ACT vs. SAT in 2025: Understanding the Difference

The ACT and SAT aren’t just tests—they’re mirrors reflecting how you learn.

The SAT’s 2025 digital overhaul prioritizes adaptive reasoning, tailoring questions to your skill level and rewarding strategic thinkers who thrive in tech-driven environments. Meanwhile, the ACT’s applied learning approach tests real-world academic stamina, blending rapid-fire science reasoning with advanced math concepts like trigonometry.

Why does this duality matter?

Your choice isn’t just about format—it’s about leveraging your innate strengths. Are you a problem-solver who unpacks complex texts methodically (SAT)? Or a quick analyst who dominates STEM-heavy challenges (ACT)?

Beneath their surface differences lies a strategic truth: aligning with the test that amplifies your natural abilities could mean the difference between a good score and a perfect SAT score.

Let’s dissect these exams in detail to uncover which one unlocks your potential.

How Are the ACT and SAT Similar?

In short, both exams are critical for U.S. college admissions, offering standardized benchmarks for academic readiness.

Here’s where they align:

College Acceptance

• Universally recognized by U.S. universities, including Ivy League schools.

• Optional writing/essay sections (though fewer colleges now require them).

Core Academic Skills

• Test math, reading, and writing proficiency.
• Math sections cover algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

Calculator Use

• Both allow calculators for all math questions.

Superscoring

• Colleges often accept combined highest section scores across multiple test dates.

Global Accessibility

• Offered internationally, with digital testing options expanding in 2025

Key alignment for college readiness:

• SAT/ACT scores remain valid for 5 years
• Both accepted at all U.S. colleges including 15 Easiest Colleges to Get Into

How Are the ACT and SAT Different?

While both serve the same purpose, their structures and emphases diverge:

Section/Criteria	ACT	SAT	Key Insight
Test Structure	4 sections: English, Math, Reading, Science (+ optional Writing)	2 adaptive sections: Reading & Writing (RW) + Math	SAT’s adaptive format adjusts difficulty mid-test; ACT has fixed questions .
Total Duration	2h 55min (without Writing) / 3h 35min (with Writing)	2h 14min (all-digital, shorter)	SAT’s brevity suits students who prefer a condensed exam .
Math Section	– Broader topics: geometry, trigonometry, matrices	– Focus on algebra, data analysis – Built-in Desmos graphing calculator	SAT math emphasizes logic; ACT tests advanced math concepts .
Science Section	Yes (35min, 40 questions on data interpretation)	No (science integrated into RW/Math)	ACT’s science section rewards analytical skills, not prior knowledge .
Reading & Writing	– Long passages (700–900 words) – Direct questions	– Short passages (25–150 words) – Evidence-based analysis	SAT prioritizes textual evidence; ACT tests speed and comprehension .
Scoring	Composite score: 1–36 (average of 4 sections)	Total score: 400–1600 (RW + Math)	SAT’s 1600 scale aligns with historical benchmarks; ACT uses a 36-point scale .
Pacing	Faster: ~49 sec/question (Math), 67 sec/question (Reading)	Slower: ~95 sec/question (Math)	ACT’s tight timing challenges fast thinkers; SAT allows deeper analysis .
Superscoring	Less common, but accepted by some colleges	Widely accepted by universities	SAT superscoring is more universally recognized .

Source: from College Board

How do i know which to choose between ACT vs SAT?

1. Choose the ACT if:
   • You excel in science and data interpretation
   • You prefer straightforward questions and faster pacing
   • You’re comfortable with trigonometry, geometry, and advanced algebra
2. Choose the SAT if:
   • You want a shorter, adaptive test with integrated tools (e.g., Desmos)
   • Algebra, data analysis, and evidence-based reading are your strengths .
   • You need more time per question for critical thinking .
3. Both Tests:
   • Accepted equally by colleges
   • Superscoring policies vary by school
   • Accepted equally by colleges, even if you apply early

Need Help Deciding?

If you’re still struggling with your decision, make sure to check our advised 2 options:

• Free Diagnostic Tests: Take official practice exams for both tests (SAT: Bluebook, ACT: ACT.org) .
• Score Conversion: Use the SAT-ACT Concordance Table to compare percentile ranks.
• Consulting with a tutoring agency: A experienced tutoring agency like NovelPrep, can lead you a more promising direction and save your cost and help you outperform in the test!
• For math-focused students: Our Summer Math Tutoring improves SAT algebra performance by 22%.

Conclusion

The 2025 SAT and ACT reforms have reshaped the standardized testing landscape, offering tailored paths for students to showcase their academic strengths. The digital SAT now prioritizes adaptive problem-solving with integrated tools like the Desmos calculator, while the streamlined ACT rewards analytical speed and flexibility with optional science sections and optimized pacing. Both exams remain equally valued by colleges, but your choice hinges on whether you thrive in a fast-paced, STEM-focused environment (ACT) or prefer a strategic, tech-enhanced format (SAT).

For those targeting a 1500+ SAT score or a 30+ ACT composite, success lies in aligning your preparation with the test’s unique demands. Take advantage of free diagnostic tests, analyze score concordance tables, and lean on expert guidance to refine your strategy.

Remember: the “right” test isn’t universal—it’s the one that amplifies your potential.

Whether you choose ACT or SAT, early preparation is key and you might also want to compare your target scores with 1300 SAT College List to set clear goals.

Comprehensive FAQs: ACT vs. SAT (2025 Updates)

1. Do colleges prefer the ACT or SAT?

No preference – even Ivy League schools accept both.

2. Are the SAT and ACT still required for college admissions?

A: While some schools are test-optional, many top universities (e.g., Ivy League schools) now require standardized test scores again post-pandemic .

3. What are the biggest 2025 changes?

• SAT: Fully digital, adaptive format (questions adjust in difficulty based on performance) and shorter duration (2h 14m) .
• ACT: Science Reasoning is now optional, and total test time is reduced to 2h 55m (excluding Writing) .

4. What sections are on each test?

• ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science (optional), and optional Writing. Math includes trigonometry and geometry .
• SAT: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math (algebra-focused). No science section, but data analysis is integrated into reading/writing .

5. How long is each test?

• SAT: 2h 14m (all digital).
• ACT: 2h 55m (without Writing) or 3h 35m (with Writing). The ACT has more questions (215 vs. 98), requiring faster pacing .

6. Does the ACT Science section require prior knowledge?

• No—it tests data interpretation and critical thinking, not memorized facts .

7. How are the tests scored?

• SAT: 400–1600 (200–800 per section).
• ACT: 1–36 composite (average of four sections). The optional ACT Writing score is reported separately .

8. How do SAT and ACT scores compare?

Use the official concordance table.

For example:

• SAT 1200 ≈ ACT 25
• SAT 1300 ≈ 28 ACT
• SAT 1400 ≈ ACT 31 .

9. Can I superscore?

Many colleges accept SAT superscores (combining highest section scores). The ACT allows superscoring but fewer schools permit it .

10. Where can I take the tests?

• SAT: Available nationwide, including U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
• ACT: Offered in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Puerto Rico. Use the ACT Test Center Locator to find confirmed dates and locations.

11. How much do the tests cost?

• SAT: $68;

Note: there will be additional fees: Late registration: +$34; Changing test centers/dates: +$29; Canceling registration: $29(before deadline) or $39 (after deadline)

• ACT: $68 (without Writing) or $93 (with Writing) .

Note: there will be additional fees: Late registration: +$25; Changing test centers/dates: +$24; Standby testing (waitlist): +$49.

12. Are fee waivers available?

Yes—low-income students can apply for SAT or ACT fee waivers through their schools .

13. Which test is easier?

It depends on skills and Seniors can still succeed.

• Choose ACT if: You’re strong in STEM, work quickly, or prefer straightforward questions .
• Choose SAT if: You excel in reading analysis, need more time per question, or want free digital tools (e.g., Desmos calculator) .

14. Should I take both tests?

30% of U.S. students take both and submit their higher score. Take practice tests for both to compare .

15. What free resources are available?

• SAT: Official Khan Academy practice, Bluebook app for digital tests .
• ACT: Free practice tests on ACT.org .

For personalized advice, take a diagnostic test for both exams and consult your school counselor!