Differences between SAT and ACT

Both tests have an optional essay (It’s good to write the essay. You never know if the schools you apply will require them or not. So it’s better to have it when you don’t need it). SAT has a Math section where you can’t use a calculator (25min) and a Math section you can use a calculator (55min). SAT also give you some math fomulas.

ACT has a Science section that SAT doesn’t have. ACT requires students to read more quickly because it requires answering each of the reading questions in less than 1 minute, but SAT allows students to answer each reading question in more than 1 minute. You have more time in SAT than the ACT. Same as the Writing sections. For Math, 1 min per question in ACT, but students have more than 1 minute for SAT.

If you need more time, SAT is better.

ACT TimeACT QuestionsACT Min/QuestionSAT TimeSAT QuestionsSAT Min/Question
Reading35min40< 1min / Question65min52>1min / Question
Writing45min75< 1min / Question35min44<1min / Question
Math60min60=1min/Question80min58>1min / Question