SAT or ACT: Why not both? 

One common question we get here at MEK is: Should I take the SAT or ACT? 

Both exams are used for college admissions decisions and merit-based scholarship decisions, and most colleges do not prefer one test over the other, which leaves many wondering which one to take. Sometimes, different students tend to do better on one test over the other, depending on their learning styles and academic strengths.  

Often, students with high GPAs, strong study skills, and motivation still struggle with test-taking, complicated texts, or reading comprehension. For those students, the ACT could be the better option.  

Strong ACT candidates typically: 

1. Manage time well under pressure
2. Excel in grammar (SAT Writing/SEC section)
3. Completed Pre-Calculus in Spring 2025 with strong results
4. Are confident in Geometry
5. Struggle in one or more domains of SAT Reading

If you meet the above criteria and are already planning on taking the August SAT, you’d also be a good candidate for the September ACT. Many students choose to take both tests, and there are a number of benefits to doing so.

Taking both the SAT and ACT is an effective way to boost college admissions scores. The tests share core content, skills, and strategies, so making the transition from one to the other isn’t as challenging as it seems. If you achieve competency and confidence with the SAT, then you’d be well suited for the ACT as well. While some students have strengths and weaknesses that align better with the ACT, we would still recommend taking both tests, as those strengths can carry over to the SAT. 

Essentially, when you take both exams, you have everything to gain! Taking both the SAT and ACT is an incredible strategic tool to put your best foot forward. 

How can I prepare for two exams? 

MEK’s summer SAT program is designed to help students build mastery in all SAT strategies and skills. Because the two exams share content, skills, and strategies, those students who demonstrate consistent progress and strong performance on the SATs or SAT practice exams—especially those scoring 1400 or higher by Week 5 of MEK’s summer program—are strong candidates to take both the August SAT and September ACT. 

In our summer SAT program, we can determine whether or not your strengths and weaknesses align with the ACT.  And our summer SAT classes can help with that dual prep! 

With MEK’s curriculum design and skill focus, the amount of preparation to make the transition from one test to the other is minimal. In our SAT courses, students are trained to achieve competency in the core skills and strategies needed to reach their SAT goal scores. Once students achieve that competency, they’re in a great position to benefit from taking both exams. 

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? 

While the SAT and ACT share some core content, there are differences in terms of format, length, question types and sections, and scoring. 

Test format: Digital vs. Paper 

The SAT is now completely digital, with no option to take a paper-pencil exam. This can create a more streamlined experience for students. With the ACT, students will have the option of either taking a digital exam, or a paper-pencil exam. 

Question types & content 

The SAT only has two sections, whereas the ACT has three mandatory sections and two optional ones. One major difference between the two, though, is that the SAT is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of questions will change based on your performance. So for instance, if you’re answering all of the questions correctly at the beginning of the test, then the questions will get more challenging as you go along. The adaptive nature of this test might cause some students to panic as the questions get more difficult, affecting their overall score. That’s why we recommend also taking the ACT, just in case your SAT score is affected. 

Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not adaptive. This means that the difficulty level of questions will remain consistent throughout, and each student will be taking the exam at the same difficulty level. 

SAT sections 

• Reading & Writing: This section includes short reading passages followed by multiple-choice questions. Questions fall under the categories of Craft & Structure, Information & Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas. 

• Math: This section focuses on Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-solving and Data Analysis, Geometry, and Trigonometry. 

ACT sections 

• English: This section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. 

• Math: This section focuses on Algebra I and II, Geometry, and some Trigonometry. 

• Reading: This section includes short reading passages of prose fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences, followed by questions. 

• Science (optional): This section includes questions on science-based passages presented with graphs, charts, tables, and research summaries. 

• Writing (optional): This section includes one writing prompt. 

Length 

The SAT and ACT also vary slightly in terms of length. The SAT is 135 minutes long. The ACT is 125 minutes long if you’re only taking the English, Math, and Reading portions. However, if you choose to take the optional Science and Writing sections, there will be added time. 

Scoring & Results 

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600. However, because the test is adaptive, your score might reflect a different level of difficulty based on your performance. 

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with separate scores for each section and a composite score that is the average of those. 

SAT and ACT: Next Steps 

If you’re still unsure, you can read more about the differences between the SAT and ACT here. You can also read about our summer SAT program here, or our summer ACT program at this link. And of course, we’re always available if you have any questions. Just give us a call at 855-346-1410. 

Take a look at our course catalog and register today!