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Which Test is Right for You: SAT vs ACT

Playing college sports is a great opportunity and academics plays an important role in getting to the next level. While determining what NCAA eligibility requirements you need to meet, you have noticed the option of submitting test scores from either the SAT or ACT. Today we will explain the differences between the two tests, and hopefully give you some direction on which test is right for you!


WHY THESE TESTS

Colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT for admission and merit-based scholarships.


WHEN

SAT - 7 Times each year (March or April/May/June/August/October/November/December)

ACT - 7 Times each year (February/April/June/July/September/October/December)


COST

SAT - $52

ACT - $55



STRUCTURE

SAT - Math/Reading/Writing & Language

ACT - Math/Reading/English/Science


TIME

SAT - 3 hours

ACT - 2 hours, 55 minutes


# OF QUESTIONS

SAT - 154

ACT - 215



MATH

SAT - Arithmetic/Algebra I & II/Geometry/Trigonometry/Data Analysis

(Calculator not allowed on all questions)

ACT - Arithmetic/Algebra I & II/Geometry/Trigonometry

(Calculator allowed on all questions)




READING

SAT - 5 reading passages

ACT - 4 reading passages



SCIENCE

SAT - None

ACT - 1 section testing critical thinking



SCORES

SAT - 400 to 1600

ACT - 1 to 36

The NCAA uses an ACT sum score that can be between 37-144. The ACT sum score is a combination of English, Mathematics, reading, and science subjects.




ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS


SAT

Division I - 900

Division II - 840

Division III - no minimum requirement


ACT

Division I - 75

Division II - 70

Division III - No minimum requirement



 

WHICH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE

While both the SAT and ACT are nationally accepted, some states require high school students to take the ACT or SAT. In these cases, it is best that you take whichever test is required for you state, and avoid studying for both tests.


Here are a list of states/regions that require the SAT:


  • Colorado

  • Connecticut

  • Delaware

  • District of Columbia

  • Illinois

  • Maine

  • Michigan

  • New Hampshire

  • Rhode Island

  • West Virginia





These states require the ACT:


  • Alabama

  • Hawaii

  • Kentucky

  • Mississippi

  • Montana

  • Nebraska

  • Nevada

  • North Carolina

  • Utah

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming


 

TRY THE SAT VS ACT QUIZ

If you are still undecided on which test is best for you, take this short quiz to help you make an informed choice. Check whether you agree or disagree with each statement listed below.