SAT & ACT Information
SAT & ACT Frequently Asked Questions
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 |
|
|
| Length |
|
|
| Reading |
5 reading passages |
4 reading passages |
| Science |
None |
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) |
| Math | Covers:
|
Covers:
|
| 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 |
