High school students who want to go to college in 2025 have to choose between the SAT and ACT. Because test formats, scoring, and college admissions standards are always changing (many schools still don’t require tests), knowing the differences might help you choose the test that best matches your strengths and aspirations.
This guide goes over the content, time, scoring, and techniques for both tests so you may feel secure and have the best chance of getting in.
What Do the SAT and ACT Mean?
The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that many colleges in the U.S. utilize to see if students are ready for college-level study.
The College Board made the SAT, which tests reading, writing, and math skills based on evidence. There is also an optional essay.
ACT, Inc. runs the ACT, which has tests in English, arithmetic, reading, science reasoning, and writing (optional).
The goal of both tests is to give colleges a way to compare students from diverse schools and backgrounds. The SAT has always been more popular on the East and West coasts, while the ACT is more popular in the Midwest and South.
Millions of students will take either test or both in 2025 to complete college admission criteria. However, many schools have made tests optional since the epidemic changed everything.
SAT vs. ACT: A Quick Look at the Main Differences
The SAT or ACT is better for you depending on how you do on tests and what you’re good at. Almost all U.S. universities accept both, but they have different formats, times, and material focuses. This fast comparison will help you choose the test that is more suited to your academic talents and educational objectives.
| Aspect | SAT | ACT |
| Test Sections | Reading, Writing, and Language; Math (with and without a calculator); and an optional essay (no longer offered after 2024). | English, math, reading, science, and writing (optional) |
| Length of the Test | 3 hours (no essay) | 2 hours and 55 minutes (not including writing) |
| Total Score | 400–1600 | Score from 1 to 36 |
| Part of Science | Not a separate scientific section; it’s part of Reading and Math. | A separate area for Science Reasoning |
| Calculator Policy | You can only use a calculator in particular math portions. | You can use a calculator all the time. |
| Style of Difficulty | More reading and reasoning based on facts | A faster pace and simple questions |
| Dates for Tests | 7 times a year | 7 times a year |
SAT Structure Breakdown
Test for Reading and Writing on the SAT
The SAT Reading and Writing portion has texts and multiple-choice questions that measure your understanding and grammar skills. There are issues in literature, history, social studies, and science. Students look at arguments, make sense of evidence, and make sentences clearer and more stylish.
Test for SAT Math
Algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and some more complex concepts like trigonometry are all covered in the math portion. There are two parts: one where you can use calculators and one where you can’t. There are multiple-choice questions and grid-in questions that need written answers.
Details about the Score
The SAT is assessed on a range of 400 to 1600, with scores from the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math portions, which are each scored from 200 to 800. The essay was not required, however it was dropped in 2024.
Policy on Calculators
You can only use a calculator on the calculator part of the math section. The no-calculator part measures your ability to do arithmetic in your head and solve problems. It’s crucial to know how to use a calculator well so that you can keep up with the pace and get the right answer.
How the ACT is Set Up
Math, Science, Reading, and English
There are four required parts of the ACT: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The English portion tests your grammar, punctuation, and persuasive skills. Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry are all part of the math portion. The Reading portion checks how well you understand prose passages. The Science component of the ACT is different from other tests since it uses charts, experiments, and scientific data to test your ability to interpret, analyze, and solve problems. The test stresses speed and accuracy across a wide range of subjects.
Section for Writing that is Optional
The ACT has an optional essay called the Writing Test. For this test, you have to read a prompt and write about it. Some very elite colleges encourage or demand it, although not all of them do.
How to Understand ACT Scores
The four parts are rated from 1 to 36. The average of these four scores is your composite score. The Writing Test is graded on a scale of 2 to 12, and the score does not affect the aggregate score.
Rules for Calculators
You can use calculators for the whole math component of the ACT. But some complex calculators or gadgets with QWERTY keyboards are not allowed, so make sure to read the official rules.
Which Test is Easier, the SAT or the ACT?
It depends a lot on your own strengths and how you take tests to figure out which one is simpler.
- The SAT math exam focuses on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis. There is also a no-calculator section that tests mental math. The ACT covers more topics, such geometry and trigonometry, but you can use a calculator the whole time. The SAT math test can be simpler for you if you like a steady pace and concentrated themes. The ACT might be better for you if you’re comfortable with a wider range of arithmetic ideas and using a calculator.
- Reading: The SAT reading sections are usually deeper and based on more evidence, so you need to think carefully about them. The ACT has questions that are easier to understand and go quickly. The SAT may be easier for students who like to read slowly and deeply, while the ACT may be better for those who are good at reading quickly.
- Pacing: The ACT is noted for being speedier, with more questions in each section and less time to answer each question. This can be stressful. The SAT usually gives you a little more time to think things through.
- Stress Tolerance: If you can tolerate pressure and like a lot of different subjects, the ACT can be easier. The SAT might be easier for you if you like settings that aren’t as hectic and have focused content.
In the end, “easier” is a matter of opinion. Take practice tests for both and determine which one works better for you.
How to Choose Between the SAT and the ACT
Which Exam Content is Better for You?
The SAT can be the greatest test for you if you are good at reading and analyzing data. Do you like simple questions and science reasoning? The ACT’s science section could help you.
How Do You Keep Up with the Pace of the Test?
The ACT moves faster and gives you less time to answer each question. It might be beneficial for you if you function well under pressure. The SAT gives you a little more time to think carefully about each question.
What Do the Schools You Want to Go to Want?
Most schools will take either, but some have preferences or demand certain components (like the ACT Writing test). Before making a decision, look over the websites of the colleges.
How Well Do You Know Math?
The ACT has geometry and trigonometry, while the SAT has more math and problem-solving. Choose the test that fits your skills.
Are You Trying to Get Scholarships?
Some scholarship programs like one test better than the other. Look into research requirements early to avoid surprises.
💡 Pro Tip: Take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT with a timer to see which one feels more comfortable and where you do better before making a decision.
Do Colleges Still Need the SAT or ACT in 2025?
As of 2025, the rules for college admissions about standardized testing have changed a lot. Some schools still require SAT or ACT scores, even though many have made tests voluntary or blind.
Schools that Don’t Require Tests vs. Schools that Do
More than 2,000 four-year universities have adopted test-optional policies, which let candidates decide whether or not to send in SAT or ACT scores. However, a small number of colleges, such as several Ivy League schools like Yale, Dartmouth, and MIT, have brought back standardized tests. They say these tests are important for figuring out if a student is ready for college and finding high-achieving students from a variety of backgrounds.
High Scores Give You an Edge Over the Competition
Strong test scores can make an applicant’s profile look better, especially for programs that are hard to get into. Even while some schools don’t require tests, they nonetheless look at scores as part of a whole review process. For instance, Duke University and the University of Maryland don’t require tests, but they do reveal the middle 50% SAT and ACT scores of students who are accepted. This shows that higher scores can be helpful.
State Schools and Scholarships
Many state universities and scholarship programs still demand standardized exam scores to be eligible. For example, the University of California system does not look at SAT or ACT scores when deciding who to admit, but they may use them to decide who gets a scholarship or where to place students in classes. Also, several merit-based scholarships at both public and private schools still use standardized test scores as a factor.
It’s important for students who want to go to college to look into the specific requirements for admissions and scholarships at each school. This will help them make smart choices about whether or not to send in their standardized test scores.
Things to Keep in Mind for International Students
When international students take the SAT or ACT, they have to deal with problems that other students don’t have. Some countries have fewer test dates or facilities than others, so you need to prepare ahead and register early. Also, language hurdles can hurt performance, therefore for many applicants, English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS are important additions to standardized testing.
Many U.S. schools still demand SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions requirements, especially for merit-based funding. This is true for both scholarships and visa applications. Some scholarship programs make it clear that these results are needed to check if someone is ready for school. So, overseas students should check the testing requirements and dates well in advance.
SAT vs. ACT: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the biggest difference between the SAT and the ACT?
The SAT has more math and reading questions based on evidence, whereas the ACT has a science part and moves faster. Both are accepted by all universities in the United States. - Which test is more difficult?
Difficulty is different for everyone. The math component of the SAT doesn’t let you use a calculator, which can be hard for certain people. The ACT’s time limit and science section might be hard for others. You can find out if you’re a good fit by taking practice tests. - Do Ivy League schools like one test more than the other?
Most Ivy League institutions accept both equally, but some have brought back the need for tests. They don’t prefer one over the other; they just want strong scores. - Is it possible for me to take both the SAT and the ACT?
Yes, a lot of kids take both tests to determine which one they do better on and then send their higher score to universities. Be aware of the test dates and costs. - Which test is better for those who want to study STEM?
Some STEM students like that the ACT has a separate science section and covers more arithmetic topics. The SAT also tests important math skills and how to solve problems. Try both to see which one you like better. - How many times may I take the tests again?
There is no official restriction, although most students take the SAT or ACT two or three times to get better scores. When deciding who to accept, colleges look at your best scores.
