8 Reasons to Choose ACT Over SAT

8 Reasons to Choose ACT Over SAT

Choosing the ACT over the SAT can significantly impact college admissions. This guide outlines eight compelling reasons to select the ACT, including its shorter testing times and the ability to customize your testing experience. Students will discover how the ACT supports English learners and offers opportunities for scholarships. The document also highlights the advantages of receiving your questions and answers back, allowing for better preparation. Ideal for high school juniors and seniors preparing for college entrance exams, this resource provides essential insights into maximizing test performance.

Key Points

  • Explains the benefits of choosing the ACT for college admissions over the SAT.
  • Details how the ACT provides support for English learners during national test dates.
  • Highlights the option to receive personalized question and answer feedback with ACT My Answer Key.
  • Describes the shorter testing times and fewer questions on the ACT compared to the SAT.
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Find out more at act.org/act-vs-sat.
©2025 by ACT Education Corp. All rights reserved. MR037958
Many colleges and universities still require
or will consider college entrance scores
as part of a holistic admissions process
— stand out from the crowd with an ACT
score!
MORE OPPORTUNITY TO
STAND OUT
The test is designed so by the end of your
junior year, you’ve likely covered all the
material that you will see on the test.
YOU’VE ALREADY BEEN
STUDYING FOR THE ACT
FOR YEARS
With three tests out of the year, you can
order your ACT My Answer Key — your
personal question and answer key to help
you strategize for success.
YOU CAN GET YOUR
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
BACK
The ACT has shorter testing times and
fewer questions, so you have time to enjoy
your Saturday afternoon.
LESS TIME TESTING
Boost your confidence and performance by
testing the way you are most familiar — on
paper or on a computer. The choice is yours.
YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE YOUR
TESTING EXPERIENCE
Taking the ACT test can increase your
chances of earning new or better
scholarships.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The ACT lets you choose if you want to show
off your strengths in science and writing,
so you can focus on what matters for your
future and not stress about the rest.
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
The ACT test is the only college entrance
exam that provides support to English
learners on national test dates.
ENGLISH LEARNER
SUPPORT
*Based on publicly released SAT information.
Comparison of the ACT to the SAT*
Equally preferred by all universities, including
the Ivy Leagues
Allows for paper/pencil testing as well
as online
Purchase ACT My Answer Key (formerly TIR) to
help you prepare for future tests
Free daily practice questions
Free comprehensive test practice
Test fees waived for eligible students
Free score reports
Allows for more section choice within the
testing experience
Testing time
2 hours, 5 minutes**
Composite 1–36
Each section uses a scale
of 1-36. Your total score is
the average of your section
scores. The optional writing
section uses a scale of
2-12 and does not count
toward your final score.
2 hours, 14 minutes
50 minutes 1 hour 10 minutes
35 minutes 1 hour 4 minutes
Composite 400–1600
The Reading and Writing
and Math sections each use
a scale of
200-800 and are
combined for a total score.
Longest test
Shortest test
Score range
All tests less than 1 hour
Measures what you learn in high school
Access to English learner supports for
national test dates
No. Does not cap scores.
Yes. Can cap your score
based on how well you do on
the first few questions.
Cap scores
Ability to change answers in
a section
Can’t easily change answers
Flexibility
** To achieve your Composite score, the ACT total testing time is 2 hours and 5 minutes. If you
choose to take the science section and/or the writing section, please add an additional 40
minutes per section.
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FAQs of 8 Reasons to Choose ACT Over SAT

What are the main advantages of taking the ACT?
The ACT offers several advantages, including shorter testing times and fewer questions, which can reduce test fatigue. Students can choose to focus on their strengths, particularly in science and writing, allowing for a more tailored testing experience. Additionally, the ACT provides the unique opportunity to receive feedback on questions answered, which can enhance future preparation. The test is also designed to align with high school curricula, making it a familiar experience for many students.
How does the ACT support English learners?
The ACT is the only college entrance exam that provides specific support for English learners on national test dates. This includes additional resources and accommodations to help these students perform to the best of their abilities. By offering tailored assistance, the ACT aims to create a more equitable testing environment for non-native English speakers, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed in the college admissions process.
What is ACT My Answer Key and how does it help students?
ACT My Answer Key is a personalized tool that allows students to receive their questions and answers back after taking the ACT. This resource helps students identify areas of strength and weakness, enabling them to strategize their study efforts effectively. By understanding which questions were answered correctly or incorrectly, students can focus their preparation on specific topics, ultimately boosting their confidence and performance in future tests.
How do the testing times of the ACT compare to the SAT?
The ACT features a total testing time of 2 hours and 5 minutes, making it shorter than the SAT, which has a longer overall duration. This shorter testing time can be advantageous for students who may experience fatigue during lengthy exams. Additionally, the ACT's structure allows for a more efficient testing experience, with fewer questions to answer, which can help maintain focus and energy throughout the test.

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