ACT v. SAT
How the ACT Compares to the SAT
ACT |
SAT |
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---|---|---|
Accepted at all U.S. Colleges | ![]() |
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Calculator allowed for entire math test | ![]() |
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Essay is optional | ![]() |
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No penalty for guessing | ![]() |
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Free daily practice questions | ![]() |
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Free comprehensive test practice | ![]() |
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Test fees waived for eligible students | ![]() |
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Fee waiver students eligible for college application fee waiver | ![]() |
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Free score reports | ![]() |
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All tests 1 hour or less | ![]() |
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Measures what you learn in high school | ![]() |
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You always know which questions count | ![]() |
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You have access to English learner supports | ![]() |
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You get a STEM score | ![]() |
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Subject scores are balanced | ![]() |
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Testing time | 2 hours 55 minutes + 40-minute essay (optional) |
3 hours + 50-minute essay (optional) |
Structure | 4 tests + optional writing test | 3 tests + optional essay |
Longest test | 1 hr | 1 hr 20 min |
Shortest test | 35 min | 35 min |
Score range | Composite 1–36 (writing domain scores: 2–12) | Composite 400–1600 (SAT Essay: reported in 3 dimensions, each 2–8) |
*Based on publicly released SAT information.