When it comes to college admissions, one of the biggest decisions students face is choosing between the SAT and ACT. Both tests are widely accepted by colleges and universities across the United States, and each has its own strengths and challenges. So how do you decide which test is the best fit for you? If you are trying to decide between the SAT vs. ACT: which test is right for you, read below.

Test Format and Timing: The SAT vs. ACT in 2025

Having been overhauled in 2024, the SAT will remain the same and include four modules, two of each of Reading/Writing and Math. Not counting breaks, the test lasts 2 hours, 14 minutes and consists of 98 questions in total, with the following structure:

• Reading and Writing Module 1: 27 questions in 32 minutes
• Reading and Writing Module 2: 27 questions in 32 minutes
• Math Module 1: 22 questions in 35 minutes
• Math Module 2: 22 questions in 35 minutes

The ACT, on the other hand, is undergoing significant changes. Starting in April, 2025 for digital tests and September, 2025 for paper tests, the ACT will feature a new, shorter format that is similar in length to the new SAT. The core ACT will have only three main sections: English, Math, and Reading, with Science now optional like the Essay. The total testing time for the required sections will be about 2 hours and 5 minutes (125 minutes).

Here are the key updates to the ACT:

• English Section: 50 questions in 35 minutes (reduced from 75 questions)
• Math Section: 45 questions in 50 minutes (reduced from 60 questions), now with four answer choices instead of five
• Reading Section: 36 questions in 40 minutes
• Optional Science Section: If chosen, this section will contribute to a separate STEM score.

Overall, the new ACT will have fewer questions, dropping from 215 to 171 in the core sections plus Science. These changes are designed to reduce fatigue and make the test more accessible. Students will also have slightly more time per question, which can make pacing easier.

Content Differences

Another important factor to consider is the type of questions and content covered in each test. The SAT is more narrow, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving, with a strong focus on evidence-based reading and writing. Its Math modules lean heavily on algebra, with some advanced topics sprinkled in. You’ll also encounter questions that require interpreting data from graphs and charts.

The ACT, by contrast, is more straightforward but will continue to test a broader range of topics, such as matrices and complex numbers in its Math section. Also, the Science section is unique to the ACT and focuses on interpreting data to a greater degree than on the SAT, understanding experiments, and analyzing scientific information. If you’re comfortable with basic science and data interpretation, the ACT’s Science section could give you an additional score with which to impress college admissions officers.

Scoring Systems

The SAT scores each of its two sections, Reading/Writing and Math, on a scale of 200-800, for a total score range of 400-1600. The ACT scores each of its four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, on a scale of 1-36, with the Composite score as the average of them, not including the optional Essay, which is graded on a scale of 4-24.

Test Availability and Logistics

Both the SAT and ACT are offered several times a year, but testing locations and availability might vary depending on where you live. Make sure to check the official websites for test dates and registration details.

Which Test Should You Choose?

By April, 2025, both the SAT and ACT will both have recently been overhauled.  However, the key differences between the two tests will remain: the SAT is narrower but less straightforward, while the ACT is broader, covering more subject areas. Preparation time for each can vary based on personal strengths and weaknesses, but typically, the ACT requires a little more prep time and effort. That having been said, it also provides more test scores and opportunities to impress college admissions and scholarship officers—if you take and ace the optional Science and Essay sections, it can help you to stand out among applicants. The SAT therefore might be a good idea if you already have a very strong college application, i.e., a high GPA, great extracurricular activities and recommendations, etc., and want a slightly shorter test prep, but the ACT can work to your advantage if there are some areas of you application you’re concerned about and want to overcome.

Tools to Help You Decide

Choosing between the SAT and ACT ultimately comes down to your situation and goals, but if you’re still undecided, there are two things you can do:

• Take a Diagnostic Test for Each: Taking a practice SAT and a practice ACT is always a good idea, even if you’ve already settled on one of them. It will give you a sense of the format, timing, and types of questions on each test, as well as results that can be compared.
• Seek Expert Advice: At The Best Test Prep, we offer free consultations to help you decide which test aligns best with your situation and goals. Call us today at (844) 672-PREP to schedule a session with one of our experienced instructors.

Preparing for Your Test

No matter which test you choose, preparation is key to achieving your best score. At The Best Test Prep, we specialize in customized test prep programs tailored to your unique needs. Our expert instructors provide the content and professional methods to correctly answer every type of test question. Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier SAT score or a standout ACT performance, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose The Best Test Prep?

• Personalized Study Plans: Every student is different. We create custom study plans that target your specific strengths and weaknesses. We get to know you, far better than faceless, massive test prep companies do.
• Flexible Options: Choose between in-person and online tutoring sessions that fit your schedule.
• Proven Track Record: Not only do our clients consistently give us stellar reviews (see them on Google), but they achieve high scores and gain admission to their dream colleges.
• Expert Guidance: Our tutors are highly experienced—we don’t hire rookies—and masters of test preparation. That is our specialty, what we do all day every day. We eat, sleep, and breathe test prep.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call (844) 672-PREP today to learn more about our comprehensive SAT and ACT prep programs. We can help you achieve the score you need to open doors to your top-choice colleges, preferably with scholarships.