For the majority of high school students planning to go to college, there’s a push to decide early in your high school career whether you should take the SAT or ACT. Depending on your geographic location, your high school may have already implemented one of these two college entrance exams in your required testing for sophomore, junior, or senior year. However, these tests are not exactly the same. While either one is accepted by postsecondary institutions, determining which is best for you can be hard for some students who are unfamiliar with these exams. And with test-optional institutions, there’s also a major decision of whether to submit your test scores if you do take them. Here’s a guide to help you figure out which test is best for you and how to know if you should submit your scores.
The format of the SAT
The SAT has two sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Each section contains two timed modules, with the Reading & Writing section lasting 64 minutes and the Math section lasting 70 minutes. The test is fully digital and uses a multistage adaptive format. Students may use a calculator on all Math questions, including the built‑in Desmos calculator in the Bluebook app. The SAT Essay has been discontinued. In total, the exam lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, with a single 10‑minute break between sections. Scores remain on the 400–1600 scale, with each section scored from 200–800. For perspective, the average SAT score was 1029 in 2025.
The format of the ACT
The Enhanced ACT format, includes three core sections—English, Math, and Reading—with an optional Science section and an optional 40‑minute Writing test. The core exam takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes; adding the optional Science section brings the total to roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes, and including both Science and Writing results in a testing time of about 3 hours and 25 minutes. Each scored section uses the familiar 1–36 scale, and a student’s composite score is the average of their section scores. The optional Writing test is scored separately on a 1–12 scale and does not factor into the composite. According to ACT’s national reporting, the average composite score for the Class of 2025 was 19.2.
Related: Five Key Differences Between the SAT and ACT
Which test is right for you?
Neither of these tests are easy—so if you were thinking you’ll just take whichever one is “easier,” you’re out of luck. The best way to determine which exam you’re likely to perform better on is simple: Sit down and take practice tests for each. Try simulating as close to the actual test day environment and experience as you can to reduce any stress. From there, you can determine your ability with each one based on the percentile of your practice scores. Whichever practice test you score highest on is likely the one you’ll perform better on during the real thing.
As you may have noticed, one of the main differences between the two tests is the Science section on the ACT. But the SAT does generally incorporate some science questions throughout the exam. The SAT also has two Mathematics sections as opposed to one on the ACT. Take these differences into account in relation to your academic strengths when choosing. Regardless of which test you take, you’ll need to study well beforehand to properly prepare and score your best.
To submit or not to submit your scores
When it comes to submitting your scores to test-optional schools, look at the average SAT or ACT scores of admitted students for any given college to determine whether yours fall in their range. You can easily find this information online on any school’s admission page. If your scores are at or above the average scores for admits of that college or university, it’s likely beneficial to submit them even though it’s optional. You may also be required to submit standardized test scores if you want to qualify for institutional scholarships. However, if your scores fall below the average for a test-optional school, it may be better to not submit them; you’ll just need to make sure the rest of your application shines without this component that many other students will include. Finally, when it comes to test-blind colleges, don’t bother submitting your scores at all; these schools will not look at them.
Related: Is the SAT/ACT Worth It With New Test-Optional Policies?
Both the SAT and ACT are important when it comes to applying to college. Although they have slight differences, they’ll both aptly determine your eligibility for admission, scholarships, and more. Start researching test-optional schools if you’re scoring below the average threshold on your practice exams. However, it’s important to remember your scores don’t define you nor your intelligence. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to use those to your advantage when it comes to applying to colleges and scholarships.
Once you decide which exam you’ll take, you have to really get ready for it! Use our article on How to Prepare for the ACT, SAT, and Other Tests to help you.
