ACT vs. SAT in 2025
ACT vs. SAT in 2025: Which one should you take?
The ACT and the SAT are the two primary standardized tests used to evaluate college readiness in the United States. Most colleges requiring test scores during the admission process allow students to report scores from either test. As a result, the decision on which test to take is typically in the hands of the student alone.
ACT vs. SAT: What the Stats Say
In 2024, about 1.97 million high school students took the SAT, while around 1.4 million took the ACT. As a whole, it’s common for more students around the country to take the SAT than the ACT each year. There are, however, some regional differences in testing patterns. The SAT is considered a bicoastal favorite, while the ACT is preferred by students living in the Midwest. This aligns with graduation requirements in these states: many states on the East and West Coasts require juniors to complete in-school SAT testing, while Midwestern states typically mandate in-school ACT testing.
ACT vs. SAT: Redesigns
To keep pace with the evolving needs of students in an increasingly digital age, both the SAT and ACT have undergone significant transformations in recent years. Staying up-to-date on test changes can help you make a more informed decision about which test is right for you. Here is a brief overview of the changes each test has made:
SAT Revamp
The SAT has undergone two major redesigns in the past decade. Their first redesign was announced in 2014, with the proposed changes taking effect in March 2016. This revamp reduced the maximum possible SAT score from 2400 to 1600, dropped the guessing penalty for incorrect answers, reduced the test length to around three hours, and made the essay section optional.
In March 2024, the all-new Digital SAT rolled out. As its name suggests, the SAT is now only available digitally, and students can test on their computers during administered test sessions. Additional highlights of this redesign include:
Core Sections: The Digital SAT has two core sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each of these two sections is further broken down into two modules.
Adaptive Format: The new SAT adapts to student performance. A student’s answers in the first module of each section affect the level of difficulty of the questions in the second module.
Test Length: The total test length is approximately two hours, down from around three hours.
Section Changes: The reading passages on the Reading and Writing section have been shortened. For the Math section, a calculator is now permitted to be used throughout both modules.
App Testing: To take the Digital SAT, students are required to download the Bluebook app, which also offers resources to help students prepare before test day.
The Digital SAT kept the 1600 scoring scale, and must still be taken in a classroom or test center setting.
ACT Enhancements
Last year, the ACT announced that it would be releasing an enhanced version of the ACT, beginning with digital tests in April 2025. These are the most important changes to be aware of for the new enhanced ACT:
Test Length: The ACT is now approximately 2 hours in length, down from nearly 3 hours.
Question Count: The enhanced ACT has 44 fewer questions in total.
Science: The ACT has been known for having a science section as part of the core test, but that’s changing. Science is now an optional add-on section, and students who choose to take Science will receive a separate STEM score.
Math: Each question on the Match section will have four answer choices instead of five.
Timing: With adjustments to question count, answer choices, and section timing, students will now have more time to answer each question.
The enhanced ACT is available in both digital and paper formats. It is still scored on a 1-36 point scale, and an optional Writing section remains available.
Certain aspects of the ACT have not changed, such as the scoring scale. Both the composite score and individual sections (aside from Writing) are scored on the classic 1-36 point scale. The Writing section still features one essay question to be completed in 40 minutes, remains optional, and will be scored on a 1-12 point scale. Now, the Science section is also optional. As a whole, there are fewer total questions, and individual section lengths have been adjusted to allow for a less rigorous testing pace. What do these changes actually mean in practice?
ACT vs. SAT: Point-by-Point Comparisons
How do the ACT and SAT match up on key testing features? This table breaks down the logistics of the ACT and SAT test-taking experiences. The enhanced ACT will not be fully rolled out for students taking paper tests until September 2025 and will not be available for school district testing until Spring 2026. This chart will include details about both the old and enhanced versions of the ACT.
| Structure | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Core Testing Time, exclusive of breaks | Old ACT 2 hours and 55 minutes Enhanced ACT 2 hours and 5 minutes | 2 hours and 14 minutes |
| Number of Questions | Old ACT 215 Enhanced ACT 131 | 98 |
| Approximate Time Per Question (in seconds) | Old ACT 36 for English, 60 for Math, 53 for Reading, and 53 for Science Enhanced ACT 42 for English, 67 for Math, 67 for Reading, and 60 for Science | 71 for Reading and Writing, and 95 for Math |
| Core Sections | Old ACT Four total: English, Reading, Math, and Science Enhanced ACT Three total: English, Reading, and Math | Two total: Reading and Writing, Math |
| Science | Old ACT Part of the core test Enhanced ACT Available as an optional add-on section | No separate science section; science reasoning used in select Reading and Math questions |
| Score Scale | Individual section and composite score range: 1 to 36 | Individual section score range: 200 to 800 Composite score range: 400 to 1600 |
| Format Options | Digital or Paper | Digital |
| Add-Ons | Old ACT Optional Writing section Enhanced ACT Optional Writing and Science sections | N/A |
ACT vs. SAT: Making Your Decision
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the ACT/SAT matchup. The right decision is choosing the test that you’re most comfortable with and that best showcases your skills. Here are a few strategies that can help you decide which test is the right choice for you:
Take Practice Tests
You can familiarize yourself with both of the tests at home by taking practice tests. There are plenty of SAT and ACT practice tests available for free online. This allows you to try out both tests without paying registration fees or committing to a test before you’re ready. Set timers for each section and take your time answering the questions. This will give you the best sense of how you would perform on the actual test, and let you know what you might need to focus on in test prep.
Consider Academic Interests
If you have specific academic interests you’d like to showcase to colleges, you should pick the test that will give you the best opportunity to do so. For example, if you want to stand out with separate scores for STEM or writing, you might consider taking the ACT with the optional Science or Writing sections. If you’re interested in pursuing mathematics courses in college, you might consider taking the SAT instead. Since the Math section accounts for 50% of your total SAT score, as compared to one-third of the composite enhanced ACT score, it could provide a better opportunity to highlight your math skills.
Stay Flexible
It doesn’t have to be either-or: you also have the option of not choosing. Many students are opting to take both the SAT and ACT during testing season. Taking both tests can be beneficial because students have more options when deciding which scores to report to colleges and universities. Preparing for both tests, however, can be more time-consuming and add additional stress to the college application process. Don’t feel like you have to take both tests to stand out.
You might also decide to go with the SAT to start with, and then decide after your test date that you would have more success with the ACT, or vice versa. The bottom line is that there’s no wrong answer when it comes to testing. Remember to stay flexible and avoid stressing too much about the testing process. It’s only one piece of the larger application puzzle, and there’s plenty you can do to improve along the way.
Invest in Test Prep
Whether you decide to take the ACT, SAT, or both, test prep is a worthwhile investment. Working with an experienced test prep program can help alleviate the stress of the testing process and ensure you’re well-prepared on test day. Test prep advisors can help you develop personalized testing strategies tailored to your unique strengths, setting you up for future success.
Ivy Bound offers both ACT and SAT prep programs, with a diverse range of options suited to your individual needs. These options include one-on-one sessions, group classes, and check-ins along the way. IvyBound has experienced tutors and advisors ready to help you meet your specific academic goals. Whether you’re struggling to decide which test to take, need guidance on studying tactics, or have a target score in mind, IvyBound can help. Get in touch with a test prep advisor today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you achieve your best.
Final Takeaways
The ACT and SAT now look more alike than ever, with both offering shorter formats and digital options. Choosing the right test depends on your academic strengths, comfort with each format, and the requirements of your target schools. If you’re stronger in math or prefer adaptive testing, the SAT may give you an edge. If you want flexibility with optional Science or Writing sections—or prefer the choice of paper or digital—the ACT could be the better fit.
No matter which test you choose, preparation is the key to success. By investing in focused practice and proven strategies, you’ll not only adapt to the new formats but also give yourself the best chance to stand out in the college admissions process.
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By leveraging these resources, you can approach the revised ACT with a strategic edge. Stay proactive, and remember that with the right support, success is within reach.