SAT & ACT Information
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Colleges accept both tests equally, so the choice is up to you! Here's what you need to know to compare the exams.
SAT ACT Why Take It Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Test Structure -
Math
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Reading
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Writing and Language
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Math
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Reading
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English
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Science
Length -
3 hours (without essay)
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3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
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2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
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3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading 5 reading passages
4 reading passages
Science None
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge)
Math Covers: -
Arithmetic
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Algebra I & II
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Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
Covers: -
Arithmetic
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Algebra I & II
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Geometry and Trigonometry
Tools Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator.
You can use a calculator on all math questions.
Essays Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text.
Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues.
How It's Scored Scored on a scale of 400–1600
Scored on a scale of 1–36
Financial assistance through fee waivers are available from the Counseling Office for both the SAT and ACT. -
