ACT and SAT Test Prep

ACT and SAT scores are a critical factor in college admissions for several reasons. Because grading systems can vary widely, standardized tests are a common metric colleges can use to compare students from different high schools and educational backgrounds. A strong test score can indicate a student’s readiness for college-level work or demonstrate their potential to succeed if they lack a strong GPA. Even if you’re applying to a test-optional school, good test scores can only help your chances for admission by tipping the scales if your GPA and other factors are comparable to other applicants.    

And while test scores alone are not the deciding factor in admissions, they do play a role in the overall evaluation of your college application. Your scores provide an additional data point to help admissions committees make informed admissions decisions. 

Get to Know the ACT and SAT

Admissions committees don’t prefer one test over the other — the important thing is to take the test that best aligns with your needs and goals. The ACT and SAT are structured differently, so how you approach your test prep and pacing strategies will depend on which test you choose. Let’s look at the timing and format of each test. 

ACT Overview 

Students taking the ACT can choose between the traditional paper-and-pencil format or an online test. This is the current test format until April 2025. The total testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes without the Writing section, and 3 hours and 35 minutes with the Writing section. 

ACT is introducing some test enhancements in 2025 that will change the structure and timing. As of April 2025, students taking the online National ACT will have 44 fewer questions, a shorter test length, more time per question, and four answer choices in the Math section instead of five. Additionally, the Science section will be optional. The paper version of the ACT will be updated with these enhancements in September 2025, and state and district testing will be updated in spring 2026.   

If you’re planning to take the ACT, you can find free test prep resources, including a downloadable test guide, practice questions for each subject test, and an official online practice test. Since these tests are timed, strategy and overall test-taking efficiency are important. Practice tests are a good way to get a sense of the pacing so you can manage your time wisely.  

SAT Overview 

The SAT no longer offers the traditional paper format — students must take the test online. The entire test takes 2 hours and 14 minutes. The test is adaptive, meaning the questions in the second module will be more or less difficult based on the student’s performance in the first module.  

Taking the SAT? College Board’s Digital SAT Practice and Preparation section is a good first stop for free practice tests and more. 

SAT and ACT Scoring Systems 

Though the SAT and ACT tests assess similar skills, their scoring systems are very different. For both tests, the individual sections are scored. Based on the section scores, students will receive a total score. It’s worth noting that some colleges and universities will superscore the SAT and ACT, meaning they will calculate a new total score based on your highest section scores from multiple testing dates.  

ACT Scoring  

Each of the four required sections of the ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Your raw score (the number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score for each section. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. The composite score is determined by calculating the average of the section scores and rounding to the nearest whole number.  

The optional Writing section is scored separately and does not affect the composite score. Once the Science section becomes optional, the composite score will be calculated based on the average of the Reading, Math, and English sections.  

SAT Scoring 

SAT scoring is a bit more straightforward. The two sections are scored individually on a scale of 200-800, then added together for the total score of 400-1600. Similar to the ACT, your raw score (the number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score, and you are not penalized for incorrect answers.   

With the scoring systems being so different, it can be hard to make comparisons between them. An SAT to ACT score conversion chart can give you a good idea of comparable total and composite scores.  

SAT or ACT: Which Test Should You Take? 

So, is the SAT or ACT better? If you’re unsure which test is right for you, learn the basics of both the ACT and SAT, and take a practice test for each under realistic conditions. The results of these practice tests should give you an idea of which test is a better fit for you. Students who know which test they’re taking and need help with test prep and test-taking strategies can find good practice resources and tips for the ACT and SAT.

 Keep in mind that with the upcoming changes to the ACT, the test will be shorter in terms of the number of questions and the total test time. Students will also have more time to respond to each question.   

SAT and ACT Test Day Tips 

In the days leading up to the test, exercise your brain with daily practice questions. If you prepped well in the weeks leading up to the test, you shouldn’t need to cram the week of the exam. Stay sharp with practice questions, but don’t exhaust your brain before the big day. 

The week of the ACT or SAT can be nerve-racking. To help alleviate some of your anxiety, plan ahead for test day. Know what to bring and what not to bring to the testing location, and pack what you need the night before. 

• ACT Test Day Checklist 
• Digital SAT Test Day Checklist 

You can find plenty of other resources out there for ACT and SAT prep, but a good place to start for official tips and practice questions is straight from the people who make the tests. 

Work with a Tutor to Ace Your Test 

For a real, in-depth test-taking plan and schedule, it can be helpful to work with a professional tutor to determine what you need to be doing to prepare in the weeks or months before the test. IvyWise tutors have a demonstrated record of helping students exceed their standardized testing goals. Learn how we can help you have a successful testing experience. 

Contact Us

SAT and ACT FAQs 

Is the ACT harder than the SAT? 

Ultimately, whether the ACT is harder than the SAT depends on your personal strengths and test-taking style — both tests cover similar skills and concepts. The SAT allows you more time per question and emphasizes reasoning and problem-solving. The ACT is faster paced with more straightforward questions.  

We recommend taking diagnostics of both tests to determine which one has the best structure and timing for you. Check out our SAT and ACT test prep tips to help you perform your best no matter which test you choose.  

Do colleges require the ACT or SAT? 

Taking the ACT or SAT for college is often a requirement. Many highly selective schools have returned to requiring test scores for admission after being test-optional during the pandemic. Other colleges remain test-optional, which means your scores will be included in your application review if you submit them, but they are not required. A few colleges and universities — such as the University of California system — are test-blind, meaning that test scores are not factored into admissions decisions.  

How is the SAT different from the ACT? 

The SAT differs from the ACT mainly in terms of structure and length. The test is shorter overall and has fewer questions, but you are allowed more time to answer each question than on the ACT. However, the questions are less straightforward than on the ACT, requiring more reasoning and problem solving.  

Is it ok not to take the SAT or ACT? 

While many colleges are test-optional — meaning test scores are not required for admission — we don’t advise skipping the ACT or SAT. Doing so will limit the schools you can apply to and could put you at a disadvantage in the hyper-competitive college admissions process.  

We recommend looking at the class profiles at each school on your college list to determine the standardized test score range for the middle 50% of admitted students. This can help you determine a goal score and an ACT or SAT test prep strategy to achieve it.  

Does ACT or SAT have more math? 

The ACT Math test has more questions than the SAT and includes more trigonometry. The SAT Math test focuses more on algebra, data analysis, and problem solving. However, the SAT requires some student-produced responses, whereas the ACT only has multiple-choice questions. You can use a calculator throughout the math section of both tests, though you might find it faster on the SAT not to use it for some of the questions.   

How many times should I take the SAT or ACT? 

We typically advise students not to retake the SAT or ACT more than once or twice at most. Scores tend to plateau after two or three test sittings. It’s best to have a solid college test preparation strategy and stick to it so you can achieve your goal score within two test sittings.