A student I work with recently earned a 1400 on the SAT and a 33 on the ACT.
Both are excellent scores. But here’s the important part: according to the official ACT/SAT concordance table, a 33 ACT is approximately equivalent to a 1460 SAT. That means the ACT was the stronger score for this student, not because the student suddenly became more capable, but because one test format gave her a better opportunity to show what she knew.
That is exactly why I often tell families: do not assume the SAT is automatically the right test. Do not assume the ACT is automatically the right test. Try both, compare the results, and then make a plan.
The SAT and ACT measure similar skills, but they do not feel the same
The SAT and ACT are both college admissions tests, and colleges will accept either one. But the student experience can feel very different.
The SAT is now digital and adaptive. It includes two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The total testing time is 2 hours and 14 minutes, and scores are reported on a 400–1600 scale.
The ACT includes English, Math, and Reading as the core test, with Science and Writing now optional. The ACT is scored on a 1–36 scale, and students can receive a composite score without taking Science or Writing. The core ACT takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes, not including optional sections.
That difference matters.
Some students like the SAT because there is generally more time per question. They may appreciate the digital format, the adaptive structure, and the fact that there is no separate science section.
Other students do better on the ACT because they like more direct questions, can move quickly, and are comfortable with the pacing. For some students, the ACT simply feels more straightforward.
Neither test is “better.” The better test is the one that better reflects the student’s strengths.
Why a practice test for each can be so helpful
Families sometimes spend months preparing for one test before realizing the other test might have been a better fit. A smarter first step is often this:
Have the student take a timed practice SAT and a timed practice ACT. Then, compare the scores using a concordance table, not just vibes. A student may feel better about one test, but the score comparison helps clarify which one is actually stronger.
In my student’s case, a 1400 SAT was a great result. But, the 33 ACT was stronger. That is the kind of information families only get when they are willing to try both.
Do colleges require test scores?
This is where families need to slow down and check the details.
Before deciding whether to test, retest, or submit scores, students should check the testing policies for every college on their list. Some schools are test-required. Some are test-optional. Some are test-free or test-blind. Policies can also vary by program, scholarship, major, or application cycle.
The goal is not just to ask, “Should I take the SAT or ACT?”
The better questions are:
Do the schools on my list require scores?
Would a strong score help my application?
Does this college require or recommend any optional sections?
What score would strengthen my application at this particular school?
Would a strong score help my application?
Does this college require or recommend any optional sections?
What score would strengthen my application at this particular school?
That last question matters because a “good” score is not one-size-fits-all. A score that is strong for one college may be average at another.
Summer is a great time to prep and retake
Summer can be one of the best windows for test prep because students often have fewer school-year distractions. There is more space to review weak areas, take practice tests, build pacing strategies, and retake before senior year application deadlines start piling up.
That does not mean students need to spend their entire summer studying. It means they need a plan.
A strong summer testing plan might include taking one practice SAT and one practice ACT, choosing the stronger test, building a focused study schedule, registering for the next available test date, and using score results to decide whether another retake makes sense.
The takeaway for families
The SAT and ACT are not personality tests, and they are not measures of a student’s worth. They are tools. And like any tool, the right one depends on the job.
For some students, the SAT will be the better fit. For others, the ACT will bring out a stronger result. The only way to know is to compare.
So, before your family commits to months of prep for one test, consider trying both. Because sometimes, the difference between a strong score and an even stronger score is not more studying. Sometimes it is choosing the test that lets the student shine.
At ForwardReady U, we help students and families make sense of the college application process with less stress, more structure, and a plan that fits the student. Learn more at forwardreadyu.com.
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