ASM Scholarships

Should you take the SAT or ACT and why?

To apply to college or universities standardized testing is required. As a student-athlete you must take one of the following two; the SAT or the ACT. These tests generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other. Let’s compare the two and see which is a better fit for you.


SAT ACT Breakdown
Why Take ItSATACT
Test StructureReading, Writing & Language, MathEnglish, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, Essay (optional)
Length3 hours2 hours 55 mins. without essay OR 3 hours 40 mins. with essay
Reading5 Reading Passages4 Reading Passages
ScienceNone1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science
MathArithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Analysis, Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability & Statistics
Calculator PolicySometimes AllowedAlways Allowed
EssaysNoneOptional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues
How it’s scoredScored on a scale of 400–1600Scored on a scale of 1-36

More and more students are taking both the SAT and ACT . Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently — and earn competitive scores on both!

The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Our Athlete Consultants and Placement team know exactly what schools are looking for, reach out to them here with any questions.