ACT to SAT Score Conversion: What You Need to Know

Did you know that over the past decade, the SAT has consistently remained the more widely taken college-entrance exam, while the ACT has held a steady share at around one-third to nearly half of all test-takers?

Regardless of what test you took, there are a lot of reasons for needing an ACT to SAT conversion—or vice versa. Maybe you’re applying to a school that only lists SAT scores. Or you’ve got your eye on a scholarship that lists an ACT composite score, but you have a SAT score. Whatever the reason, knowing how to convert your results can keep you on the right track in the college admissions process.

Key Takeaways

• ACT to SAT score conversion uses official charts to help you compare scores for college admissions.
• Colleges accept both the SAT and ACT. Which one you choose to use should depend on which test you did better on. The college board doesn’t care.
• A 34 ACT equals a 1520 SAT, according to official concordance tables.
• Top schools like Harvard or Duke want high scores, and if you know how to compare your SAT to ACT scores, a conversion will help you pick the highest.
• Use the available SAT score conversion chart to pick your best score and maximize your college options.

Why Students Look for an ACT to SAT Score Conversion

The answer to that doesn’t boil down to one reason. Some students are curious to see how their ACT test composite score compares to their SAT scores. Others have an application that requires specific information—perhaps for scholarship eligibility—so they need the details. To take it even further, college admissions requirements can vary. Some schools will only publish a SAT score range, so if you took the ACT, you’ll need to figure out where your results fit in.

You may even want to check the ACT conversion chart as a test prep strategy. Maybe you’ve taken the ACT, and you’re considering the SAT, and comparing test scores to find comparable scores will help you decide which route to take.

How ACT and SAT Scores Compare

The SAT total score range is from 400 to 1600, while the ACT composite score is on a scale of 1 to 36. So yeah, their scoring systems have completely different formats that may not seem to make a lot of sense, but the ACT provides concordance tables to make it easy to figure out the conversion. They even have a calculator where you can plug in your score, and it will convert for you.

Here are a few examples:

• A 34 ACT equals a 1500 SAT.
• A 35 ACT is about the same as a 1540 SAT.
• A perfect 36 ACT equals a 1600 SAT.
• A 17 ACT matches a 930 SAT.

Should You Pick the SAT or ACT for College Admissions?

The good news is that most colleges don’t have a preference, so whether you take the SAT or the ACT is entirely up to you. All they want to see is your best performance score. From your perspective, it’s like choosing between tacos and pizza for dinner—and no, I’m not encouraging questionable dietary choices, I’m just being real. So, let’s assume both are good options, but your choice will come down to the taste, the timing before it’s done or delivered, and what you’re craving most in that moment.

Understand the Core Differences

Let’s break this down:

• Pacing: Are you more comfortable when you can take your time on exam questions? Then you might prefer the SAT. I’m not saying you’ll get a lot more time, but you do get a bit more breathing room per question, especially in the Reading & Writing section. On the other hand, the ACT moves faster—you need to keep a brisk pace across all the sections.
• Math Content: Love geometry? The ACT has more than three times as many geometry questions as the SAT. The flipside is that the SAT focuses more on algebra and data analysis. But here’s the thing. With the SAT, they give you the math formulas at the start, but you need to memorize them beforehand if you’re doing the ACT.
• Science Section: Only the ACT has a dedicated Science section. So you might prefer the SAT if reading graphs and interpreting experiments isn’t your thing.
• Format: The SAT is fully digital, so you’ll be taking it on a device, but the ACT has the option—at least for now—of both paper and digital formats in many places.

Play to Your Strengths

This isn’t about the test your friends have decided they’re taking or even about which one might be easier. You need to think about your test-taking style:

• Are you someone who likes to take your time and carefully find the key points of a passage? The SAT’s Reading & Writing will let you shine.
• Are you a multitasker who is quick on your feet and okay when juggling different subjects? The faster pace of the ACT, with its mix of English, math, reading, and science, might suit you better.
• Will a bunch of complicated math formulas make you freeze up? Consider the SAT, because it gives you a formula sheet.
• Will a lot of wordy reading bore you—or maybe intimidate you? While the ACT does have longer passages in the reading section, there are fewer of them, and the questions are typically more straightforward. Meaning you won’t be wondering if it’s a trick question.

Try a Practice Run

Want to know my number one tip? Yes? Here you go: take a full-length practice test and time it so the experience is as close to the real thing as you can get. Take one for the ACT and one for the SAT. Not only will this give you a sense of what format you prefer, but you can also use your practice scores to run an ACT to SAT score conversion and see where you perform highest.

UWorld offers a 7-day free trial for their ACT and SAT prep courses, which is a great way to dip your toes in and see how you feel (no credit card required, so I didn’t even have to worry about cancelling on time).

A Few More Tips

• Think Beyond Test Day: Don’t just pick the closest date or testing site. Look at the bigger picture, will a Saturday exam land right after midterms? Is the location a long drive that could add stress? Planning around your schedule and energy level can make a difference in performance.
• Understand Superscoring in Plain English: Some schools act like chefs at a buffet. They’ll take your best math score from one test and your best reading score from another, then serve up a combined “superscore.” Others insist on the whole meal from a single sitting. Before assuming you’ll get the benefit, check your school’s fine print.
• Play the Long Game with Retakes: The first score is rarely the final word. Most students jump a few points (or more) on a retake once they know the pacing and format. If you treat the first attempt as practice under pressure, you can use that experience to your advantage.
• Watch Out for Scholarship Clocks: College apps aren’t the only deadlines that matter. Some scholarships close earlier, and many require an official score. Missing a date by even a week can mean leaving thousands of dollars behind, so put those deadlines on your calendar now.
• Know Your Score-Sending Power: Both the SAT and ACT give you control over which test dates to send—but colleges play by their own rules. Some accept just your chosen scores, others want everything. Before you strategize, confirm your target school’s policy.
• Don’t Dismiss “Test-Optional” Too Quickly: Yes, more schools are going test-optional, but submitting a strong ACT or SAT score can still set you apart—especially for competitive programs, merit aid, or honors tracks. Think of it as one more tool in your admissions toolkit rather than an obstacle.

Final Thoughts

If you’re preparing for college, understanding how your ACT and SAT scores stack up can give you a bit of an edge. So make use of official conversion charts to compare your scores, pick whichever test is the strongest, and then just do it. Approach the rest of your college admissions process with confidence. And remember, it doesn’t matter if you’re Team ACT, Team SAT, or both. Colleges just want to see your best score possible.

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