ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

October 16, 2026 byAlyssa Austin

5 min to read

Online High School Student preparing for the ACTs and SATs

This article was originally published August 3, 2022 and was updated October 16 2026.

If your child is planning to apply to college, you may be wondering: Should they take the ACT or SAT? The good news is that there isn’t one “right” answer for every student. Most U.S. colleges that consider standardized test scores accept both the ACT and SAT, so the better choice often comes down to which test format best matches their strengths and testing style.

And while the two tests have become more similar over the years, there are still some important differences, including how they’re structured, how quickly they’ll need to work, and the subjects they cover.

Before registering, compare the ACT vs. SAT and consider taking a practice test for each. A little experimentation can help determine which test gives them the best opportunity to show what they know.

What's the Difference Between the ACT and the SAT?

Both the ACT and SAT are designed to measure skills that can help demonstrate college readiness, but they go about it differently.

The SAT is fully digital and includes two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The test takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and uses an adaptive format, meaning your child’s performance on the first module of a section helps determine the difficulty of questions they receive in the second module.

The ACT includes three core sections, English, Math, and Reading, and students can choose to add Science and/or Writing. The enhanced ACT introduced in 2025 also shortened the test and gave students more time per question than previous versions.

Here’s a quick ACT-SAT comparison:

Test	ACT	SAT
Number of Questions	215	154
Reading Section	35 minutes	65 minutes
Writing and Language Section	45 minutes	35 minutes
Math Section	60 minutes	80 minutes
Science Section	Optional; 35 minutes	N/A
May favor students	With strong verbal skills	With strong math skills
Score Range	1-36	400-1600
Cost	$55; $70 with the optional writing test included	$52
Format	Paper or digital	Digital
Adaptive?	No	Yes
Calculator use	Permitted for math section	Permitted throughout Math; built-in graphing calculator available

How Do You Decide Which Test to Take?

Pros of the SAT

If you’re still asking, “Which test should my child take, ACT or SAT?” start with their strengths and preferences.

Consider the SAT if your child:

Prefers having more time to consider each question.

Is comfortable taking a test entirely on a computer.

Likes working with shorter reading passages.

Feels comfortable with an adaptive testing format.

Prefers a test with fewer total questions.

Consider the ACT if your child:

Prefers a more traditional, linear testing experience.

Wants the option of taking the test on paper.

Is comfortable working at a somewhat faster pace.

Prefers longer reading passages with multiple questions about each passage.

Wants the option to demonstrate scientific reasoning skills with a dedicated Science section.

One of the best ways to decide is to take a full-length practice test for both exams under realistic testing conditions. Ask your child to compare not only their scores, but also how they felt during each test. Did they constantly feel rushed? Did one question style feel more intuitive? Were they able to stay focused?

Those answers can tell almost as much as the practice scores.

You should also check the admissions policies of the colleges they’re considering. While colleges generally accept both exams without preference, individual schools can have different policies regarding standardized tests, superscoring, scholarships, and optional ACT sections.

Is the SAT Right for Your Child?

The ACT measures skills in English, math, and reading. Students can also choose to take an optional science section, an optional writing section, or both.

Recent changes have made the ACT shorter and more flexible. The Composite score is now based on English, math, and reading, so choosing to take science does not affect the composite score. Students who take science receive a separate science score as well as a STEM score.

The ACT may be a good fit if they:

Like a straightforward test structure. Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not adaptive.

Want a choice of formats. The ACT is offered in both paper and online formats, although availability can vary by testing location.

Are comfortable maintaining a faster pace. The ACT has more questions than the SAT.

Prefer longer reading passages. Instead of the SAT’s short passage-and-question format, the ACT reading section uses longer passages followed by multiple questions.

Want to showcase science skills. Students interested in STEM may want to consider the optional science section, particularly if a prospective college or program recommends or requires it.

Remember that the ACT science section isn’t simply a test of memorized science facts. It focuses heavily on interpreting data, evaluating evidence, understanding experiments, and drawing conclusions from scientific information.

An online student studying for college entrance exams.

Can Your Child Take Both the ACT and the SAT?

Yes. There’s nothing stopping students from taking both the ACT and SAT, and taking a practice version of each can be especially useful when deciding which test to pursue.

But does that mean your child should prepare for and take both official exams?

Not necessarily.

Preparing seriously for two different college entrance exams requires additional time, energy, and potentially money. Once you determine that your child performs better or feels more comfortable on one test, it may make more sense to focus preparation there. They can then retake that exam if they want an opportunity to improve their score.

However, taking both could make sense if their initial practice scores are similar, they're unsure which test best showcases their abilities, or they simply want to keep their options open.

Before deciding, consider academic workload, college application timeline, and other commitments. More testing isn’t always better testing.

Choose the Test That Plays to Your Child’s Strengths

When comparing the ACT vs. SAT, try not to think of the decision as choosing the “easier” test. Think about which test makes it easier for your child to demonstrate their skills.

Take practice tests. Pay attention to pacing. Look at their performance by subject. Research the requirements at the colleges on their list. Then make sure they give themselves enough time to prepare for whichever test they choose.

For Connections Academy students, online learning makes it easier to build test preparation into their schedule. Students can work with teachers, counselors, and Learning Coaches to plan ahead, develop strong study habits.

Ultimately, the ACT or SAT score is only one piece of your child’s college application. The goal is to choose the test that lets them put your best foot forward—and then focus their energy on preparing with confidence.

FAQs About ACT vs. SAT

Do colleges prefer the ACT or the SAT?

Generally, no. Colleges that accept standardized test scores typically accept both the ACT and SAT without giving preference to one over the other. However, admissions and scholarship requirements can vary, so always check the policies of the individual schools you’re considering.

Is the ACT easier than the SAT?

Neither test is universally easier. Some students may find the SAT easier because it provides more time per question and has fewer questions overall. Others may prefer the ACT’s linear format, longer reading passages, or paper-testing option. Taking a practice version of each is one of the best ways to determine which feels easier for you.

How many times can you take the ACT or SAT?

Students can take either test multiple times. College Board places no limit on how many times a student can take the SAT, and ACT currently states that there is no limit on ACT attempts. However, repeated testing can take considerable time and money, so it’s usually better to retest strategically after giving yourself time to prepare and improve. Some colleges also superscore standardized tests, meaning they consider your highest section scores from different test dates. Check each college’s policy before deciding how many times to test.

When should you start preparing for the ACT or SAT?

Many students take their first ACT or SAT during junior year, which leaves time to retake the test before college application deadlines if needed. Connections Academy recommends allowing yourself plenty of time to study rather than trying to cram shortly before test day. A practice test can be a useful first step because it gives you a baseline score and helps identify the areas where you should focus your preparation.

Should you still take the ACT or SAT if a college is test-optional?

It may still be worth considering. A strong standardized test score could potentially add another piece of information to your application or be useful for scholarships, placement, or other opportunities. Start by researching each school on your list to understand how it uses test scores. Then weigh the potential benefit of submitting a score against the time and effort required to prepare for the exam.