The SAT and ACT are standardized trial that can help student get into colleges and realize encyclopaedism . Although they have similar cognitive content , they ’re finally different in other scene . Most college will accepteither , so what ’s the difference between them ? According toKD College Prep , the psychometric test vary in some primal ways , from their format to the lengths of each section .
Scoring
One of the most striking differences between the ACT and SAT is their grading scale . The final score of the latter ranges from 400–1600 points ; the overall account is determined after combine the two section scores , which range from 200–800 . The down in the mouth final score of an ACT is 1 full stop , while the highest is 36 . To calculate the overall grievance , ACT , Inc. averages the scores of the exam ’s four sections , which also range from 1–36 .
Test Sections
The ACT is more diverse when it comes to subject affair . The test include mandatory English , math , and reading sections but also has optional science and writing section . trial takers are n’t expected to be scientific discipline expert to seduce well in the section . Scott Simons , the Vice President , Math & Science at KD Innovation , severalize KD College Prep that “ little prior science noesis { is } required . ” The section is more about render information and making precise close base on given datum . Some run takers may require to skip the optional essay division , as there ’s been a significant step-down in the identification number of college that review this section .
The SAT only has two sections : reading and written material and math . Those lease the SAT in 2025 just missed the “ no computer ” mathematics section , which was give notice in former 2024 . Some testers have complained about the more complicated phraseology of SAT questions compared to those on the ACT .
Formatting and Duration
As far as formatting , the SAT has been uncommitted in digital form since spring 2024 . Testers can take the ACT online starting in April 2025 but still have the option to nail the mental testing in individual if they prefer .
The SAT is a little longer than the ACT , with the former lasting up to 134 minutes and the latter for 125 . However , there are 98 questions on the SAT and 135 on the ACT , meaning ACT takers might have to work at a faster pace .
The SAT reading and authorship division give students about a moment and 11 minute per question , while the mathematics section need about one minute per question . The English part of the ACT typically takes approximately 42 , and the math segment is about 1 second and 7 s . The trial allows about 1 minute per doubtfulness in the recitation section .

SAT vs. ACT: Which Is Easier to Take?
This is n’t a straightforward query . Everyone has certain posture and weaknesses , so test difficulty varies from person to individual . If you ’re beak between the two standardized test , considera few things , such as how long you take to serve enquiry . If you realize you may ask a bit more metre per question , then the ACT may not be ideal — you may cease up cramming since you ’ll have less time to complete each division . But if you excel at scientific discipline , the ACT might be up your alley since it has a consecrate plane section .
People should consider taking a full - length exercise examination of the ACT ( Pre - ACT ) and SAT ( PSAT ) before choosing one or the other , as doing so will help test takers well understand which is best for them .
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