Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
For nearly every student, the SAT is the better choice. Both tests have changed significantly in the past year, which makes the decision more consequential than ever. Here’s what’s new on each test, and why the SAT comes out ahead.
What’s changed with the SAT
- No more Scantrons. The digital SAT is administered exclusively on laptops or tablets.
- Shorter test. The total testing time has been reduced from three hours to approximately two hours and 15 minutes, all while offering students more time per question.
- Adaptive testing. A notable feature of the digital SAT is its adaptive testing structure. Each of the two sections, Reading/Writing and Math, is divided into two modules. The difficulty level of the second module in each section adapts based on the student’s performance in the first module, allowing for a more personalized assessment.
- Shorter reading passages. In the Reading and Writing section, long reading passages of up to 750 words have been replaced with shorter ones that are 25–150 words, each accompanied by a single question.
- Calculators allowed on all math questions. Calculators are now permitted throughout the entire Math section.
What’s changed with the ACT
The ACT recently went through a significant transition. A new version, called the “Core ACT,” was introduced in spring 2025. As of September 2025, all ACTs, whether on paper or computer, follow this new format.
- Science section. The Science section is technically “optional,” but most colleges that have announced policies still expect students to take it.
- Fewer questions. Each section now has fewer questions overall.
- No more fifth section. Instead of a separate unscored section, there are now experimental questions embedded throughout the test.
- Scoring changes. Scores remain on a 1 through 36 scale, though Science no longer contributes to the composite score on the Core ACT.
Why the SAT is the smarter choice
Math sections
SAT math closely follows the Common Core standards taught in Connecticut public schools. The ACT math section, however, often pulls from less familiar material that can catch students off guard.
Reading sections
SAT reading passages are shorter and more structured than those on the ACT, so students generally find them easier to engage with. The SAT also presents question types in a predictable order — starting with vocabulary, then reading comprehension, finishing with writing topics — making it easier to build reliable strategies for each question type.
English and writing sections
The ACT’s English section is actually its strongest feature. With focused practice, students can see substantial improvements: I worked with one student who jumped from a 16 to a 32. If you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be a real opportunity. But that one advantage doesn’t outweigh the SAT’s broader benefits across all sections.
The science section still matters
Although technically optional, the Science section is still expected by many selective colleges. That means most students will need to take it anyway, bringing total test time to 2 hours and 45 minutes compared to the SAT’s more manageable length. This also means more test prep is needed to prepare for another section and review the longer practice tests.
Prep resources make a difference
Right now, the ACT provides just one official online practice test. The SAT provides seven full practice tests, plus an extensive question bank for additional targeted practice. When you’re investing significant time in test prep, having adequate practice materials isn’t just helpful: it’s essential for seeing real improvement.
Practical considerations
In Connecticut, the SAT is simply more accessible. For February 2025, only 6 ACT test centers were available within 25 miles of Wilton, with the closest about 30 minutes away. For the March 2025 SAT, there were 21 test centers, including Wilton High School itself. Beyond convenience, students often perform better in familiar environments with shorter travel times.
My experience across the tests
As someone who’s scored a perfect 2400 on the old SAT, a 1580 on the redesigned SAT, and a perfect 36 on the ACT, I’ve worked with students through many redesigns of these exams. The results with the digital SAT have been particularly strong.
The consistency and transparency of the SAT format simply makes it a more reliable foundation for long-term preparation strategies.
Why the SAT is the better choice
For nearly all students, the SAT offers the clearest path to score improvement. While the ACT’s English section can be beneficial for some students, the SAT’s advantages in math and reading, combined with better preparation resources and test accessibility, make it the better choice.
