Should I take the SAT or ACT? A detailed comparison to help you choose the right exam

April 21, 2025 - Updated: May 6, 2025

The SAT and ACT are two important standardized tests accepted by most universities in the United States during the admissions process. Although similar in purpose, each exam has distinct differences in structure, content, and scoring. Choosing the right exam will help you maximize your personal strengths. The following article is from ETEST English for Study Abroad will help you compare details Should I take the SAT or ACT? to make the most accurate choice.

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What is SAT?

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is an academic assessment test for high school students, administered by the College Board. The test is administered in the form of a multiple-choice test on a computer. The purpose of the SAT is to measure the academic ability of high school students, especially skills such as reading comprehension, data analysis, and logical thinking.

In addition, candidates also need to have a solid foundation in mathematics and the ability to express ideas clearly through essay writing.

Kỳ thi SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) — SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

What is ACT?

ACT (American College Testing) is a widely known multiple-choice test administered by ACT, Inc., in a paper-based format. The test focuses on testing students' academic abilities in four main areas: English, mathematics, reading comprehension, and science.

Compared to the SAT, the ACT tends to assess students' abilities in a more practical and comprehensive approach. ACT results are not only used for admission purposes but can also be used for scholarships at some universities.

Kỳ thi ACT (American College Testing) — ACT (American College Testing) exam

What is the difference between SAT and ACT?

Below is a detailed comparison table between the two exams. SAT and ACT, helping you understand the differences and choose the right exam for you:

Criteria	SAT	ACT
Organizing unit	College Board	ACT, Inc.
Exam format	Computer-based test (internationally from March 2023, in the US from March 2024).	Paper and online test.
Time to do the test	– Total time: 3 hours (not including essay). – If there is an essay: 3 hours 50 minutes.	– Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes (not including essay). – If there is an essay: 3 hours 35 minutes.
Average time/sentence	– Read: ~75 seconds – Write: ~48 seconds – Math: 75–87 seconds	– English: ~36 seconds – Math: ~60 seconds – Read: ~53 seconds – Science: ~53 seconds
Order of parts	1. English – 2. Mathematics – 3. Reading – 4. Science – 5. Writing (optional)	1. Reading – 2. Writing and Language – 3. Math Without Calculator – 4. Calculator – 5. Essay (optional)
Exam structure	1. Reading: – Time: 65 minutes. – Number of questions: 52. 2. Writing and Language: – Time: 35 minutes. – Number of questions: 44. 3. Math: – No calculator: 25 minutes, 20 questions. – Using computer: 55 minutes, 38 questions. 4. Essay (optional): – Time: 50 minutes. – Number of questions: 1.	1. English: – Time: 45 minutes. – Number of questions: 75. 2. Math: – Time: 60 minutes. – Number of questions: 60. 3. Reading: – Time: 35 minutes. – Number of questions: 40. 4. Science: – Time: 35 minutes. – Number of questions: 40. 5. Essay (Writing – optional): – Time: 40 minutes. – Number of questions: 1.
Scoring scale	– Total score: 400 – 1600. – Each Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math section uses a 200-800 scale and is combined for a total score. – Essays have three separate scores from 1-8 and do not count towards the final score.	– Total score: 1 – 36. – Each section of English, Math, Reading and Science uses a scale of 1-36. – The total score is the average of the four test sections. – The Writing section is scored on a scale of 2-12 and does not count towards the final score.
Average score	1060 points	21 points
English Test	Tests your ability to use academic language, analyze and edit sentences.	Evaluate grammar, sentence structure and argumentation skills in essay writing.
Math section	Focus on algebra, geometry, logical thinking and reading graphs.	The test covers algebra, trigonometry, and statistics; requires quick calculations.
Reading section	Long, academic text; requires in-depth analysis and reasoning.	Short, clear text; tests ability to grasp information quickly.
Science section	– There is no separate Science section and it is often integrated into the reading section.	– There is a Science section, focusing on reading comprehension and chart analysis skills.
Essay test	– Optional, duration 50 minutes. – Test reading comprehension, expression and analysis skills. – The question provides a passage and requires candidates to analyze how the author builds arguments, uses evidence and persuasive methods.	– Optional, 30 minutes duration. – Tests the ability to evaluate and analyze complex problems. – Ask candidates to give their personal opinions on the issue or situation first.
Exam costs	– About 60 USD	– No essay: ~50.5 USD – With essay writing: ~67 USD – In some other countries, the ACT test will cost around $150, with a writing section around $166.50.
Exam time	Held in March or April, May, June, August, October, November, December every year.	Held in February, April, June, July, September, October, December every year.
Unit accepting test scores	Accepted by all colleges and universities in the US	Accepted by all colleges and universities in the US.

Should I take the SAT or ACT?

Most colleges and universities in the US accept both SAT and ACT scores equally, without giving preferential treatment to one exam or another. Nowadays, many students choose to attend both exams to make it easier to assess their abilities before making a final choice.

Choosing between the SAT and ACT depends entirely on the student’s academic ability. The best way to make an informed decision is to take practice tests of both the SAT and ACT, evaluate your results, and determine your strengths and weaknesses, as well as choose the most effective study strategy.

You should consider taking the SAT if:

You love analytical, abstract thinking
Have good vocabulary and language skills
Be confident with math problems without using a calculator
Want to practice reasoning and critical thinking skills.

You should take the ACT if:

You learn quickly and process information accurately.
Have a solid knowledge base, especially in many subjects
Love the type of exercises that involve practical applications
Want to allocate more flexible time when doing homework.

Besides, you also need to refer to the admission requirements of the schools to choose the right direction and increase your chances of being admitted.

Tùy theo mục đích và nhu cầu của cá nhân để lựa chọn thi SAT hoặc ACT — Depending on the purpose and needs of the individual, choose to take the SAT or ACT.

ETEST English for Study Abroad Proud to be a prestigious training center, specializing in providing SAT test preparation course and ACT test prep course high quality, helping students prepare best for this important exam. With a team of experienced lecturers and effective teaching methods, ETEST English for Study Abroad Committed to accompanying you on the path to conquering your dream score

Reasons to choose to take the test at ETEST Study Abroad English:

Exclusive teaching method: We focus on training critical thinking, synthesis and reasoning skills, helping students understand the psychology of the test taker and give correct answers.
Personalized learning path: Before starting the course, students will be assessed for their current level and advised on a suitable learning path, optimizing learning time and efficiency.
Quality teaching staff: The teachers at ETEST English Study Abroad are all former international students and test preparation experts with many years of experience, having helped hundreds of students achieve high scores on the SAT and ACT exams.
Modern facilities: Classrooms are fully equipped with amenities, creating a comfortable and effective learning environment for students.

Luyện thi SAT & ACT hiệu quả tại Anh Ngữ Du Học ETEST — Effective SAT & ACT test preparation at ETEST Study Abroad English

Many students of ETEST English Study Abroad have achieved excellent scores on the SAT and ACT exams, expanding their opportunities to enter prestigious universities. For example, students SAT score 1580/1600 and ACT 34/36, proof of the quality of training at ETEST English Language Study Abroad.

In short, Should I take the SAT or ACT? It all depends on your interests, strengths, and learning style. Whether it’s the SAT or the ACT, each exam has its own unique requirements and characteristics. Take practice tests and consider carefully to make the decision that best suits you, thereby optimizing your chances of success in the college admissions process.

Don't forget to contact ETEST English for Study Abroad via hotline 093 380 6699 – 0937 80 66 99 to get expert advice.

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Mr. Craig Steven Berry from New Zealand is a very experienced person, with over 30 years of experience in teaching English and IELTS. At the same time, he was also a member of the IELTS examiner panel at the British Council. Therefore, more than anyone else, he understands the requirements of the IELTS test as well as the experience, skills, and strategies for taking the IELTS test to achieve the best results.