Difference Between ACT and SAT Math, English, Science & Reading for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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A note from the author, Pawel Dabrowski, PhD, education expert with 10+ years of experience. He publishes his work in many prestigious media outlets and academic publications focused on education:

Standardized tests have become part and parcel of academic life. While it is not always a requirement for college admissions, SAT and ACT tests may have an impact on your application. But before you take them, it is important to understand their differences so that you can better prepare yourself for these tests. First and foremost, one is not better than the other nor is more preferred by college admission officers (Pittman, O., June 2020). Another thing that you will realize when scanning through the differences between the ACT and the SAT is that they are more similar than different.

Standardized high-stakes achievement tests often present a very structured format, with strict time limits, a component of speededness, a large number of items, often of multiple-choice character, and consequences attached to the test result (Stenlund et al., 2018). You will find both the ACT and SAT not veering away from this format.

But there are subtle differences between the two college admission tests. This article aims to help you weigh which test to take when taking both is not an option.

ACT vs. SAT: The Key Differences 2025 Table of Contents

1. SAT Writing Language vs. ACT English
2. SAT Math vs. ACT Math
3. SAT Reading vs. ACT Reading
4. SAT vs. ACT Science
5. SAT Essay vs. ACT Essay
6. SAT Scoring vs. ACT Scoring
7. SAT Timing vs. ACT Timing
8. SAT Cost vs. ACT Cost
9. SAT and CAT for Students With Disabilities

Both the ACT and the SAT have math, reading and writing subjects, an optional essay section and both follow rights-only scoring, that is, there is no penalty for wrong answers. And although there used to be a stark divide between ACT and SAT takers by region—generally, more students take SAT in the east and west coasts and more take ACT in the midwest (The New York Times, August 2013)—that line has started to blur (StudyUSA.com, November 2016). In 2019, 2.2 million students took the SAT while 1.8 million completed the ACT, a 10% difference. The silver lining is, a significant number of students took both tests (Moody, J., June 2020).

Still, as college admission test scores have an impact on the chances of putting one’s foot onto the campus of a preferred higher learning institution, with 88% of four-year colleges and universities placing moderate or considerable importance on them (National Association for College Admission Counseling, 2015 cited in Appelrouth & Zabrucky, 2017), whatever perceived advantage you may think you can get from one test over the other is always a good mind leverage if only to optimize your test score.

What are the most effective preparation strategies for the SAT and ACT?

Tailor your study plan based on diagnostic testing to pinpoint specific areas for improvement. Focus on structured practice sessions that blend concept mastery with efficient time management techniques. Employ full-length practice tests and critical review of performance data to adjust your strategy in real time. Consider flexible educational resources such as open enrollment online college courses to complement your study regimen and reinforce subject-specific skills.

Content Differences between the ACT and SAT for 2025

The key differences in content between the ACT and the SAT lie in the fact that there is no Science in the SAT and the range of Math topics is broader in the ACT. Subtle variations in their approach to assessment per section also exist, as detailed below.

SAT Writing Language vs. ACT English

Both the ACT and the SAT use passage-based format to assess the students’ English language skills, how they understand, process and use information. In both tests, this section is divided between conventions, which include grammar, usage and punctuation, and expression, which tackle style, organization and effective language use. However, is a difference between SAT and ACT when it comes to focus and format among other things.

Differences in English/Writing & Language tests:

1. Focus. The SAT has more questions on expression, while the ACT tends to have more questions on conventions. For instance, the SAT devotes 55% of the test on the expression of ideas, while 45% on standard English mechanics like the difference between compound and complex sentences. Meantime, the ACT has around 45-60% of the questions on conventions (Usage and Mechanics), while 40-55% more or less are dedicated to expression (Rhetorical Skills) (Heimbach, A., June 2017).
2. Format. In the ACT, all questions are text-based. The SAT, on the other hand, may have tables, charts or graphs thrown into the passages called Informational Graphic Questions. These visual elements on the SAT evaluate the student’s ability to interpret data or a scientific chart correctly. Incidentally, the SAT compensates for its lack of a Science section by incorporating scientific topics in its Writing & Language section.
3. Reading level. The passages on the ACT are relatively simpler, around 9th grade, than the ones on the SAT, which can include early college English (Heimbach, A., June 2017).
4. Main idea question. ACT English posits main idea questions like “What is the purpose of this passage?" that the SAT Writing & Language section lacks. The big-picture type of question, nevertheless, is present in both tests’ Reading section.

SAT Math vs. ACT Math

When it comes to Math, two differences between the college admission tests are visibly noticeable: the use of calculator and topic range.

Differences in Math tests:

1. Calculator use. SAT Math delineates a line between a Calculator and No Calculator sections. The former being where a calculator is allowed during the test, where it is not in the latter. By default, ACT Math allows the use of calculator throughout the Math portion but this is not explicit in the requirement. Both tests do have a policy on allowed and prohibited calculators.
2. Topic range. SAT Math is focused on Algebra with little room for additional topics like Geometry and Trigonometry. Compare this to ACT Math where the topics are broadly distributed across the different levels of Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Trigonometry. On SAT, students are evaluated based on their knowledge bank of core Algebra topics, such as linear equations and systems. They will also be challenged with problem-solving and data analysis scenarios (College Board.org, n.d.). Meanwhile, ACT Math is divided into three categories of assessment: preparing for higher Math, integrating essentials skills, and modelling.
3. Formulas. The SAT provides you with formulas that cannot be said of the ACT. It is recommended that you know your standard Math formulas prior to taking ACT Math.

SAT Reading vs. ACT Reading

The similarities between SAT and ACT Reading end with their usage of passages and references to literature, fiction, social sciences, and science, plus the fact that both tests pepper the section with main idea questions. At a glance, both Reading sections look alike—until one delves into the details. To prepare for this, it may be ideal to check out this guide to improving your college reading skills.

Differences in Reading tests:

1. Passage length. SAT Reading generally uses longer passages compared to the ACT.
2. Passage content. Where they deviate from each other, ACT Reading has humanities and its science is more comprehensive, revolving around the natural sciences (e.g. physics, chemistry, geology, etc.). Meanwhile, SAT Reading includes U.S. founding documents and historical documents challenging students to be more aware of historical English nuances.
3. Passage chronology. Questions in the ACT do not follow a chronological order unlike on SAT Reading where you are directed to the passage containing the answer. Finding the details on the ACT is more challenging and trickier.
4. Graphical elements. Like in its Writing & Language section, SAT Reading accompanies some of its passages with charts and figures that it calls informational graphics. These elements add a layer of visual analytics that is unavailable on the ACT.
5. Question types. SAT Reading features evidence support questions. These are question types that require answers to be referenced to the specific passage portion where the answer is derived. Moreover, the SAT questions use data reasoning and technique where the ACT does not. Both tests feature main idea, vocab-in-context, inference, and detail-oriented question types.

SAT vs. ACT Science

Many are asking if is there science on the SAT. The answer to this “does SAT have science" question is no. And this is the most obvious difference between SAT vs ACT. But it does not mean it leaves the subject out in the cold, as you will see below.

Differences in Science tests:

1. Structure. The SAT tries to incorporate scientific topics into the other sections. For instance, science themes are to be found in chart or graphic analysis and reading passages. Contrast this with the ACT, which dedicates a whole section on science in its standard test. Expectedly, the latter has more comprehensive questions on matters specific to the natural sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, biology, and geology).
2. Optional tests. The SAT offers an optional suite of assessments particular to science on top of the standard SAT. These tests, covering biology, chemistry, and physics, are recommended to students planning to take a science degree (Test Prep Tookit, n.d.). As mentioned, these tests are readily available in the standard ACT test.
3. Experimental design. The ACT pays more attention to experimental design in science as a gauge to measure a student’s college readiness. On the SAT, experimental design is traditionally excluded, but in 2017, the College Board added a 20-minute, “unscored" section on experimental design that, observers believe, is meant to test out this topic on future SAT assessments (Safier, R., January 2017).

SAT Essay vs. ACT Essay

Both the ACT and SAT have an optional essay section that students can take to demonstrate their college readiness. The score in the essay though will not be taken into account in the student’s overall admissibility. Nevertheless, it does add another dimension to one’s skill level. The main difference between the SAT and ACT in this section is in the essay’s approach, as discussed in detail below:

Differences in Essay tests:

1. Approach. The essay prompt on the ACT requires one to frame an argument and reinforce it with facts. Whereas on the SAT, the student is tasked to dissect an argument in detail. In short, your opinion matters on the ACT but not on the SAT.
2. Style. Differing in the approach, both tests naturally differ in the writing style. ACT Essay will demand more persuasive skills in the writing, while expository techniques take center stage on the SAT Essay. In both cases, it may be good to learn more about some examples of metaphors for essays.
3. Test metrics. SAT Essay evaluates reading, analysis, and writing skills. Meanwhile, ACT Essay focuses on ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use.

Other Differences between the SAT and the ACT

SAT Scoring vs. ACT Scoring

The SAT and the ACT use a similar scoring approach but with different constructs. Both determine a composite score (the overall score) from the individual scores the student merited in each section.

On the ACT, composite scoring is split among four sections and then averaged: English, mathematics, reading, and science. On the other hand, the SAT bases the composite score between two sections: reading/writing and math. Essay scoring is treated separately in both tests.

The highest composite score on the ACT is 36, which averages the scale scores per section that individually cap at 36, too. While on the SAT, composite scoring tops at 800 per section or 1600 in total.

SAT Timing vs. ACT Timing

The SAT allows you a longer time to answer the questions across subjects except in Writing and Language (English in the ACT). Not just that, the SAT has fewer questions except in Reading, which further extends the time limit per section.

On average, you have 50 seconds per question in the ACT compared with 1 minute and 10 seconds in the SAT (act.org, collegeboard.org, n.d.). If a 20-second time difference matters to you, then timing may play a role in your decision to prefer SAT over the ACT. Likewise, with the optional essay, the SAT allows 10 minutes more than the ACT. The time margin may not appear significant, but taken as a whole, both tests clock in at three hours apiece without the writing part but with Science crammed in the ACT. The difficulty of questions aside, you have more items to answer with less time in the ACT.

Time Allowance per Question

SAT Cost vs. ACT Cost

As of the school year 2019-2020, the ACT costs $5.50 more than the SAT for the full test without the essay portion. The difference is the same inclusive of the essay. Here are the details:

Can Graduate Programs With Non-Traditional Requirements Enhance Your Academic Profile?

While standardized test scores offer a limited snapshot of academic ability, advanced degree pathways can provide a broader platform to showcase professional skills and specialized expertise. For candidates who excel in workplace performance and practical applications, exploring graduate programs with flexible requirements can open alternative routes to academic and career success. Programs such as online PhD programs no dissertation illustrate a shift toward applied research and outcomes-based education, offering a viable option for those seeking to bypass traditional academic constraints without compromising on quality or industry relevance.

How does the SAT and ACT compare in terms of accommodations for students with disabilities?

Students with disabilities face unique challenges when it comes to standardized testing, and both the SAT and ACT provide specific accommodations to support them in achieving equitable testing conditions. Here’s an overview of the support each test offers, highlighting the importance of understanding and applying for these accommodations early.

• Extended Time Options: Both the SAT and ACT offer extended time accommodations, typically allowing 50% more time for each section. In some cases, double time (100%) may be granted based on the severity of the disability and supporting documentation. This extra time is beneficial for students who may need more time to process information or have motor impairments that impact writing speed.
• Assistive Technology and Testing Materials: For students with visual or reading disabilities, both exams provide options for Braille, large-print test booklets, and audio accommodations, such as screen readers. Additionally, the ACT offers a “computer-based testing” option in approved locations, which supports various assistive technologies.
• Break Modifications: Both exams offer additional and flexible break times for students who may need to take medication, manage energy levels, or address other needs related to their disability. The type and length of breaks vary depending on the accommodations granted.
• Separate Testing Locations and Small Group Settings: Students who might benefit from a quieter environment can request testing in a separate room or a smaller group setting. This can be critical for those with ADHD, sensory processing disorders, or anxiety that can be exacerbated in crowded settings.
• Application Process and Documentation Requirements: To receive accommodations, students must submit documentation to either the College Board (for SAT) or ACT’s accommodations team, often through their school counselor. This includes a recent diagnosis from a qualified professional and a history of accommodations used in school. Early application—preferably months in advance—is crucial as the approval process can take time.

How Will My Test Choice Impact My Academic and Career Prospects?

Evaluating the long‑term implications of your test decision can refine future academic planning and career development. It is important to consider that the SAT and ACT not only serve as admissions criteria but also signal your competencies to institutions and potential employers. In this context, an accurate assessment of your performance may guide you to programs aligned with your strengths—ensuring a smoother transition into higher education and subsequent career paths. For those planning further education, exploring options like the easiest bachelor degree to get online can offer flexible pathways to achieving your academic goals without compromising quality or efficiency.

Can supplementary credentials enhance your college admission profile?

Supplementary credentials can serve as a strategic complement to your test scores by highlighting additional skills that may not be reflected through standardized assessments. By leveraging focused, industry-recognized qualifications—such as those available through certificate programs—students can demonstrate practical competencies and a commitment to lifelong learning. These credentials can differentiate applicants in a competitive admissions landscape without overlapping the distinct content areas already evaluated by the SAT and ACT.

Could Alternative Educational Pathways Offer Competitive Career Outcomes?

While standardized tests remain a key element in college admissions, alternative educational pathways can provide direct routes to rewarding careers. Vocational and technical training programs offer industry-focused skills that often translate into competitive salaries and immediate job placements. For students whose strengths lie outside conventional academic testing, these programs provide a valuable complement—or alternative—to traditional college pathways. Exploring targeted certifications and practical skill-building opportunities could be a strategic approach to career planning, as seen in the best trades to get into 2025.

Can Accelerated Degree Programs Complement Standardized Test Success?

Accelerated degree programs are increasingly recognized as a strategic complement to strong standardized test performance. They offer a condensed curriculum designed to develop essential skills while reducing time and financial investments. This route can leverage your demonstrated academic abilities to secure a competitive position in the workforce. By aligning your test success with an accelerated academic program, you may minimize opportunity costs and enter high-demand fields sooner. Prospective students should assess program structures and career outcomes to ensure alignment with long‑term professional objectives; for example, some of the fastest degree to get that pays well can offer significant advantages in today’s dynamic job market.

Are Test-Optional Policies Diminishing the Importance of Standardized Tests?

An increasing number of institutions are adopting test-optional policies with the goal of broadening access and focusing on a more holistic review of applicants. This shift means that beyond test scores, elements such as academic performance, extracurricular engagements, and personal statements are taking on greater significance in admissions decisions. While the test-optional trend can alleviate pressure on students who may not excel under timed conditions, it does not fully negate the strategic advantage of a high test score for programs where standardized assessments remain influential. Additionally, for candidates considering advanced studies, strong test performance can still be a critical factor in gaining admission to programs like the easiest masters to get, which may prioritize demonstrated aptitude along with a proven academic track record.

Conclusion

The differences between the ACT and the SAT in mind beg the question—is it recommended to take both tests? The answer is yes and no. Yes, because taking both tests allows the student to show more competency information to the admission office, especially for higher scores. Taking both tests also gives the student more options to choose from the top 100 student scholarships or grants that require one type of test over the other.

On the other hand, and critically, both tests will cut into one’s study time, spreading it thinner as opposed to focusing on one test alone. Some may say it is like sitting in between two chairs resulting in a less stable situation. But the decision is best left to the student who should weigh the pros and cons of both strategies. An alternative to picking between SAT vs ACT may be to take both the preparatory tests—PSAT and PreACT—and decide which test plays to one’s strengths.

Key Insights

• Similarity in Purpose: Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests used for college admissions, and neither is inherently preferred by college admission officers.
• Sectional Differences: The SAT and ACT have similar sections but differ in content focus and structure. The SAT includes more questions on expression in writing, while the ACT focuses more on conventions.
• Math Variances: SAT Math has a clear distinction between calculator and no-calculator sections, whereas the ACT allows calculators throughout. The SAT focuses more on Algebra, while the ACT covers a broader range of math topics.
• Science Inclusion: The ACT includes a dedicated science section, while the SAT integrates scientific topics into its other sections.
• Reading and Writing Differences: SAT Reading includes longer passages and graphical elements, while ACT Reading questions are not in chronological order. The SAT Essay analyzes an argument, whereas the ACT Essay involves framing an argument.
• Timing and Cost: The SAT allows more time per question compared to the ACT. The ACT is slightly more expensive than the SAT.
• Scoring Systems: The SAT scores range up to 1600, while the ACT scores up to 36. Both tests treat essay scores separately.

FAQ

1. What are the main differences between the SAT and ACT? The SAT and ACT differ primarily in content and structure. The SAT has a stronger focus on algebra and includes sections where a calculator is not allowed. It also integrates scientific topics into its reading and writing sections. The ACT includes a dedicated science section and covers a broader range of math topics, allowing calculators throughout. Additionally, the SAT essay analyzes arguments, while the ACT essay requires framing an argument.
2. Which test is easier, the SAT or the ACT? Neither test is inherently easier as it depends on individual strengths. The SAT provides more time per question and includes longer reading passages and graphical elements. The ACT has a science section and questions that are not in chronological order. Students should consider taking practice tests for both to determine which aligns better with their skills.
3. Do colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT or vice versa? Colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities. It is essential to perform well on whichever test you choose, as both are equally valued in the admissions process.
4. Can I use a calculator on both tests? Yes, but with conditions. The SAT has specific sections where calculators are allowed and others where they are not. The ACT allows calculators throughout the entire math section. It is crucial to check the specific calculator policies for each test to ensure compliance.
5. How is the essay section different between the SAT and ACT? The SAT essay requires students to analyze an argument presented in a passage, focusing on reading, analysis, and writing skills. The ACT essay asks students to frame and support an argument, emphasizing ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use. Both essays are optional and scored separately from the main test sections.
6. How are the SAT and ACT scored? The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, combining scores from the math and evidence-based reading and writing sections. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, averaging scores from the English, math, reading, and science sections. Both tests have separate scores for the optional essay.
7. Is there a difference in cost between the SAT and ACT? Yes, as of the 2019-2020 school year, the ACT costs $5.50 more than the SAT for the full test without the essay portion. The additional cost remains the same when including the essay section.
8. Should I take both the SAT and ACT? Taking both tests can provide more options and showcase a broader range of competencies to college admissions offices. However, preparing for both tests can spread study time thin. It may be beneficial to take practice tests for both and then focus on the one that aligns best with your strengths. Alternatively, taking both the PSAT and PreACT can help you decide which test to pursue.
9. How does the timing differ between the SAT and ACT? The SAT generally allows more time per question compared to the ACT. The SAT provides an average of 1 minute and 10 seconds per question, whereas the ACT gives about 50 seconds per question. This timing difference can influence a student's performance depending on their test-taking speed and time management skills.
10. What should I consider when choosing between the SAT and ACT?

Consider your strengths in specific subjects, time management skills, and test-taking strategies. The SAT might be preferable if you excel in algebra and prefer more time per question. The ACT could be better if you are comfortable with a broader range of math topics and can handle a faster-paced test. Practice tests and preparatory courses can also provide insights into which test suits you best.

References:

• ACT (2019, August 5). ACT Calculator Policy. Iowa City, IA: Act.org.
• College Board (2019, May). How much do the SAT and SAT subject tests cost? New York, NY: CollegeBoard.org.
• Fracchia, K. (2016, November). ACT vs SAT: Ultimate guide to choosing the right test. StudyUSA.com.
• Heimbach, A. (2017, June). SAT / ACT prep online guides and tips. PrepScholar.
• Moody, J. (2020, June). ACT vs. SAT: How to decide which test to take. USNews.com.
• Montgomery, C. (December, 2018). The 31 critical ACT math formulas you MUST know. PrepScholar.
• Pittman, O. (2020, June). Do colleges prefer ACT or SAT? Which is more popular? CollegeRaptor.
• Safier, R. (2017, January). What is the SAT experimental section? PrepScholar.
• Test Prep Toolkit (n.d.). SAT science test, topics & subjects content. TestPrepToolkit.com.
• Saget, B. (2013). Where the SAT and ACT dominate. New York Times.
• The Princeton Review Staff (n.d.). 5 reasons to take both the SAT and ACT. PrincetonReview.