Let me start with some statistics. From the U.S. class of 2023, made up of 3.7 to 4 million seniors, about 1.9 million students took the SAT—but somewhere between 40% and 50% of those seniors didn’t take the SAT or the ACT. From that alone, there is no indication of preference or whether the SAT or ACT is easier.
But there’s another bit of historical data. Although more students take the SAT nationwide, in many states, particularly in the Midwest and South, the ACT is far more popular. For example, in Alabama and Arkansas, more than 95% of students took the ACT, whereas in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, and many other states, more than 90% of students took the SAT.
Is the difference because either the SAT or the ACT is easier? The numbers don’t share that info, but I have some ideas.
Key Takeaways
- Science Section: This ACT section is now an option. If data analysis and science graphs are your thing, you can choose to add Science to your test.
- Calculator Rules: If math is not your thing, the SAT allows unlimited calculator use for the Math section, but the ACT strictly limits the calculators you can use.
- Test Structure: Both the SAT and ACT test reading, writing, and math skills, but mix up the order and timing.
- Optional Writing: The ACT writing test is optional, and there is no SAT essay.
- College Acceptance: Nearly all U.S. colleges accept both the SAT and ACT—neither is “more accepted” than the other for college readiness.
SAT vs ACT: How Are They Different?
On the surface, the SAT and ACT may seem like the same thing. They’re both standardized tests used for college admissions across the United States. But a little bit of digging reveals that they’re not just different flavors of the same thing. Like they’re both ice cream, but one’s chocolate and one’s vanilla.
The ACT Test: Fast-Paced, with Optional Sections
As of 2025, the ACT now has three required sections: English, Math, and Reading. The Science section and the Writing section are now optional add-ons that you can choose based on your strengths or college requirements. The traditional ACT offers a fast pace, so keep that in mind if you’re more tortoise than hare. While the everyday language and straightforward questions may keep things simple, the speed you need might cancel out those advantages.
If you opt for the science section, you need to know that the focus isn’t on scientific facts and figures. It’s more about interpreting experiments and scientific data. If you enjoy analyzing graphs and digging into scientific reasoning, then I’d say taking the ACT Science option is a good idea.
Note: The types of calculators you can use are limited in the math section. You cannot use the one on your phone!
The SAT: A Little More Room to Breathe (and Calculate)
The SAT ditched the standalone science section. What they’re doing instead is weaving data analysis and scientific reasoning into the reading and writing sections. The test includes SAT math questions, with a big focus on algebra and data analysis, as well as dedicated reading and writing sections.
Bonus: The SAT allows you to use a calculator throughout the entire math section, because they’ve built it into the online test via the testing app provided by the College Board.
If you hate doing math by hand or freeze up when you’re under pressure, you might prefer the slightly slower pace of the SAT, plus the comfort of knowing you can use a calculator at any time if you need to. This can make the SAT math section and SAT math questions feel less stressful for some test-takers.
Which Test Is Easier? It Depends on You
Okay, so just in case I haven’t been clear enough so far, I can’t objectively say that either the SAT or the ACT is easier. Only you can answer that based on your skills and preferences.
Consider the following:
- Math Lovers: If you have mad math skills and you’re quick with mental calculations, either the ACT or the SAT could work for you. But keep in mind the ACT math section has calculator restrictions, as well as the differences in the math questions.
- Science Fans: The ACT’s optional science section is all about analyzing charts and reading data, but you need to realize it won’t impact your composite score. Instead, you get a separate Science and STEM score.
- Strong Readers: Both the SAT and ACT have reading comprehension test sections, but there are some differences. The SAT uses more complex language in its SAT reading passages, and the ACT, although it uses language that’s more straightforward, has more questions. And you need to answer them in less time, meaning the ACT rewards students who can read and process information quickly.
- Optional ACT Writing Test: Taking the optional test won’t affect your composite score, but it does add an English Language Arts (ELA) score to your report.
The best advice I can give you at this point is don’t just guess. Take a full-length practice test for both the SAT and the ACT and then decide for yourself which is easier, based on your experience. Do it more than once, if necessary.
If you’re looking for a prep course with high-quality practice tests, UWorld’s ACT and SAT packages are my top recommendations.
Test Scores and College Admissions: What Matters Most?
U.S. colleges widely accept both tests, and there’s no advantage to picking one over the other. And a lot of schools have gone test-optional now, meaning you get to decide whether or not to take a test and submit a score. Having said that, there may be a few scholarship programs that require one test over the other, or maybe even specific SAT scores—or ACT scores. Always check with your dream schools to find out their specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
Instead of looking at the ACT and SAT and stressing over which is easier, make a choice and focus on your prep. Pay attention to which sections you breeze through and which ones have you pulling your hair out. Think about your strengths in math, reading, and science, and then pick whatever test feels less stressful. And the one that’s more likely to make you shine.
Remember, the best test is the one where you can show your skills, stay cool under pressure, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. Hey, stranger things have happened!
FAQs
Whether 36 on the ACT or 1600 on the SAT, it’s a perfect score. Any college would consider either of them very impressive.
Most colleges accept both and don’t have a preference.
Many colleges in the U.S have gone test-optional, but some still require either the SAT or ACT for admissions. Check each of the schools you’re aiming for before applying.
A 17 on the ACT is about the same as a 930 on the SAT, but score conversions can vary by year and school.
A 35 on the ACT and a 1550 on the SAT are both excellent scores and are viewed as much the same by most colleges.
