Most students don’t score identically on the ACT and the SAT. We believe it’s always a smart move to know if one exam might be a better fit for your student. And if there is scoring advantage on one test or the other, Flying Colors can help your student capitalize on it.
The ACT vs. SAT: how to choose the right exam for you.
Our years of experience have taught us a thing or two about the ACT and the SAT.
ACT vs SAT: Compare and Contrast
Let’s review the key details that distinguish these tests.
| ACT | SAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of exam | Paper and pencil, static structure | Digital, adaptive structure |
| Presentation of concepts | Straightforward, black-and-white | Nuanced, complex, and novel |
| Test length | Two hours, 55 minutes | Two hours, 15 minutes |
| Sections | Four: English, math, reading and science | Two: Reading/writing and math |
| Pacing of the test | 215 questions, 49 seconds per question | 98 questions, 82 seconds per question |
| Weighting? | No weighting. All questions are worth the same in exam scoring. |
Some questions are heavily weighted, others aren’t. Errors can be costly. |
| Math skills | Breadth of math skills helpful | Emphasis on algebra and data analysis |
| Reading skills | Contemporary passages with questions directly related to the passages |
Wide range of reading materials including poetry, late 19th century writings; indirect questions can require deciphering |
| Science test | Yes, though the student’s knowledge of science is not tested. Instead, the section tests the student’s ability to interpret charts, tables and graphs dealing with esoteric topics about which students will know little. | No |
| Scoring | Max score 36 Average of four sections with score range of 1-36 |
Max score 1600 Two sections with score range of 200- 800 points |
| Number of test dates annually | Seven | Seven |
| Test scores available | Typically available 10-14 days after exam | Typically available 10-14 days after exam |
| Superscoring friendly? | Just 400-500 schools superscore the ACT | Most colleges and universities superscore the SAT |
Still not sure? Get advice from our experts.
Diagnostic testing can help you make the most informed choice about the ACT vs. SAT.
It’s easy for your student to take a practice ACT and practice SAT with us to determine the best fit.
Did you know?
We offer full-length, proctored ACT and SAT practice tests every weekend of the year.
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