FAQs

As of Fall 2025, the Enhanced ACT (which can be taken either online or on paper) has drawn closer in length and timing to the Digital SAT. However, important differences remain. The Digital SAT offers 98 questions and allows 2 hours 14 minutes. The Enhanced ACT, by contrast, offers 131 questions and allows 2 hours 5 minutes. This means that the SAT still offers fewer questions and allows more time. Students who experience time constraints as a serious obstacle typically lean toward the SAT.

When comparing the verbal sections of both tests, it’s important to note that the SAT combines reading comprehension and grammar corrections into a single module called “Reading and Writing” (why the SAT continues to call its grammar section “Writing” baffles many people. There is no student writing on this section — only questions involving the mechanics of Standard Written English). There are two such modules given, each of which contains 27 questions. The first half deals with reading comprehension, while the second half deals with the conventions Standard Written English.

The ACT, by contrast, splits these sections into the English Test (section 1) and the Reading Test (section 3). If we compare the ACT English Test with the “writing” portion of the SAT Reading and Writing module, we find the following. Unlike the SAT, which did away with longer passages on both the reading and the writing, the ACT retains longer passages on the English test with sections underlined for potential correction, according to the conventions of Standard Written English. The knowledge tested on both the SAT and ACT is virtually the same, with the exception that the ACT sometimes asks students to re-organize multiple paragraphs, which is impossible on the SAT. The SAT provides an average of 71 seconds per question, whereas the ACT provides an average of 42 seconds per question, making ACT English feel a bit more challenging to some students as compared to SAT Writing.

As regards the ACT Reading test versus the reading portion of the SAT Reading and Writing module, the same format applies. The SAT breaks up questions into one short passage per question, where is the ACT retains its legacy format of providing a short essay consisting of several paragraphs, and then asking multiple questions about that one passage. In this regard, the ACT can feel more challenging, insofar as students are often required to grasp the main idea across several paragraphs, as opposed to grasping the main idea of only one paragraph on SAT reading questions. Moreover, the timing constraints are very close, with the ACT providing 67 seconds per question while the SAT provides 71 seconds per question. As with the English test, students who experience a challenge in reading often report that the ACT Reading Test feels a bit more difficult than the reading portion of the SAT Reading and Writing module.

By contrast, the SAT Math modules can feel more challenging than the ACT Math Test for several reasons. First, the ACT gives 45 math questions, all of which are multiple choice. This means that a student can always guess and have at least a 1/4 chance of getting the answer right. By contrast, the SAT gives 44 math questions, but 25% of these are “student produced response” questions, where the student has to bubble in the exact digits of the correct answer. Guessing is virtually impossible on these questions, making the SAT Math section feel a bit more challenging. Although the SAT does offer more time per question on Math (SAT: 95 secs. per question; ACT: 67 secs. per question), students who are challenged with Math frequently feel more comfortable with the ACT.

Finally, the ACT Science Test (which has no equivalent on the SAT) is now optional, which means that if a student decides to take the test, the score will be reported independently of the overall composite score, which averages English, Math, and Reading scores. Students should remember that a strong Science score can make their applications stand out for competitive STEM majors. Some colleges may require or prefer a Science score — even if it’s not listed upfront. Students should check their colleges list to make sure that specific requirements are met.

As a result of these considerations, I frequently give parents and students the following simple advice: if students are challenged at reading and proficient at math, they should lean toward the SAT. Conversely, if they are proficient at reading and challenged at math, they should lean toward the ACT.

It’s also important to consider taking both tests, since most of the strategies taught by Benthall Prep will apply largely to both the SAT and the ACT. For students who wish to take both tests, Benthall Prep provides transition modules which help students convert their skills and strategies from one test to another. If taking both tests seems like a good option, please contact us for more information.

For a more in-depth comparison of the Digital SAT vs. the Enhanced ACT, here’s a helpful infographic:

To understand how the Digital SAT differs from the old Paper SAT, please see my blog post here:

THE DIGITAL SAT IS HERE – AND WE’RE READY
By Dr. Al Benthall
Benthall Test Prep
November 30, 2023
https://benthalltestprep.com/the-digital-sat-is-here/

The short answer to both questions is “absolutely not!” No schools require students to submit both SAT and ACT scores. All schools accept either the SAT or the ACT. While it may be helpful to take each test once to ascertain the best fit for you, it’s simply not worth the time and energy to prep for both tests. Pick one test and master it.

In general, prepping for the PSAT or PACT is an excellent idea. The PSAT is usually given during the Junior year of high school. If you achieve a top score on the PSAT, you can qualify for a National Merit Scholarship (the PACT does not qualify students for any scholarship programs). Although the PSAT and PACT are both only 2/3 as long as the SAT or ACT, they are essentially the same test, minus the Essay portion. Studying for the PSAT or PACT will give you early warning signs in areas where you need to improve, allowing you to work on these weak spots in plenty of time to boost your real SAT or ACT scores.

To achieve your best SAT or ACT score, start early. Many top-scoring students take the test during their Junior year in October, November, or December. If you perform strongly on one section, you can then focus your energy on sections where you need more work. This strategy allows you to use your prep time and energy more efficiently. After taking the test in the Fall, you can then take it again in the Spring, and once more during the Fall of your senior year if need be.

How many times should I take the SAT / ACT?

The short answer is that you should keep taking the SAT or ACT until you hit your target score. Taking the test three times is very common, while some students take it four times or more. But beware. Taking the test over and over again will not necessarily boost your performance. In fact, becoming obsessed with the test can actually lower your scores. Most students should plan to take the test two or three times, taking it a fourth time if necessary.

Most colleges take a student’s highest SAT scores in Reading/Writing and Math from multiple tests and add them together to form a composite Super Score. Many do the same with the ACT, averaging your top scores in English, Math, Reading, and Science to form a composite Super Score. For this reason, taking the SAT or ACT multiple times is generally a good idea. Historically, more schools have Super Scored the SAT than the ACT, although more schools are now starting to Super Score the ACT as well. When in doubt, always check with each college’s admissions office to ascertain their policy on SAT and ACT Super Scoring.

How many times should I take the SAT / ACT?

The short answer is that you should keep taking the SAT or ACT until you hit your target score. Taking the test three times is very common, while some students take it four times or more. But beware. Taking the test over and over again will not necessarily boost your performance. In fact, becoming obsessed with the test can actually lower your scores. Most students should plan to take the test two or three times, taking it a fourth time if necessary.

Score Choice allows you to choose which SAT or ACT scores you send to colleges. Simply choose the scores from your best test dates and have them sent to the colleges of your choice. Bear in mind, however, that some colleges and scholarship programs require you to submit scores from all test dates.

At last count, there are more than 900 colleges and universities that have a “test-optional” policy. However, even these colleges will accept standardized test scores as part of your application.  As a result, a high SAT or ACT score can still improve your chances of admission in many of these “test-optional” schools. Of course, most students do not apply only to test-optional schools, which means that earning the highest possible SAT or ACT score is essential for college-bound high school students.

Since the SAT no longer includes an Essay, this question only applies to the ACT.  Because only a handful of schools now require the ACT Writing Test, students should only take the ACT with Writing Test if the colleges to which they’re applying require it. To be on the safe side, check the website or contact the admissions office for schools to which you’re applying and make sure the ACT Writing Test is not required or recommended.