Unlock higher scores with targeted SAT and ACT strategies

ACT vs. SAT: How to decide which test best fits your needs

Key insights

• Full-length practice exams are a far better tool for deciding between tests than quick quizzes.
• The right choice between SAT and ACT depends on your strengths and situation, not on the tests’ reputations.
• Super scoring lets you present your top section scores, rewarding targeted preparation.
• New changes, like the SAT’s digital format, bring both challenges and possibilities for students who prepare well.
• You need the latest, research-based strategies; outdated approaches can actually hinder your progress.

Why full-length practice tests matter

If you’re unsure which test fits you best, begin by taking a full-length practice ACT and SAT. While short quizzes can give a brief glimpse, only a timed, complete exam tests your stamina, focus, and time management, skills you’ll truly need on test day.

Research backs up this strategy. Studies have found that full-length practice test scores are much more accurate at predicting actual results than quick quizzes. Brief assessments can overlook important factors, such as how you perform when you’re tired or how your pacing changes by section. For instance, the ACT’s Science section and the SAT’s non-calculator math portion can reveal unexpected strengths or challenges only during sustained practice.

Investing a few hours in a complete practice test pays off with greater clarity and confidence. You’ll identify areas that require further review and determine which format best suits your strengths. Starting with thorough practice helps you focus your efforts and prepare for what matters most.

Choosing based on strengths and needs

Nearly all U.S. colleges accept both the SAT and ACT, but each test offers a distinct experience. Understanding these differences and knowing how you work best will help you make a smarter decision.

Think carefully about your academic preferences:

• Science: Only the ACT includes a Science section. It doesn’t test science facts but instead emphasizes your ability to interpret data, read graphs, and analyze experiments. If you’re comfortable with these skills, the ACT might be ideal.
• Reading: The ACT reading portion moves quickly, requiring you to complete four passages and 40 questions in just 35 minutes. Fast readers who can quickly absorb information may do well here. In contrast, the SAT provides more time per question, giving students who need a bit longer to process or re-read passages an advantage.
• Math: On the SAT, there’s a no-calculator section, which can benefit students who are strong in mental calculations. The ACT allows calculator use throughout and includes more geometry and trigonometry. Consider which approach matches your skills and comfort levels.
• Accommodations and timing: Both tests offer accommodations for eligible test-takers; however, the differences in pacing can impact your experience. If you process information more slowly, the SAT’s timing might feel less rushed, while students who thrive on rapid analysis may prefer the ACT.

There’s no single “best” test, only the one that aligns with your strengths and helps you reach your goals. Use your results from the full-length practice exams, along with honest reflection, to guide your choice.

Making the most of super scoring

Super scoring lets colleges consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates. For example, if your best math and reading scores happen on different test days, many schools will combine them to calculate a new, higher score.

This approach lets you focus your studying for maximum results. Instead of trying to improve every section at once, you can target weaker areas and retake only what needs a boost. Research by ACT shows that most students increase their scores with retesting, and gains tend to be most significant when super-scoring is allowed.

However, not every college handles super-scoring the same way. Most schools use it for the SAT, but some are still inconsistent about super-scoring the ACT, so be sure to check each college’s policy. Additionally, the benefits of retaking the test usually level off after two or three tries. Plan your retakes strategically, putting effort where you’ll see the greatest improvements.

Super scoring celebrates your best efforts, but only retake a test if you have a clear plan and the time and resources to make real progress.

Adapting to changes in test content and format

The landscape of college admissions testing is changing quickly. The SAT and ACT's new digital formats are major examples. The digital version is shorter, and, in the case of the SAT, adapts the difficulty of questions based on your answers. Reading and writing questions now use shorter, more relevant texts, while math problems focus on practical skills and real-world problem-solving.

Digital exams offer advantages such as faster score delivery and increased security. However, they also require new preparation strategies. Working on a screen, managing digital timers, and taking notes without paper feels different than traditional testing, so practicing with official digital resources is vital.

If both paper and digital tests are available, consider which suits you best, and check whether your colleges will superscore across formats. Always practice using the format you’ll encounter on test day to avoid surprises.

Avoiding common pitfalls and outdated advice

As the ACT and SAT continue to evolve, some classic strategies are no longer effective. Watch out for outdated habits, including:

• Relying on answer patterns or “tricks”: Test makers randomize answers, so guessing strategies like always picking “C” or choosing the longest answer are no longer reliable.
• Overemphasizing memorization: Today’s tests reward the ability to reason, solve problems, and apply information. For example, ACT Science is about interpreting experiments rather than recalling definitions.
• Ignoring digital skills: As more exams move online, you’ll need to be comfortable using on-screen calculators, navigating questions digitally, and annotating passages within the testing platform.
• Studying with outdated materials: Make sure you’re using the latest official prep guides, as many older books and websites don’t reflect the current test formats or content.

Keep your preparation current by regularly consulting official sources and seeking advice from educators or tutors who stay up-to-date with the latest updates.

Your test strategy: A student-centered approach

The decision between the SAT and ACT isn’t about finding an easier path; it’s about choosing the test that fits who you are as a student. Begin with full-length, official practice tests to see which feels more intuitive and highlights your abilities. Factor in how super scoring and recent format changes might benefit you, and dedicate time to the areas where you stand to grow the most.

Stay curious and involved in the process. Keep up with changes in testing, use current resources, and double-check each college’s admissions policies. By shaping your testing plan around your strengths and the most up-to-date information, you’ll stay in control and set yourself up for success in your college journey.