Did you know that most colleges and universities only require you to submit either the ACT or the SAT? There are some major differences between the two tests. Its important to consider which test will best showcase your strongest subjects. The following charts summarize some of the most critical differences.
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Test Snapshot |
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| Features | New SAT | ACT |
| Widely accepted | All U.S. colleges | Almost all U.S. colleges |
| Major redesign | 2016 SAT is based on the latest research on the skills colleges value most. | No recent significant revisions. |
| Tests the vocabulary you’ll use | Yes | Yes |
| Everyday math formulas provided | Yes | No |
| Essay is optional | Yes | Yes |
| Penalty for guessing | No | No |
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Test Format |
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| Structure and Timing | New SAT | ACT |
| Testing time | 3 hours + 50-minute essay (optional) |
2 hours 55 minutes + 40-minute essay (optional) |
| Structure | 3 tests + optional essay | 4 tests + optional writing test |
| Number of questions | 154 | 215 |
| Time per question | 1 minute, 10 seconds | 49 seconds |
| Score range | Composite 400–1600 (SAT Essay: reported in 3 dimensions, each 2–8) | Composite 1–36 (writing domain scores: 2–12) |
| Test length and timing | Reading Test 65 minutes 52 questionsWriting and Language Test 35 minutes 44 questionsMath Test 80 minutes 58 questions |
Reading Test 35 minutes 40 questionsEnglish Test 45 minutes 75 questionsMath Test 60 minutes 60 questionsScience Test 35 minutes 40 questions |