SAT vs ACT 2026: Key Changes, Differences & Which Test to Take

With the Digital SAT now fully implemented and the ACT undergoing its own updates, 2026 presents unique considerations for students choosing between these two major college admission tests. Here's everything you need to know.

Major Changes for 2026

Digital SAT (Fully Implemented)

Shorter test: 2 hours 14 minutes (vs old 3+ hours)

Adaptive testing: Second module difficulty based on first module performance

Shorter passages: 25-150 words instead of long readings

Built-in calculator: Desmos graphing calculator for all math

Faster scores: Results in days, not weeks

ACT Updates

Optional writing: Still available but rarely required

Section retesting: Can retake individual sections

Superscoring: More colleges superscore the ACT

Computer-based: Available at more test centers

Same format: 4 sections + optional writing

Head-to-Head Comparison

FeatureSAT 2026ACT 2026 Duration2h 14min2h 55min (no writing) FormatDigital onlyPaper & Computer Sections2 (R&W, Math)4 (Eng, Math, Read, Sci) Score Range400-16001-36 CalculatorAll mathMath only ScienceNo dedicated sectionYes AdaptiveYesNo

Content Differences

Reading

SAT: Shorter passages (25-150 words), one question per passage, covers literature, history, science, social science.

ACT: Longer passages (750+ words), 10 questions per passage, tests reading speed more directly.

Best for: SAT if you prefer analyzing shorter texts; ACT if you read quickly and handle longer passages well.

Math

SAT: Calculator allowed throughout, heavier on algebra and data analysis, includes student-produced responses.

ACT: Calculator only on one section, includes more geometry and trigonometry, faster pace (60 questions in 60 minutes).

Best for: SAT if algebra is your strength; ACT if you're strong in geometry/trig and work quickly.

English/Writing

SAT Reading & Writing: Combined section with grammar, vocabulary in context, and reading comprehension mixed together.

ACT English: Dedicated grammar section testing punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

Best for: Similar skills tested; ACT format is more straightforward for pure grammar.

Science

SAT: No dedicated science section (science concepts in reading passages).

ACT: 40 questions in 35 minutes testing data interpretation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.

Best for: If you're strong in interpreting graphs and scientific reasoning, the ACT science section could boost your score.

Which Test Should You Take?

Take the SAT if you:

✅ Prefer shorter, more focused passages

✅ Excel at algebra and data analysis

✅ Want a shorter test experience

✅ Prefer adaptive testing

✅ Like having calculator access throughout

✅ Take time to think through questions

Take the ACT if you:

✅ Read quickly and efficiently

✅ Excel at geometry and trigonometry

✅ Want the potential science section boost

✅ Prefer straightforward, non-adaptive format

✅ Work well under time pressure

✅ Want section retesting flexibility

Still Unsure?

Take practice tests for both! Most students score similarly on both tests (when converted), but about 20-30% score significantly better on one.

Score Conversions

SATACT 160036 155035 150033-34 145032 140030-31 135029 130027-28 125025-26 120024

College Acceptance

Do Colleges Prefer One Test?

No. All US colleges that accept standardized tests accept both SAT and ACT equally. There is no advantage to submitting one over the other.

What About Superscoring?

Most colleges superscore (take highest section scores across test dates)

Some superscore SAT only, some ACT only, some both

Check each college's policy

Test-Optional Considerations

Many schools are test-optional for 2026

If submitting scores, choose your stronger test

Strong scores still help applications

Preparation Strategy

Timeline

Junior Year Fall: Take diagnostic tests for both SAT and ACT

Junior Year Winter: Choose your test based on diagnostics

Junior Year Spring: First official test attempt

Junior Year Summer: Continued prep if needed

Senior Year Fall: Final attempts if needed

Resources

SAT Prep:

Khan Academy (free, official partnership)

College Board Bluebook app (official practice)

UWorld, Princeton Review, Kaplan

ACT Prep:

ACT Academy (official free prep)

Official ACT Practice Tests

Magoosh, PrepScholar, Kaplan

2026 Test Dates

SAT 2026

March 8, 2026

May 3, 2026

June 7, 2026

August 23, 2026

October 4, 2026

November 8, 2026

December 6, 2026

ACT 2026

February 8, 2026

April 5, 2026

June 14, 2026

July 12, 2026

September 13, 2026

October 25, 2026

December 12, 2026

Conclusion

Both the SAT and ACT are valid paths to college admission. The "better" test is simply the one where you perform best.

Quick Decision Guide:

1. Take practice tests for both

2. Compare your scores (use conversion chart)

3. Consider your strengths (reading speed, math type, science)

4. Choose one and commit to focused preparation

5. Take it 2-3 times for best results

Remember: colleges don't care which test you take. They care about your scores showing academic readiness. Choose the test that lets you shine!