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ACT vs SAT

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ACT vs SAT

shape Introduction

  • Taking the SAT is the best way to show colleges you have the skills and knowledge they want most.

  • And because you have seven chances each year to test, more time for each question, and access to free practice tools, you'll see that the SAT offers advantages the ACT doesn't.

  • Find out other ways the SAT compares to the ACT* before taking your next step to plan for college.

shape SAT vs ACT

Features SAT ACT
Widely accepted All U.S. colleges All U.S. colleges
Measures
  • What students learn in high school
  • What they need to succeed in college
What students learn in high school
Everyday math formulas provided Yes No
Tests the vocabulary you’ll use Yes Yes
Essay is optional Yes Yes
Penalty for guessing No No
Schedule SAT ACT
Future test administration dates 3 years 2 years
Regular registration deadline About 4 weeks before test day. You pay a late fee for registering later. About 5 weeks before test day. You pay a late fee for registering later.
Late registration closes About 11 days before test day 20+ days before test day
Test days 7 times a year 7 times a year
Benefits and Rules SAT ACT
Test fees waived for eligible students Yes Yes
Regular registration deadline About 4 weeks before test day. You pay a late fee for registering later. About 5 weeks before test day. You pay a late fee for registering later.
Automatically unlocks all fee waiver benefits after one-time use Yes No
Waivers cover late fees Yes No
Score reports Unlimited 20 score reports
Waived application fees at participating colleges Yes No
Score services Yes, either Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or Student Answer Service (SAS) for SAT administrations Yes, Test Information Release for 3 administrations
A fee reduction for multiple-choice score verification or essay score verification Yes No
Free applications to apply for financial aid from participating schools Yes, students can use CSS Profile to apply for financial aid No
Expiration date No Expire end of August each year
Structure and Timing SAT ACT
Testing time 3 hours + 50-minute essay (optional) 2 hours 55 minutes + 40-minute essay (optional)
Structure 154 215
Time per question 1 minute, 10 seconds 49 seconds
Score range Composite 400–1600 (SAT Essay: reported in 3 dimensions, each 2–8) Composite 1–36 (writing domain scores: 2–12)
Test components Reading Test 65 minutes 52 questions
Writing and Language Test 35 minutes 44 questions
Math Test 80 minutes 58 questions
Reading Test 35 minutes 40 questions
English Test 45 minutes 75 questions
Math Test 60 minutes 60 questions
Science Test 35 minutes 40 questions
Waived application fees at participating colleges Yes No
Score services Yes, either Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or Student Answer Service (SAS) for SAT administrations Yes, Test Information Release for 3 administrations
A fee reduction for multiple-choice score verification or essay score verification Yes No
Free applications to apply for financial aid from participating schools Yes, students can use CSS Profile to apply for financial aid No

SAT - Related Information
ACT Test Eligibility
ACT Test Pattern
SAT Eligibility
SAT Registration
ACT Test Syllabus

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