SAT vs ACT Exam Comparison
The SAT and ACT exams contain notable differences in structure, subject and scoring that you'll want to consider prior to enrollment. Discover the in's and out's between these two standardized tests and equip yourself to earn the highest possible score on test day.
| Exam Criteria | SAT Exam | ACT Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Test Style | Reasoning-based, with emphasis on college and career-readiness | Knowledge-based; designed to measure what a student has learned in the classroom |
| Length and Timing | 3 hours + 50 minutes with the essay; Average of 1 minute and 10 seconds per question | 3 hours + 35 min with the essay; Average of 50 seconds per question |
| Overall Structure | Reading, Writing, Math (no calculator), Math (with calculator) and an Optional Essay | English, Math, Reading, Science and an Optional Essay |
| Scoring | 1600 max, no penalty for wrong answers; only correct answers earn a point | 36 max, no penalty for wrong answers; only correct answers earn a point |
| Math | Algebra, Data Analysis, Geometry, Trigonometry; 80% multiple choice and 20% grid-ins; There is a calculator and a no calculator section | Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry; All multiple choice; Calculator is allowed for all ACT Math |
| Reading | Five reading passages; Passages are more varied ranging from 9th grade to early college | Four reading passages; Passages tend to be 10th to 11th grade level |
| Science | No specific science section; however, science passages and graphs are included in the evidenced-based Reading section | Science reasoning section; Predominantly measures reading comprehension and graph/data interpretation |
| Essay | Optional (assuming that the colleges you are applying to do not require it); Evaluating the arguments in the passage | Optional (assuming that the colleges you are applying to do not require it); Analyzing three perspectives on an issue and presenting your own |
| Writing and English | There are some questions on tables and graphs connected to the text | All of the questions are about the text |
| Test Dates | Offered seven times a year | Offered six times a year |
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