Deciding whether you’re going to sit the ACT (American College Testing) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) for college admission can have a big impact on your college application timeline as well as the school you get into.
Choosing the right one isn’t just about taking the “easier” option. It’s about understanding how you think, how you handle time pressure, and which format plays to your strengths. At Remitly, we know that navigating the US college system can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you pick the test path that works best for you.
What are the SAT and ACT?
The SAT and ACT are the standardized tests that most US colleges use to figure out whether applicants are ready for tertiary education. They’re designed to assess the academic skills you developed in high school, like reading comprehension, grammar, math reasoning, and problem-solving.
Colleges don’t prefer one test over the other. As far as admissions are concerned, there’s no difference when it comes to SAT vs ACT—they’re equally accepted across the board. That means your decision should come down to which test format better matches how you think and how well that might work for your chosen major.
The SAT tends to favor deeper reasoning and data analysis, while the ACT moves faster and puts more emphasis on time management and multitasking. Understanding these and other differences between the SAT and ACT can help you pick the test that plays to your strengths and give you the best shot at getting a good score.
Differences between the SAT and ACT
Both the SAT and ACT test your academic skills and will complement your college application essay, but they’ll do so in a slightly different way.
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
| Format | Adaptive (changes based on your skills) | Linear (the same for everyone) |
| Subjects tested | Reading, writing, math | English, math, reading, science |
| Total test time | 2 hours, 14 minutes | 2 hours, 55 minutes |
| Average time per question |
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| Scoring scale | 400–1,600 | 1–36 |
| Tools | Calculators allowed for math section | Calculators allowed for math section |
Format
One of the biggest differences between the SAT and ACT is how each test is formatted.
The SAT is adaptive, which means that the difficulty of your questions can change based on how you answer earlier ones. Each subject section that you write is split into two modules and how you perform in the first will shape how difficult the second is.
This is possible because the test is completely digital. You won’t use pen and paper to write the SAT; rather, you’ll complete all of the questions online.
The ACT, on the other hand, is linear. This means that everyone taking the test gets the same questions in the same order, regardless of how they perform when answering any one section of the test.
Unlike the SAT, you have a choice to take the ACT either online or in-person, completing the test in hard copy.
Subjects tested
While both tests cover reading, grammar, and math, only the ACT includes a section dedicated to science.
There’s no need to worry if science isn’t your strength, though. The ACT science section isn’t about reciting biology facts or carrying out chemistry calculations; it’s more focused on how well you’re able to interpret data and evaluate experiments.
Essay writing used to be optional on both tests, but it’s now completely phased out. You won’t need to write an essay on either exam.
Time and length
Time and length are other key differences between the SAT and ACT. The ACT is shorter than the SAT, but you’re also given less time to complete it so you’ll need to be speedier when you’re answering the questions.
Overall, the SAT will give you a bit more breathing room, especially in the reading and writing sections.
How much does it cost to take college admission tests?
The SAT costs 68 USD per attempt for students based in the US. If you’re writing from outside the US, you’ll also need to pay the 43 USD international registration fee.
The standard ACT will set you back 65 USD, but that price will increase if you add the optional essay (25 USD) and science (4 USD) components.
Students in the 11th or 12th grade from low-income families may also be eligible for a fee waiver. These waivers cover the costs of your test attempts. The SAT waivers are available to students from all around the world, but only those actually taking the test in the US, US territories, or Puerto Rico can apply for the ACT waiver.
How to choose the right test for you
Still asking yourself, “Should I take the SAT or ACT?” Well, the answer to that question will depend on your academic strengths and which colleges you’re applying to.
A good place to start is by checking whether your top-choice colleges have a preference. Most institutions will accept either, but a few schools or scholarship programs may lean one way or the other.
Next, take a full-length practice test for each exam under timed conditions. Compare how you scored and how you felt. Was one test noticeably easier to finish? Did one feel more natural? It’s likely that’s the one you should opt to take.
Remember, though, the goal isn’t to pick the “easier” test; it’s to pick the one that plays to your strengths.
If you’re stronger in math and reading analysis, and prefer fewer, longer sections, the SAT might suit you better. If you process information quickly, feel confident reading charts and graphs, and like straightforward, fast-paced questions, the ACT could be a better fit.
Preparing for the SAT vs ACT
The SAT and ACT might test similar skills, but how they do so is different. And that means your prep should be, too.
Whichever test you’re going to take, try to complete a full-length practice test at least twice before the real thing and try to simulate the conditions you’ll be in on the day. This will help you feel at ease on test day.
Don’t forget to review your practice tests and work on the sections where you made mistakes. The goal here isn’t just to get used to writing these tests, it’s to improve with every session.
SAT preparation
If you’ve decided to take the SAT, the best thing you can do is give yourself enough time to prepare. Ideally, you should take a few months before your test date to get ready.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the test format and practising each section individually. The SAT assesses reasoning and data analysis, so your focus should be on building those skills and testing your abilities with reading comprehension drills and timed math exercises.
Khan Academy, which partners directly with the College Board, provides some of the best SAT preparation resources out there. It offers timed practice tests, review materials, and personalized feedback based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Getting ready for the ACT
To get started with your ACT prep, take a diagnostic test to see where you stand and then zero in on the areas that need the most work. The official ACT website has a bank of practice questions, full-length tests, and study guides to help you refine your skills in each subject.
A big part of preparing for the ACT is learning how to work quickly under pressure. There are lots of questions to answer in the allotted time for each section, so being able to manage your pacing across all four sections is essential.
Try mixing in timed drills with full-length practice exams. And when you review your mistakes, look for patterns—are they happening because you’re rushing? Misreading? Running out of time? Use those insights to tweak your strategy as test day gets closer.
Retaking the ACT or SAT for college admission
A less-than-optimal test score isn’t too much cause for concern. You can retake both the SAT and ACT if your results aren’t quite what they need to be to get admitted to the college of your choice.
There’s no mandatory waiting period, so you can simply sign up for the next available date, though you will have to pay the standard fee—unless you’re eligible for a waiver—each time you take it. So it’s wise to leave a couple of months between attempts to give yourself enough time to improve.
Many students choose to take the test more than once. Not only to improve their overall score, but also to take advantage of superscoring.
Superscoring is when colleges consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates. So, if you do better on math in one attempt and reading in another, some schools will combine those for a higher total score.
The SAT and ACT both support superscores, though it’s up to individual colleges whether they accept them, so be sure to check each school’s policy.
SAT and ACT advice for immigrant & ESL students
The SAT and ACT are designed for native English speakers, which means that the SAT and ACT’s timed reading sections, idiomatic phrases, and wordy math problems can feel especially intimidating if you’re an immigrant or if English is your second language.
One of the biggest changes ESL students face is time pressure. Being able to read and understand the question quickly is often half the battle.
To overcome this, work on your vocabulary through reading and creating flashcards. Running through practice tests with a timer set will also help you gain some confidence and relieve some of the pressure on test day. There are plenty of English language learning resources available online.
The good news is that neither of these tests is focused simply on tripping you up. When you’re prepared and have a strategy in place, you’ll likely excel.
Conclusion
The SAT isn’t better than the ACT or vice versa. The best choice will be the one that gives you the chance to shine academically—and maybe even end up having to choose between two college acceptances.
If you’re still unsure about which one to go for, try a practice version of each test. See how they feel, compare your results, and go with the one that fits your strengths.
Whatever you choose, give yourself time to prepare, focus on steady improvement, and remember: the right preparation can make all the difference in reaching your college goals.
FAQ
Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT?
All US colleges will accept either an SAT or ACT score as part of your application. Applicants to some institutions may favor one test over the other, but it generally doesn’t matter to admissions teams.
Can I take the SAT and the ACT?
Yes, you can take both tests. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay the necessary fees for each one and you’ll need lots of time to prepare. It’s usually best to do the practice tests offered by Khan Academy and on the official ACT website to decide which one to do.
Which college test is easier, SAT or ACT?
It depends on your strengths. The SAT gives you more time per question and emphasizes reasoning and problem-solving, while the ACT rewards students who are confident with data, graphs, and can move quickly. Complete a practice test for each to see which one feels easier to you.
Is it ok not to submit test scores with a college application?
Many schools are now “test-optional”. That means you don’t have to submit either SAT or ACT scores when you apply as they place more emphasis on your admission essay and answers to interview questions. That said, strong test scores can help your application to stand out, so they can be useful when you’re applying for competitive programs or scholarships.