Differences between SAT and ACT
Both tests have an optional essay. SAT has a Math section where you can’t use a calculator. 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.
| Reading | ACT Time | ACT Questions | ACT Min/Question | SAT Time | SAT Questions | SAT Min/Question |
| | 35min | 40 | < 1min / Question | 65min | 52 | >1min / Question |
| Writing | 45min | 75 | < 1min / Question | 35min | 44 | <1min / Question |
| Math | 60min | 60 | =1min/Question | 80min | 58 | >1min / Question |