Should I Take the SAT or ACT?

Every year, millions of high school students face a familiar dilemma: Should I take the SAT or the ACT?

Even though both tests serve to help colleges evaluate your academic readiness, they differ in structure, timing, and style. Choosing the right test can save you time, stress, and potentially improve your college application results.

Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make a confident, strategic choice.

Understanding Today’s Testing Landscape

Before deciding which test to take, it’s essential to understand how standardized testing fits into college admissions today. In recent years, many colleges have re-evaluated their use of standardized tests. Broadly speaking, schools now fall into three categories:

Test-blind: These schools do not consider test scores at all, even if you submit them. For example, the University of California system currently has a test-blind policy.
Test-optional: These schools allow you to decide whether to submit scores. If you have strong results, submitting them can strengthen your application; if not, you can rely on other components like GPA, essays, and extracurriculars.
Test-required: These schools still require standardized test scores as part of your application. Many competitive programs, scholarships, and honors colleges fall into this category.

Although test-optional admissions are now common, experts generally agree that strong test scores still help. Even when not required, SAT or ACT scores can:

Demonstrate your academic ability across a standardized benchmark
Help offset a slightly lower GPA
Strengthen your merit scholarship applications
Give admissions officers an additional data point when evaluating your readiness

So, unless every college on your list is test-blind, it’s smart to plan on taking at least one of the two tests.

SAT vs. ACT: Key Differences

Colleges treat the SAT and ACT equally. Neither test gives you an admissions advantage. The decision should come down to which one better matches your skills, strengths, and personal preferences.

Let’s look at their main differences:

Feature	SAT	ACT
Sections	Reading & Writing (2 modules), Math (2 modules)	English, Math, Reading, Science
Total Length	2 hours and 14 minutes	2 hours and 55 minutes
Scoring Scale	400 – 1600	1 – 36
Importance of MATH Section	50% of total score	25% of total score
Calculator Policy	Calculator and DESMOS allowed for ALL math questions	Calculator allowed for ALL math questions
Science Section	None	One science reasoning section
Reading Comprehension	Short passages with a single question	Long form passages with many questions
Adaptive Questions	Each second module adapts to performance on each first module	All students get the same questions

What These Differences Mean for You

If you’re stronger in math: The SAT may give you an edge because math counts for half your score.
If you dislike math or prefer reading: The ACT may play more to your strengths.
If you think quickly and work well under time pressure: The ACT’s faster pace might suit you.
If you prefer more time to think through each question: The SAT provides slightly more time per question.
If science is your strong suit: The ACT’s dedicated science section could be a big plus.
If you struggle to focus on longer reading passages: The SAT provides more concise passages.

While these general rules are helpful, the best way to know which test fits you better is to try both.

The Smart Way to Choose: Take Practice Tests

You don’t need to spend months preparing for both tests to know which one you prefer. The simplest approach is to take one full-length official practice SAT and one official practice ACT under realistic timed conditions.

Once you have your results, compare your percentile rankings. Don’t focus on the raw scores since the scales are different. Instead, compare how you rank relative to other students:

If your percentile rankings are similar (within ~5–10%), you can safely pick either test.
If one test shows you scoring 10+ percentile points higher, focus on that test.

For example, let’s say your SAT score places you in the 78th percentile, but your ACT score puts you in the 91st. That’s a meaningful difference! You’ll likely be more competitive focusing your energy on the ACT.

This approach saves time, eliminates guesswork, and helps you commit to a clear plan.

Why You Should Focus on One Test

Some students think preparing for both the SAT and ACT doubles their chances of success. In reality, it usually divides their effort and slows progress.

While the content overlap between the two tests is significant (both measure reading comprehension, grammar, and math reasoning), the format, pacing, and strategy differ enough that mastering one is far more efficient.

For example:

The ACT has faster timing, so you need to train your pacing skills.
The SAT has adaptive modules, meaning your first section performance affects the difficulty of the second.
The ACT’s science section tests data analysis, graphs, and experimental reasoning.
The SAT’s math questions are often more conceptual and less dependent on a calculator.

Committing to one test allows you to:

Learn that test’s question types inside and out
Build muscle memory for its timing and structure
Tailor your prep materials to that test’s unique demands

Consistency breeds confidence, and confidence drives higher scores.

Which Test Is Easier?

Students often ask, “Which test is easier?” The truth: neither one is objectively easier — it depends on your strengths.

Here are a few nuanced observations:

The SAT tends to favor logical thinkers who enjoy puzzles, word problems, and careful reading. It rewards precision and pattern recognition.
The ACT rewards students with strong grammar, reading speed, and quick decision-making skills. It’s slightly more straightforward but requires faster processing.

The Transition to the Digital SAT

Another factor to consider: the SAT is now fully digital. Students take it on a computer or tablet, and it features adaptive testing, meaning the difficulty of the second module adjusts based on how you perform on the first.

This change has several implications:

The test is shorter — about two hours, compared to nearly three for the ACT.
Questions are more concise, with less reading required for each problem.
The built-in calculator and tools make it more user-friendly for many students.
Practice tests are automatically timed and scored immediately once you finish.

Students comfortable with technology often appreciate the new digital format, while others find it an adjustment. If you’re not a fast digital reader or you prefer paper tests, this could be an important factor in your choice.

When should I begin preparing?

Ideally, students should take their first SAT or ACT no later than spring of junior year. At High Performance Tutoring we recommend starting in the fall of your junior year. This timeline gives you:

Time to retake the test if needed before college applications
The advantage of using your results to guide senior-year course selection or early applications
Less stress during the fall of senior year when essays and applications pile up

Plan your testing timeline strategically. Many students take one test in March or April, then again in June after focused preparation. Re-testing often leads to a score boost of 50–150 points on the SAT or 2–3 points on the ACT.

Get Expert Help to Maximize Your SAT or ACT Score

Choosing the right test is only the beginning — the real key to success is how well you prepare. At High Performance Tutoring, we specialize in personalized SAT and ACT prep that helps students build confidence, master test strategies, and achieve top scores.

Our proven programs have helped hundreds of students raise their SAT scores by 100–300 points and their ACT scores by 3–7 points. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter test prep; every student learns differently, and our tutors customize each lesson to fit your goals, strengths, and learning style.

Here are the top reasons to choose High Performance Tutoring for ACT and SAT Prep:

Elite Tutors: We hire only the top 5% of applicants nationwide — subject experts who know how to teach effectively.
Personalized Learning Plans: Each student gets a tailored SAT or ACT study plan that targets specific weaknesses and builds on existing strengths.
Flexible Scheduling: Meet online or in person at times that fit your busy schedule.
Data-Driven Progress Tracking: We monitor your improvement through regular practice tests and detailed score reports so you always know where you stand.
Comprehensive Test Strategies: Learn time-saving techniques, pacing methods, and proven approaches to tackle even the trickiest questions.

Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier university, a competitive scholarship, or simply want to boost your confidence before test day, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Take the First Step Today

Don’t wait until senior year to start preparing. Strong test scores open doors — not just to admissions, but also to scholarships and honors programs that can save you thousands in college tuition.

Register today for our SAT prep program or ACT prep program and get a free consultation to determine which test best fits your strengths. We’ll help you create a custom prep plan that leads to real results.

Fill out our short online registration form to get started. Let’s make sure you walk into test day fully prepared and confident.