Compare the SAT to the ACT
Convert Scores Between the SAT and ACT
We have prepared this chart based on historical testing data and extrapolation for the current SAT Reasoning Test.
| ACT |
SAT (Reading + Math) |
SAT Composite |
| 36 |
1600 |
2400 |
| 35 |
1560-1590 |
2340-2390 |
| 34 |
1510-1550 |
2260-2330 |
| 33 |
1460-1500 |
2190-2250 |
| 32 |
1410-1450 |
2110-2180 |
| 31 |
1360-1400 |
2040-2100 |
| 30 |
1320-1350 |
1980-2030 |
| 29 |
1280-1310 |
1920-1970 |
| 28 |
1240-1270 |
1860-1910 |
| 27 |
1210-1230 |
1810-1850 |
| 26 |
1170-1200 |
1750-1800 |
| 25 |
1130-1160 |
1690-1740 |
| 24 |
1090-1120 |
1630-1680 |
| 23 |
1060-1080 |
1590-1620 |
| 22 |
1020-1050 |
1530-1580 |
| 21 |
980-1010 |
1470-1520 |
| 20 |
940-970 |
1410-1460 |
| 19 |
900-930 |
1350-1400 |
| 18 |
860-890 |
1290-1340 |
| 17 |
810-850 |
1210-1280 |
| 16 |
760-800 |
1140-1200 |
| 15 |
710-750 |
1060-1130 |
| 14 |
660-700 |
990-1050 |
| 13 |
590-650 |
880-980 |
| 12 |
520-580 |
780-870 |
| 11 |
500-510 |
750-770 |
*Please note that we do not have good data at the lower end of the score spectrum so we have not published concordance for ACT scores of below 11.
For most students, the ACT and SAT are of similar difficulty. The ACT gives students less time per question so students who have extra time may find the ACT slightly more difficult than the SAT. On the other hand, SAT questions tend to be trickier and the SAT also tests vocabulary indirectly through the Sentence Completions questions on the Critical Reading section, so certain students may find the ACT easier.
Finally, while some companies have made exaggerated claims that one test favors students of one gender, these claims are not supported by data. The differences are minimal and individual students should try both exams to see on which they perform better.
PrepMe can help you prepare for both exams! We have worked with thousands of students to attain the score they need to get into the college of their dreams and win thousands of dollars in scholarships. Let us play a role in your academic success too.
How do the SAT and ACT compare?
|
SAT |
ACT |
| How often is the test given? |
Seven times per year |
Six times per year |
| How many sections are there? |
Ten Sections: 3 Math, 3 Writing (including 1 written essay section), 3 Critical Reading, and 1 unscored Experimental section. You will not be able to tell which section in particular is the experimental section. |
Four Section: 1 English, 1 Math, 1 Reading, and 1 Science Reasoning. An optional essay section is available. An Experimental section is sometimes added and will be clearly marked as experimental. |
| How long does the test take? |
3 hours 45 minutes - Two 25 min Math section, One 20 min Math section, Two 25 min Critical Reading Sections, One 20 min Critical Reading section, one 25 min essay, |
2 hours 55 minutes or 3 hours 25 minutes () - 35 min Reading Section (40 question), |
| What content is on the test? |
Math: Numbers, Operations, Algebra I, Alebra II, Functions, geometry, probability, statistics, data analysis
Critical Reading: Sentence completion, short and long reading passages from natural science, humanities, social science, and literary fiction. (measuring extended reasoning, literal comprehension, and vocabulary in context.)
Writing:Identifying errors, improving sentences and paragraphs, student written essay measuring ability to communicate a viewpoint, define and support a position.
|
Math: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry
Reading: Social studies and Natural Science Reading Passage, Arts/literature Reading Skills, Prose Fiction and Humanities Passage
English: Usage and Mechanics, Grammar, Identifying errors, rhetorical skills, sentence improvement, paragraph improvement
Science: This is a glorified reading passage section. This does NOT test any science knowledge. Data representation, research summaries, science reading passages on conflicting viewpoints.
Writing (optional): Written essay measuring ability to communicate a viewpoint, define and support a position
|
| Is there a penalty for wrong answers? |
Yes, you lose 0.25 points per question wrong. This is intended to negate the effects of guessing. |
No. This means you should not leave any answers blank on the ACT! |
| How is the test scored? |
Each section (Math, Critical Reading, Writing) is worth up to 800 points. Your composite score is simply the sum of your section scores for a maximum of 2400. |
Each subject is scored 1-36. The average of all of your sections is your composite score. 36 is the maximum composite score. |
| Are all previous scores sent to colleges? |
Yes. If a student requests a score report to a college, the report will include all prior SATs taken after entering 9th grade. |
No. Using the "Score Choice" option students can choose which schools will see and which scores the schools will see. |
| Where can I get more information? |
Educational Testing Service:
www.ets.org
The College Board:
www.collegeboard.com |
ACT, Inc.:
www.ACT.org |
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