SAT vs. ACT: As you start thinking about college admissions, it’s time to decide which test to take. But how do you know which one is right for you? And what are the differences between the two? Well, MEK wants to answer all of your test questions! 

Test Format: Digital vs. Paper 

SAT 

As of 2024, the SAT has moved entirely online, which means that instead of filling in multiple-choice bubbles with a pencil, you’ll now be answering all questions on a computer or tablet. The digital version also provides a more streamlined experience for students. It’s a shorter test than before—135 minutes—with more time per question. The reading, writing, and math sections are adjusted accordingly, with fewer questions but more time per question, allowing for a different pacing.  

ACT 

With the new ACT, students will have the option of taking it digitally or with paper-and-pencil. Beginning in April 2025 (September 2025 for paper-pencil), the ACT will be shorter and more efficient than ever before. For the English, Math, and Reading sections, students will have up to 125 minutes to complete the test. However, if you choose to take the optional Science and Writing sections, there will be added time. 

Question Types and Content 

SAT 

The SAT has two sections:  

• Reading and Writing
  • The Reading and Writing section includes short reading passages followed by multiple-choice questions.  
  • Questions in this section fall under one of four categories: Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas. 
• Math 
  • The Math section focuses on algebra; advanced math; problem-solving and data analysis; and geometry and trigonometry. 

The digital SAT is also adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of questions will change depending 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. 

ACT 

The new ACT includes the following sections: 

• English 
  • The English section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. 
• Math 
  • The math section focuses on Algebra I and II, geometry, and some trigonometry. 
• Reading  
  • The reading section includes short reading passages of prose fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences, followed by questions. 
• Science (optional) 
  • The Science section of the ACT is not required. Students can choose whether to take this portion of the test or not. 
  • This section includes questions on science-based passages presented with graphs, charts, tables, and research summaries. 
• Writing (optional) 
  • Like the Science section, the Writing section of the ACT is also optional. 
  • This section involves 1 writing prompt. 

The new ACT is not adaptive like the SAT. 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. 

Scoring and Results 

SAT 

The digital 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. 

ACT 

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. 

Which Test Is Right for You? 

Now that you understand the differences between the SAT vs. ACT, you might still be wondering which test is right for your child. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and merit-based scholarship decisions. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. And neither test is objectively more difficult than the other. However, different students tend to do better on one test over the other, depending on their learning styles and academic strengths. So when it comes to SAT vs. ACT, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and strengths. 

Many students with high GPAs, strong study skills, and motivation still struggle with test-taking, complicated texts, or reading comprehension. In addition, the adaptive nature of the SAT could cause some students to panic as the questions get more difficult, affecting their overall score. For those students, the ACT might be a better option. 

Many students also take both tests. To help you decide, we recommend taking practice exams to see which test you score better on. Luckily, MEK offers digital and in-person evaluation tests for both the SAT and ACT. You can sign up here. 

SAT and ACT Prep 

This spring, MEK is also offering both in-person and virtual group classes for the SATs and ACTs, along with private tutoring. With 30 years of testing experience, MEK’s college admissions test team understands the best ways to raise your score.  

With our test-taking strategies, real test simulation materials, efficient assignments and lectures, and more, your child can reach their goal score! When you sign up for one of our SAT or ACT courses, you and your child will also receive constant communication on progress so that students can take ownership of their test prep. 

Take a look at our course catalog to learn more!