SAT vs. ACT: What’s the difference?

ACT or SAT?

You don’t need both. You need one — the right one.

Here’s the good news: almost no college cares which one you take. They care about how well you do.

So what’s the difference between the ACT and SAT? Less than you probably think, but still enough to matter.

Let’s break it down.

ACT vs. SAT: the short answer

• Colleges treat them the same. Unless a school says otherwise, a strong score on either one counts.
• Neither test is “harder.” They’re just built differently. Some students do better on one.
• Deciding is simple. Take a timed practice test for each. Then pick the one you score higher on.

SAT vs. ACT at a glance

What’s new on the SAT for 2026–2027?

The test itself hasn’t changed. The tools around it have. Here’s everything worth knowing.

Scores are climbing. The Class of 2026 averaged 1045, up 16 points from the previous year. Reading and Writing crested at 528, while Math climbed to 517. Nearly 1.95 students in this class took the test.

College Board now offers free peer tutoring. College Board and Schoolhouse.world (from Khan Academy) now offer free four-week online SAT bootcamps. Tutors are high schoolers and recent grads who scored 700+ on the section they teach.

Tailored practice exams. New this year from the College Board. After a real SAT or a Bluebook practice test, you get questions built around what you missed.

More practice tests. Bluebook now has eight full-length practice tests.

SAT dates for 2026–2027 (remaining dates)

What’s the difference between the ACT and SAT? Five things that actually matter.

1. Reading style

SAT Reading and Writing passages are short — between 25 and 150 words. The ACT, by contrast, mixes it up. Some parts contain one long passage. Others pair two shorter passages with questions that ask you to connect them.

If you like quick-hitting passages, lean toward the SAT. If you prefer to settle into long text, the ACT might suit you better.

2. Pacing

The SAT gives you 134 minutes to answer 98 questions. It gives you plenty of time to mull over questions. The ACT moves faster: 131 questions in 125 minutes. That’s under a minute per question versus about 82 seconds on the SAT.

If the clock rattles you, consider taking the SAT.

3. One test adapts to you

The SAT is adaptive. Each section has two modules. Your performance on the first determines whether the second gets harder or easier.

If you want a test that changes with your answers, take the SAT.

4. Science

The SAT has no devoted science section. The subject shows up inside the reading and math sections instead.

On the ACT, science is now optional. Add it for $5 to receive a separate science score. It doesn't count toward your composite score.

5. Math tools

On the SAT, you can use a calculator on the Math section — there’s one built right into Bluebook. You can also bring your own approved calculator.

About 30% of SAT Math questions are word problems set in science, social studies, or real-world contexts.

The ACT allows calculators on Math only. For this test, you’ll want to bring your own approved calculator.

Which test do colleges prefer?

Neither.

Most U.S. colleges accept both the SAT and ACT and treat them equally. What matters is how your score compares with admitted students.

Additionally, more schools, especially selective ones, are requiring scores again. So “just skip the test” is riskier advice than it was a few years ago. Our guide to high school exams covers testing policies and planning.

Should you take both the ACT and SAT?

Probably not.

Two tests mean double the preparation and double the fees — with half the focus. Students do better when they master one.

If you take both practice tests and the scores come out identical, choose the format you like most and go all in.

How to choose in three steps

1. Take the full-length SAT practice test in Bluebook. It’s free and adaptive, just like the real test.
2. Take an official ACT practice test with real timing.
3. Compare. Use the official ACT/SAT concordance to line up scores. Pick the higher one, and commit to the test.

Then plan for at least two sittings. Most students improve the second time around.

How to prep

Start free. For the SAT, that means Bluebook practice tests, Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy, Tailored Practice, and the free Schoolhouse bootcamps.

Go structured if you need it. Struggling with one section or with self-study in general? A tutor or class can fix pacing and close gaps fast.

For a deeper plan, see our SAT prep tips and our guide on how to study for the ACT by subject.

What’s a good score?

The one that fits your college list.

The national average for the class of 2026 was 1045. That’s context, not a target. Look up the middle 50% of admitted students at each school on your list, using College Board’s BigFuture college search. Aim for the upper half.

Want to see how your state compares? Here are the latest average SAT scores by state.

FAQ

Is the SAT easier than the ACT? No. It’s different. The SAT gives you more time per question and short reading passages. Some students find that easier. Others don’t.

Is the SAT still on paper? No. The SAT is fully digital and taken in the Bluebook app.

Can I use a calculator on the SAT? Yes, on the Math section. Bluebook includes one, or you can bring your own approved calculator.

How much does the SAT cost? $68 for U.S. test takers. Fee waivers are available for eligible students and cover registration plus unlimited free score reports.

How much does the ACT cost? $70 for English, math, and reading. Science adds $5. Writing adds $25.

When is the next SAT? Nov. 7, 2026. Register by Oct. 23.

Get a testing plan that fits you

ACT or SAT. One sitting or two. Self-study or a tutor. These choices add up.

Empowerly’s counselors help students pick the right test, build a prep plan, and fit testing into the rest of their application.

Book a free consultation and find out which test gives you the edge.