ANNOUNCEMENT: Registration is now open for our Fall 2025 SAT Classes!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Registration is now open for our Fall 2025 SAT Classes!

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SAT VS. ACT

Should my child take the SAT or the ACT?

There’s no ‘One Size Fits All’ answer to the SAT vs ACT question. Virtually every college accepts either test for admission, so one test is not fundamentally better than the other. Therefore, we highly recommend picking one test and sticking with it, instead of spreading yourself thin across two exams that serve the exact same purpose; focus on one and turn to the other only as a last resort. (TestTakers is experienced at helping families navigate this process. Feel free to contact us for resources and expert advice on navigating the SAT vs ACT choice.)

How are the SAT and ACT different?

Understanding the SAT vs ACT differences is essential for making an informed decision. The most obvious SAT vs ACT difference is in the format: The SAT has two sections (Math and Reading & Writing), while the ACT has 3 required sections (English, Math, and Reading) and 2 optional sections (Science and Writing).The SAT allots 134 minutes (2 hours and 14 minutes) to finish 98 questions, while the ACT allots between 125 and 205 minutes (between 2 hours 5 minutes and 3 hours 25 minutes) to complete 215 questions. Thus, students taking the SAT have more time per question than their ACT counterparts, making speed a much more important factor on the ACT.

In terms of content, there are notable SAT vs ACT differences. While the tests continue to have a fair amount in common in terms of content, the ACT contains a Science section that does not have a parallel on the SAT, and the ACT also contains more advanced Math concepts than the SAT.

Do you offer any ACT preparation?

Yes! We offer 1-on-1 ACT tutoring, which can be customized to meet your needs and schedule. We also offer an online group “ACT Booster Course” for students who have already completed our SAT test prep program and still wish to pursue the ACT. Because the two exams test many of the same concepts and are vulnerable to many of the same techniques, our SAT course effectively prepares students for roughly 75% of what they will see on the ACT. To cover the additional 25%, we offer a 4-week ACT Booster Course designed to catch students up to speed on the extra material, including the Science section and the more advanced Math concepts.