SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should Your Student Take?
Both tests are accepted by virtually every college. Here's how to decide which one plays to your student's strengths.
One of the most common questions parents ask during junior year is whether their student should take the SAT or the ACT. The good news: there's no wrong answer. Every four-year college in the U.S. accepts both. The question is which format better showcases your student's abilities.
Key Differences at a Glance
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Score Range | 400–1600 | 1–36 |
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Duration | 2 hours 14 min | 2 hours 55 min (plus optional essay) |
| Science Section | No | Yes (data interpretation) |
| Math Calculator | Allowed on all math | Allowed on part of math |
| Pacing | More time per question | Faster pace, more questions |
The ACT Might Be Better If...
- Your student is a fast worker who handles time pressure well
- They're strong in science and data interpretation
- They prefer straightforward, knowledge-based questions
- They're in the South or Midwest (where ACT prep is more common in schools)
The SAT Might Be Better If...
- Your student prefers more time to think through each question
- They're strong in evidence-based reading and analysis
- They want a shorter test experience
- They do well with the digital adaptive format
The Best Strategy: Try Both
Many students take a practice test for each and compare scores. You can use a concordance table to compare ACT and SAT scores directly. If your student scores significantly better on one, that's your answer.
Both Khan Academy (free) and commercial prep services like Kaplan and Princeton Review offer practice tests for both exams. Taking a timed practice test under real conditions is the most reliable way to decide.
Does It Affect Scholarships?
Most scholarships accept either SAT or ACT scores. Some state-specific programs may prefer one over the other, but nationally there is no disadvantage to taking either test. What matters most is that your student's score is competitive for the scholarships they're targeting.
On ScholarshipFinder, you can enter SAT scores, ACT scores, or both — we'll match against whichever gives the best results.
See which scholarships match your student's scores
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