SAT vs ACT in 2025: Which Fits Your Strengths & Timeline?
SAT vs ACT in 2025: Which Fits Your Strengths & Timeline?
SAT vs ACT in 2025: Which Fits Your Strengths & Timeline?
Test Prep
Test Prep
3 minutes
3 minutes
Sep 6, 2025
Sep 6, 2025
This guide compares SAT vs ACT 2025 on format, time, tools, dates, and score conversion. The SAT is digital, adaptive, and scored on 1600. The ACT is paper- or computer-based, fixed-form, and scored on 36 (College Board & ACT, 2025). Pick the test that matches your reading speed, math comfort, and calendar. Check out Digital SAT guide
TL;DR
Choose SAT if you like on-screen tools, math with built-in Desmos, and modular pacing (College Board, 2025). Choose ACT if you read quickly, prefer steady section timing, and want a separate Science section (ACT, 2025). Dates matter pick the exam that fits your earliest application deadline.
This guide compares SAT vs ACT 2025 on format, time, tools, dates, and score conversion. The SAT is digital, adaptive, and scored on 1600. The ACT is paper- or computer-based, fixed-form, and scored on 36 (College Board & ACT, 2025). Pick the test that matches your reading speed, math comfort, and calendar. Check out Digital SAT guide
TL;DR
Choose SAT if you like on-screen tools, math with built-in Desmos, and modular pacing (College Board, 2025). Choose ACT if you read quickly, prefer steady section timing, and want a separate Science section (ACT, 2025). Dates matter pick the exam that fits your earliest application deadline.
This guide compares SAT vs ACT 2025 on format, time, tools, dates, and score conversion. The SAT is digital, adaptive, and scored on 1600. The ACT is paper- or computer-based, fixed-form, and scored on 36 (College Board & ACT, 2025). Pick the test that matches your reading speed, math comfort, and calendar. Check out Digital SAT guide
TL;DR
Choose SAT if you like on-screen tools, math with built-in Desmos, and modular pacing (College Board, 2025). Choose ACT if you read quickly, prefer steady section timing, and want a separate Science section (ACT, 2025). Dates matter pick the exam that fits your earliest application deadline.
Formats & timing
Formats & timing
Formats & timing
Both tests measure similar skills, but the sat vs act differences in delivery and pacing are real. The table shows the structure at a glance (College Board & ACT, 2025).
Feature | SAT (Digital) | ACT |
|---|---|---|
Sections | Reading & Writing; Math | English; Math; Reading; Science (+ optional Writing) |
Modules | 2 per section, adaptive | Fixed form (not adaptive) |
Total testing time | ~134 minutes | ~175 minutes (no Writing) |
Calculator | Built-in Desmos on allowed parts | Handheld only (per ACT list) |
Score scale | 1600 total (800+800) | 1–36 composite |
Both tests measure similar skills, but the sat vs act differences in delivery and pacing are real. The table shows the structure at a glance (College Board & ACT, 2025).
Feature | SAT (Digital) | ACT |
|---|---|---|
Sections | Reading & Writing; Math | English; Math; Reading; Science (+ optional Writing) |
Modules | 2 per section, adaptive | Fixed form (not adaptive) |
Total testing time | ~134 minutes | ~175 minutes (no Writing) |
Calculator | Built-in Desmos on allowed parts | Handheld only (per ACT list) |
Score scale | 1600 total (800+800) | 1–36 composite |
Both tests measure similar skills, but the sat vs act differences in delivery and pacing are real. The table shows the structure at a glance (College Board & ACT, 2025).
Feature | SAT (Digital) | ACT |
|---|---|---|
Sections | Reading & Writing; Math | English; Math; Reading; Science (+ optional Writing) |
Modules | 2 per section, adaptive | Fixed form (not adaptive) |
Total testing time | ~134 minutes | ~175 minutes (no Writing) |
Calculator | Built-in Desmos on allowed parts | Handheld only (per ACT list) |
Score scale | 1600 total (800+800) | 1–36 composite |
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Math tools & Desmos
Math tools & Desmos
Math tools & Desmos
The SAT’s Bluebook app includes built-in Desmos, which speeds graphing, tables, and intersections (College Board, 2025). You can also bring a non-CAS handheld. The ACT has no on-screen calculator; bring an approved handheld and know its shortcuts (ACT, 2025).
If tech helps your math, the SAT may feel smoother.
If you prefer a handheld flow you already know, the ACT works fine.
Review rules in [Calculator policy 2025]* and practice Desmos in [Bluebook testing tools]* if you choose SAT.
The SAT’s Bluebook app includes built-in Desmos, which speeds graphing, tables, and intersections (College Board, 2025). You can also bring a non-CAS handheld. The ACT has no on-screen calculator; bring an approved handheld and know its shortcuts (ACT, 2025).
If tech helps your math, the SAT may feel smoother.
If you prefer a handheld flow you already know, the ACT works fine.
Review rules in [Calculator policy 2025]* and practice Desmos in [Bluebook testing tools]* if you choose SAT.
The SAT’s Bluebook app includes built-in Desmos, which speeds graphing, tables, and intersections (College Board, 2025). You can also bring a non-CAS handheld. The ACT has no on-screen calculator; bring an approved handheld and know its shortcuts (ACT, 2025).
If tech helps your math, the SAT may feel smoother.
If you prefer a handheld flow you already know, the ACT works fine.
Review rules in [Calculator policy 2025]* and practice Desmos in [Bluebook testing tools]* if you choose SAT.
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Dates & deadlines
Dates & deadlines
Dates & deadlines
Your calendar may decide for you. The SAT offers multiple national dates across the year; align with your school and activities (College Board, 2025). See [SAT dates 2025–2026]*. The ACT also runs several national test dates; plan backward from your application deadlines (ACT, 2025). If you need an earlier score, take the exam with the soonest workable date.
Score concordance
Use concordance to compare goals across tests. The table shows sample pairings; always verify with the [SAT-ACT score converter]* (College Board & ACT, 2018).
SAT Total | ACT Composite | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1600 | 36 | Top range |
1520 | 34–35 | Competitive at many selective schools |
1450 | 33 | Strong upper-middle |
1390 | 31 | Solid target |
1290 | 29 | Above average |
Your calendar may decide for you. The SAT offers multiple national dates across the year; align with your school and activities (College Board, 2025). See [SAT dates 2025–2026]*. The ACT also runs several national test dates; plan backward from your application deadlines (ACT, 2025). If you need an earlier score, take the exam with the soonest workable date.
Score concordance
Use concordance to compare goals across tests. The table shows sample pairings; always verify with the [SAT-ACT score converter]* (College Board & ACT, 2018).
SAT Total | ACT Composite | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1600 | 36 | Top range |
1520 | 34–35 | Competitive at many selective schools |
1450 | 33 | Strong upper-middle |
1390 | 31 | Solid target |
1290 | 29 | Above average |
Your calendar may decide for you. The SAT offers multiple national dates across the year; align with your school and activities (College Board, 2025). See [SAT dates 2025–2026]*. The ACT also runs several national test dates; plan backward from your application deadlines (ACT, 2025). If you need an earlier score, take the exam with the soonest workable date.
Score concordance
Use concordance to compare goals across tests. The table shows sample pairings; always verify with the [SAT-ACT score converter]* (College Board & ACT, 2018).
SAT Total | ACT Composite | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1600 | 36 | Top range |
1520 | 34–35 | Competitive at many selective schools |
1450 | 33 | Strong upper-middle |
1390 | 31 | Solid target |
1290 | 29 | Above average |
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Who should take which
Pick the test that rewards your strengths and fits your timeline.
Faster reader, steady pacing: ACT favors quick, consistent reading and a dedicated Science section.
Comfortable with on-screen math: SAT favors Desmos, modular pacing, and fewer total minutes.
Which test is easier? Neither overall. Choose based on fit and dates, not myths.
SAT vs ACT for engineering: Either works. If you enjoy graphing and algebraic modeling with tech, SAT may edge ahead; if speed and data reading are strengths, ACT is fine.
Who should take which
Pick the test that rewards your strengths and fits your timeline.
Faster reader, steady pacing: ACT favors quick, consistent reading and a dedicated Science section.
Comfortable with on-screen math: SAT favors Desmos, modular pacing, and fewer total minutes.
Which test is easier? Neither overall. Choose based on fit and dates, not myths.
SAT vs ACT for engineering: Either works. If you enjoy graphing and algebraic modeling with tech, SAT may edge ahead; if speed and data reading are strengths, ACT is fine.
Who should take which
Pick the test that rewards your strengths and fits your timeline.
Faster reader, steady pacing: ACT favors quick, consistent reading and a dedicated Science section.
Comfortable with on-screen math: SAT favors Desmos, modular pacing, and fewer total minutes.
Which test is easier? Neither overall. Choose based on fit and dates, not myths.
SAT vs ACT for engineering: Either works. If you enjoy graphing and algebraic modeling with tech, SAT may edge ahead; if speed and data reading are strengths, ACT is fine.
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