SAT vs ACT: Which Test Is Right for You in 2025?
Choosing between the SAT and ACT is one of the first steps in the college prep journey. Getting it right can save students time, stress, and confusion down the line.
At Wagner Prep, we talk with families every day who are wondering which test to take, when to start, and how to make sure all the prep pays off.
The good news? Colleges don’t care which test your student submits. Both the SAT and ACT are accepted at every U.S. college and both are treated equally in the admissions process.
The key is choosing the test that plays to your student’s strengths and focusing on it early. When students stop splitting their energy and start studying for the right test, real progress happens.
This guide walks through the key differences between the SAT and ACT, who tends to do better on each, and how to move forward with a test plan that works.
Quiz: Which Test Might Be Right for You?
Not sure where to start? Sit down with your student and go through these quick questions together. There’s no “right” answer — but how your teen thinks, solves problems, and manages time can point to the test that fits best.
Read each pair of answers and pick the one that sounds more like your student. Then tally up how many A’s and B’s you chose together.
When taking a timed test, they...
A) Prefer having more time per question, even if questions are trickier
B) Work quickly and prefer straightforward questionsIn math class, they’re stronger at...
A) Algebra and multi-step problem solving
B) A broader mix, including geometry and trigonometryFor reading, they...
A) Like analyzing complex passages
B) Prefer longer passages with direct questionsScience experiments, charts and data...
A) Feel confusing or boring
B) Make total sense — they like figuring out what the info meansTest format preference:
A) Don’t mind a digital test that changes difficulty
B) Like a traditional test that stays consistent throughoutWhen solving problems, they...
A) Are methodical and careful, even if it takes longer
B) Decide quickly and go with their gutWhen stuck on a question, they...
A) Break it down step-by-step
B) Eliminate a few answers and move fastDigital or paper?
A) Digital is fine
B) Paper is preferred, or at least the option to choose
My strongest subject is
A) Math, so I want a test that is 50% math
B) English and Reading, so I want a test that is 67% R&W
Mostly A’s? The SAT might be a better fit.
Mostly B’s? The ACT might play more to their strengths.
Split down the middle? Start with a practice test for each and compare.
SAT vs. ACT: Side-by-Side Comparison
While the SAT and ACT both test similar skills, they’ve changed in important ways recently. Understanding these updates can help families make smarter, more confident decisions.
What’s New:
The SAT is now fully digital and adaptive. That means every student takes a different version of the test based on how they perform in the first section. It’s shorter, faster, and more focused than before.
The ACT is launching the Enhanced ACT this year. It’s also shorter (down from 3+ hours), offers an optional Science section (which many top schools still recommend), and includes both digital and paper formats with no adaptive scoring.
Still deciding? This chart breaks down the key differences between the 2025 versions of the SAT and ACT — including timing, sections, format, and scoring.
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Digital-only, adaptive | Paper-based or digital (non-adaptive) |
| Sections | 1. Reading & Writing 2. Math |
1. English 2. Math 3. Reading 4. (Optional) Science 5. (Optional) Writing |
| Total Time | 2 hours, 14 minutes | ~2 hours (without optional sections) |
| Number of Questions | 98 total | RW: 54; Math: 44 | 130 total (down from 215) English: 50 Math: 48 Reading: 32 Science: 40 (optional) |
| Scoring Scale | 400–1600 (RW: 200–800, Math: 200–800) |
1–36 Composite Score (English, Math, Reading only) Optional Science Score (separate) |
| Focus of Math Content | Algebra, advanced math, geometry, problem-solving | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics |
| Calculator Use | Built in Desmos calculator allowed on all math questions | Allowed on all math questions, less powerful calculator built into digital exam |
| Science Section | No dedicated science section (science-based reading passages and math word problems) | Now Optional, but recommended by top colleges (not included in composite score) 40 questions in 40 minutes |
| Reading Style | ~25-150 word passages, complex and dense | ~800 word passages, more direct questions |
| Time Per Question | ~1 min 23 sec average | ~1 min |
| Answer Choices | 4 choices, ~11 fill-in answers on math modules | Math: 4 choices (reduced from 5) |
| Digital Testing | Yes, digital-only | Optional digital or paper |
| Guessing Penalty | None | None |
What Else Should You Consider?
Planning a STEM Major?
The ACT’s optional Science section is still a smart move for future engineers, doctors, or data-driven majors. It doesn’t count toward the composite score, but it gives you a separate STEM score many colleges value. If your student is confident with charts, graphs, and logical reasoning, the Science section is worth adding.
Does Your Student Receive Extended Time?
Both tests offer accommodations, but the experience of receiving the time isis different. The SAT’s format is less reliant on timing, so the College Board is more lenient with awarding accommodations. The ACT’s format is more timebound, so applying for accommodations may involve more paperwork and necessitate a longer history of neurodivergence. Either way, it is best to apply early for any accommodations.
Applying to Test-Optional Schools?
Test-optional doesn’t mean test-blind. Strong scores still open doors to scholarships, honors programs, and increased admission chances. If your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like, test scores can help tell a more complete academic story. We help families weigh the pros and cons and build a strategy that fits their student’s goals.
Ready to Choose Your Test?
The best way to decide between the SAT and ACT is to try both in realistic, timed conditions and reflect on your experience. At Wagner Prep, we offer free full-length digital SAT and ACT practice tests so students can make an informed choice without the pressure of a real test day.
Once you have your results, we’ll help you:
Compare your scores and comfort level
Understand where you have the most room for improvement
Build a smart, personalized test prep plan based on your goals and timeline
A focused plan, tailored to your student, makes all the difference. Whether they’re aiming for merit scholarships, selective schools, or simply their personal best, we’re here to help them get there — with clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way.
📩 Want to get started? Contact us to schedule a free practice test or set up a consultation.
- Mike Wagner
Lead Instructor and Founder