The SAT might be a better fit for students who:
The ACT might be a better fit for students who:
Pacing
Prefer a slower pace. The digital SAT has fewer questions spread out over a longer time.
Can handle a faster pace. The ACT has more questions in less time compared to the SAT.
Scoring
Want a score that emphasizes math, as the SAT gives math a 50% weight in the total score.
Want a composite score that averages all sections, since the ACT combines all the scores and averages them. Thus, the ACT gives math a 25% weight in total score.
Reading and Writing Content
Prefer shorter passages, each with their own question. Comfortable reading a large number of passages on a screen.
Prefer fewer, but more in-depth passages, will multiple questions per passage. Prefer to annotate passages by hand.
Math Content
Have a strong grasp on foundational math topics such as algebra and algebra 2. The digital SAT has a more narrow-scope of content that will be tested compared to the ACT.
Have a strong grasp on many math topics such as geometry and advanced math. The ACT math section features a larger range of content that will be tested compared to the digital SAT.
Science Content
Prefer to have science topics and graphics interspersed throughout the test, rather than having a standalone Science section like the ACT.
Are more comfortable with science content, as the ACT includes a separate Science section.
Calculator-Use
Are confident in using the Desmos calculator. The Desmos calculator is only available for use on the digital SAT. Proficiency with the Desmos calculator provides an advantage on many different types of questions.
Are comfortable with either working out each step on paper or the use of a traditional graphing calculator. The paper-and-pencil ACT allows the use of a graphing calculator, but not a Desmos calculator.
Strategy
Prefer a more straightforward question style. The digital SAT provides fewer in-context questions than the previous pencil-and-paper SAT. Questions are more direct.
Are good at deciphering complex problems. The ACT may contain longer, more in-depth story problems that require strong annotation skills.
