- Both the SAT and ACT open doors to US universities, but they follow different paths.
- The SAT is digital and adaptive, while the ACT is paper-friendly and keeps things linear.
- Time pressure and structure can shape your experience: SAT gives you more time per question, while the ACT spreads your score more evenly across subjects.
- Find out everything you need to know about each of them, so you can choose the one that fits your strengths, before you choose your Bachelor's in the US.
If you’re thinking of studying in the United States, you’ll come across different entrance exams assessing your reading, writing, and maths skills. They’re there to make sure you’re ready for your studies. The two most popular ones? The ACT and the SAT. Both tests cover core subjects like English and Maths, but they’re pretty different in format, timing, and scoring.
In this article, we’ll break down ACT vs SAT so you can decide which one to take.
What are the ACT and SAT used for?
Both the ACT and the SAT are popular in the US, as many universities require one or the other as an admission requirement. Some international universities accept them too, especially for degree programmes in English. Having a high SAT or ACT score will also improve your eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
Here’s a brief overview of both tests and what they stand for:
ACT explained:
- ACT (American College Testing) is a standardised test for secondary school students preparing for university. The ACT, Inc., a for-profit company, administers the test. There are three core sections: English, Math, and Reading. The Writing and Science sections are optional, as part of the changes made to the test in 2025.
SAT explained:
- The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardised test administered by the College Board, a non-profit organisation. Secondary school students preparing for university in the US take this exam as part of the application process. It assesses critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills.
There are two main sections: Reading & Writing (combined into one section) and Maths. The SAT doesn’t have a separate Science section, but it still includes science-related questions throughout the exam.
Find your Bachelor's in the US
ACT vs SAT: Key differences
Now let’s dive deeper into the differences between the ACT and SAT.
ACT vs SAT format
The ACT has five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. The Writing section has always been optional, and in 2025, Science also became optional.
Here’s how long each section takes:
- English: 45 minutes for 75 multiple-choice questions
- Mathematics: 60 minutes for 60 multiple-choice questions
- Reading: 35 minutes for 40 multiple-choice questions
- Science: 35 minutes for 40 multiple-choice questions
- Writing: 40 minutes for one essay.
The SAT has two sections: Reading and Writing combined in one, and Maths. Most questions are multiple choice, but in the Maths section, you’ll find some grid-in questions where you’ll have to write the answer instead of selecting it. Here’s a section-by-section breakdown:
- Reading and Writing: 64 minutes for 54 questions (32 minutes for Reading and 32 for Writing)
- Mathematics: 70 minutes for 44 questions
The entire SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes. The ACT takes 2 hours and 20 minutes if you’re only doing the mandatory English, Maths, and Reading sections. So in any case, the ACT is longer than the SAT.
ACT vs SAT scoring system
The SAT scores go from 400 to 1600, and the ACT scores range from 1 to 36.
- On the SAT, you’ll get two section scores: one for Reading and Writing, and one for Maths. They’ll each range from 200 to 800, adding up to your score between 400 and 1600.
- With the ACT, you’ll get a score from 1 to 36 for each section: English, Maths, Reading, and Science (if you choose to do Science). Your total score is simply the average of those four. The Writing section (if you take it) is scored separately and doesn’t count toward your composite.
Feature | SAT | ACT |
Score range | 400–1600 | 1–36 |
Sections scored | Reading and Writing (200–800) | English (1–36) |
Maths (200–800) | Maths (1–36) | |
Reading (1–36) | ||
Science (1–36) | ||
Total score calculation | Sum of section scores (400 + 800 = 1600 max) | Average of four section scores |
Writing section | No longer offered separately | Optional; scored 2–12, not part of total score |
Score granularity | In 10-point intervals (e.g. 670, 750) | Whole numbers only (e.g. 24, 32) |
Best possible score | 1600 | 36 |
Lowest possible score | 400 | 1 |
A big difference between the SAT and the ACT, which may affect your score, is adaptive vs linear. The digital SAT is adaptive, which means the test adjusts to your level. If you answer questions correctly, the next ones get more difficult. If you miss a few, they get a bit easier. It’s designed to match your skill level more accurately. The ACT is linear, which means all students have the same exam.
What’s a good ACT score?
According to ACT, Inc., most universities ask for a minimum of 18-20 out of 36. Ivy League universities and other prestigious institutions often ask for higher scores in the 27-32 range.
What’s a good SAT score?
According to the College Board, the average SAT score is around 1050. If you score higher than that, you’re already above average. And a score above 1350 will put you in the top 10%.
ACT vs SAT availability
You can take the ACT online or on paper at an ACT test centre. There are seven ACT exams per year, and you can check out test centres by creating a free MyACT account.
The SAT is a digital exam, and there’s no paper version. Similar to the ACT, it’s offered seven times per year and taken at SAT test centres.
ACT vs SAT cost
Both the ACT and SAT come with a registration fee, but there can be extra costs depending on what you need and where you’re based.
Test option | ACT fee for US students | ACT fee for international students |
ACT (English, Math, Reading) | $68 | $186.50 |
ACT with Science | $72 | $196.50 |
ACT with Writing | $93 | $211.50 |
If you want to make changes to your ACT registration, here’s what you’ll need to pay on top of the initial fee:
- Late registration for ACT: $40
- Fee for changing the ACT test centre, day, or form: $48
- Additional ACT score reports: $20
The SAT also has different fees for US and international students. US students pay $68 for the exam. From August 2025 onwards, students testing outside the US pay an international fee of $43, which makes the total price $111. Extra fees for the SAT may include:
- Late registration for SAT: $38
- Fee for changing the SAT test centre: $29
- Cancellation fee for SAT: $34 (If you want to change your SAT exam date, you’ll need to cancel and register for a new test)
- Late cancel fee for SAT: $44
Which test is harder: ACT or SAT?
Whether the ACT or SAT is harder depends on your strengths and preferences. Students often say that the ACT’s questions are more straightforward than the SAT, but the SAT gives you more time per question.
* Tip: Do practice tests to see which one suits your style best.
Which one is more widely accepted: ACT or SAT?
Both the ACT and the SAT are widely accepted across the US, and there’s no preference between them. This is great news, as it gives you the freedom to choose the test that best fits your needs and style.
Find your Bachelor's in the US
Side-by-side comparison: ACT vs SAT
We’ve covered quite a lot of differences between ACT and SAT, so let’s gather them all in one place in the table below:
ACT | SAT | |
Sections | English Maths Reading Science Writing (Writing is optional, and Science is optional starting from 2025) | Reading and Writing |
Duration | At least 2 hours and 20 minutes, longer if you pick the optional sections | 2 hours 14 minutes |
Score range | 1-36 | 400-1600 |
Question style | Multiple-choice and essay (for the optional Writing section) | Multiple-choice and some maths grid-ins |
Cost (US students) | Starting from $68 | $68 |
Cost (international) | Starting from $186.50 | $111 |
Adaptive or linear | Linear | Adaptive |
Digital or paper | Both | Digital |
Writing section | Optional | Not available |
Which test should you take?
Both the ACT and the SAT are widely accepted, so which one you should take depends entirely on you. The following might give you a better idea:
Choose the ACT if…
- You’re fast and work well under pressure.
- You want a test that’s a bit more evenly balanced. Each section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) makes up 25% of your final score.
- You want to study a STEM topic and showcase your skills through the Science section.
- You want to study an essay-based Bachelor of Arts degree where a Writing section can give you a head start in the applications.
Choose the SAT if…
- You want to get more time per question.
- You’re stronger in maths and don’t mind that it makes up 50% of your total score.
- You prefer digital tests that are adaptive and shorter.
- You want to access more free practice resources — the SAT has a partnership with the non-profit organisation Khan Academy, so you’ll find many prep resources online for free.
How to prepare for the ACT or SAT
No matter which test you choose, you’ll need to prepare in advance. Here are some study tips that apply to both tests:
- Get familiar with the format: Learn what topics are covered, the types of questions you'll come across, and any optional sections you might want to take.
- Take a full-length practice test: This helps you understand the format and find out where you need to improve.
- Time yourself: Both tests are timed, so it’s important to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Set goals: Browse programmes in your field on Bachelorsportal and check their requirements for ACT or SAT. Knowing what your target universities expect will help you focus and stay motivated.
Find your Bachelor's in the US
FAQs
1. Which is easier: ACT or SAT?
Some people find the ACT easier, others prefer the SAT. If you like having time to think, the SAT might feel more comfortable. If you prefer moving fast and answering more straightforward questions, the ACT could be a better fit.
2. Which universities accept the ACT and SAT?
Both the ACT and SAT are widely accepted in the US. For international universities, check the admission page of the university or give a call to ask.
3. Can I take both the ACT and SAT?
Yes, but keep in mind that the question formats and sections vary a lot, so it may be better to focus on one.
