges that consider standardized test scores overwhelmingly accept either test interchangeably and do not state a preference, using concordance tables to compare applicants who submitted different tests.

How many times can I retake the SAT or ACT?

Neither test currently sets a firm limit on the number of retakes, though each administration requires a new registration and fee, and some colleges request that all scores be reported while others only consider your best sitting, so checking a specific college's policy matters before retaking repeatedly.