ACT vs. SAT
The road to college can be confusing one — but choosing the right admission test to take doesn’t have to be! While most colleges across the country accept scores from either the SAT or ACT test, there are differences, and in many ways, they measure different skills. Check with your guidance counselor and college admission offices to decide which test is right for you.
Testing Resources
SAT | ACT | |
Why Take it | Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. | Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. |
Test Structure |
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Length | 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) |
2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay) |
Reading | 5 reading passages | 4 reading passages |
Science | None | 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) |
Math | Covers:
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Covers:
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Tools | Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator. |
You can use a calculator on all math questions.
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Essay | Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. | Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. |
How it’s Scored | Scored on a scale of 400-1600 | Scored on a scale of 1-36 |