One of the first questions families ask is how to choose between the SAT and ACT. For some students, the answer is that they don't need to test at all; check each college's testing policy, since a growing number of selective schools require scores again while others remain test-optional. For everyone else, there's a short answer and a long one.
The short answer: take a full practice SAT and a full practice ACT, and compare the results. We're always happy to help you interpret them.
The long answer means weighing how the tests differ against your student's strengths. Both tests changed significantly in the last few years: the SAT went digital in 2024, and the ACT became shorter in 2025.
Format
SAT: taken on a computer or tablet in the Bluebook app. Two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, each split into two modules. The test is adaptive: how a student does on the first module determines the difficulty of the second. About 2 hours and 15 minutes.
ACT: available on paper or online. English, Math and Reading, plus optional Science and Writing. About 2 hours without the optional sections. Questions are not adaptive.
Reading and English
SAT: short passages, each followed by a single question, mixing reading comprehension with grammar and editing. Students with attention or working-memory challenges often find the short passages easier to manage.
ACT: longer passages with several questions each. The English section focuses on grammar and editing, and Reading covers comprehension of longer texts.
Math
SAT: a calculator, including the built-in Desmos graphing calculator, is allowed on the entire math section, and a formula reference sheet is provided. Questions emphasize algebra, problem solving and data analysis.
ACT: a calculator is allowed throughout, but formulas are not provided. Questions cover a broader range of topics, including some geometry and trigonometry, and tend to be more straightforward.
Pacing
Both tests now give more time per question than they used to, but the ACT still moves faster. Students who work carefully and need time to process often prefer the SAT's pacing.
Science and writing
The SAT has no science section or essay. On the ACT, both are optional, and the science score is no longer part of the composite. Only a small number of colleges ask for them.
The bottom line
The differences are subtle enough that it's hard to predict which test fits better without trying both. Whichever your student chooses, focus on one. Every college that considers scores accepts both tests, so a little time spent choosing up front can save a lot of stress later. Junior year is busy enough without preparing for two exams!
