🎯 ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

Choosing between the ACT and SAT can feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, most colleges accept either one, and many are still test-optional. What matters most is knowing your goals, testing early, and choosing the exam that plays to your strengths.

🔍 What’s the Difference?

• Sections:

  • SAT: Reading, Writing & Language, Math

  • ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science

• Length:

  • SAT: About 2 hours 14 minutes (no essay)

  • ACT: About 2 hours 55 minutes (no essay)

• Math Focus:

  • SAT: More algebra and word problems

  • ACT: More geometry and trigonometry

• Calculator Use:

  • SAT: Calculator allowed for one math section, not allowed for the other

  • ACT: Calculator allowed for all math questions

• Science Section:

  • SAT: No science section

  • ACT: Includes a science reasoning section

• Scoring:

  • SAT: Scored from 400 to 1600

  • ACT: Scored from 1 to 36 (average of four sections)

🏫 Do You Need to Take One?

• As of now, over 1,800 U.S. colleges are still test-optional. That means you don’t need to submit an SAT or ACT score to apply.

• But here’s the catch:
  🔹 Some schools—especially highly selective ones like Harvard, Yale, and MIT—have returned to requiring test scores for the 2025 admissions cycle.
  🔹 Many scholarships and honors programs still use test scores as part of their criteria.

✅ Our recommendation: Even if your current college list is test-optional, take at least one SAT or ACT just in case. Your plans might change, or a new opportunity may open up that does require a score.

💡 Which Test Should You Take?

• If you’re stronger in algebra and like more time per question → SAT

• If you’re faster-paced and confident in science reasoning → ACT

• If you’re unsure, try free full-length practice tests for both and see which one feels more natural

💰 Fee Waivers: How They Work

Both the SAT and ACT offer free registration fee waivers for eligible students.

SAT Fee Waivers (College Board)

You may qualify if you meet one or more of these:

• eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

• low family income per USDA standards

• part of programs like TRIO/Upward Bound

• family receives public assistance

To apply:

• Talk to your school counselor to receive a fee waiver code

• Or fill out the SAT Fee Waiver Request Form online, and provide contact info for a non-relative adult who can verify your eligibility

Each waiver covers:

• Full SAT registration (including late fees)

• Up to two waived test registrations

• Optional application fee waivers and extra score reports—you may get up to 8 free score sends instead of the default 4

ACT Fee Waivers

• Available only to eligible 11th and 12th graders in U.S. schools or testing in the U.S. territories

• Eligibility criteria include programs like TRIO or income-based aid

To apply:

• Your school counselor determines eligibility and provides you with a serial waiver code

• Use that code when registering online or by mail

You are allowed up to two fee waivers total. Once used-even if you don’t test-that waiver code counts toward the limit. If you need to change your test date after using a waiver, the code still applies toward the test fee, but you may need to pay additional change or late fees.

📝 Testing Timeline

• Spring of junior year is the most common time to take the SAT or ACT

• This gives you time to retest in the summer or early senior year if needed

• Try not to wait until deadlines are too close as you’ll want time to review and improve

✅ Final Tips

• Check each school’s testing policy. Don’t just assume!

• Don’t stress over the “perfect” score just focus on doing your best.

• Use free resources like Khan Academy (SAT) or ACT Academy to study.

• Your test score is one piece of your story. It does not define your potential.

📌 Bottom Line:

With more top colleges requiring test scores again, it’s smart to prepare early and take at least one test, even if you're not sure you’ll need it. It's better to have a score and not use it, than to need one and not have it.

✅ Quick Links

• Register for SAT / plus latest dates → College Board SAT registration page

• Register for ACT & view upcoming dates → ACT official website

• Learn about SAT fee waivers and eligibility → SAT Fee Waiver page

• Learn about ACT fee waivers → ACT Fee Waiver information page