Compare the SAT to the 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:

return to top | learn about PrepMe's SAT and ACT Courses

	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

return to top | learn about PrepMe's SAT and ACT Courses