Advantage Testing SAT Q&A

Both the SAT and the ACT can be taken for college admissions, and colleges do not prefer one test to the other.

Scoring

• SAT: 400–1600 composite scale
• ACT: 1–36 composite scale

Test Length

• SAT: 2 hours and 14 minutes
• ACT: 2 hours and 5 minutes + 40-minute optional Science Test + 40-minute optional essay

Reading

• SAT Reading and Writing: 54 questions in 64 minutes; passage-based reading comprehension; informational graphics included
• ACT Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes; passage-based reading comprehension; informational graphics included
• ACT English: 50 questions in 35 minutes; passage-based testing of grammar, usage, syntax, rhetoric, and punctuation

Math

• SAT: 44 questions in 70 minutes; can use approved calculator; algebra, geometry and trigonometry, problem solving and data analysis, and certain advanced math topics.
• ACT: 45 questions in 50 minutes; can used approved calculator; all multiple choice; arithmetic, algebra I and II, planar and coordinate geometry, trigonometry and precalculus including functions, conic sections, combinations and permutations, logarithms, and matrices

Science

• SAT: no science section; science questions throughout the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Tests
• ACT: 40 questions in 35 minutes; optional; interpretation and application of scientific data presented in tables, pie charts, bar graphs, scatter plots, etc.

Essay

• SAT: as of the June 2021 administration, the College Board no longer administers the SAT Essay
• ACT: 40 minutes; optional; writing and composition, analysis and development of an argument; four scores: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions

If you are deciding between preparing for the SAT or ACT, we recommend that you take both a timed, full-length practice SAT and a timed, full-length practice ACT. Compare your scores and your overall comfort level with each test. Then prepare for and take the test on which you feel that you will eventually perform best.