College entrance exams are used to measure or assess your readiness for college admission (undergraduate programs) and to award merit-based scholarships. The two most common entrance exams that most U.S. colleges require are either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT).
College entrance exams are usually taken in the 11th or 12th grade, but some students take them earlier or even multiple times for practice. Here’s some basic information to help decide which test is the right fit.
SAT vs ACT: Which test is the best fit?
One isn't necessarily easier than the other. They test similar skills but differ in time or pacing, question styles, and formats. Academic strengths, preference, and school of choice are all some factors to consider when deciding which test to take.
Note: Previously, the ACT was 2 hours, 55 minutes (without the essay) — 3 hours, 40 minutes (with the essay). Effective in 2025, several changes were made to the ACT, affecting not only the length of the test, but the format too. The new ACT or Enhanced ACT now has few questions and now no longer mandates the science subject. Science became optional (like the essay) and no longer counts toward your composite score.
Let's compare the tests.
| Components | SAT | ACT |
| Subjects | Reading | English |
| Writing | Math | |
| Language | Reading | |
| Science (optional) | ||
| Math | Essay (optional) | |
| Scoring | Scored on a scale of 400-1600 | Scored on a scale of 1-36 |
| Length | 2 hours, 14 minutes | Full ACT test: 3 hours, 25 minutes |
| Test Composite: 2 hours, 5 minutes | ||
| Test Composite + Essay: 2 hours, 45 minutes | ||
| Test Composite + Science: 2 hours, 45 minutes | ||
| Number of questions | 98 | 131 |
| 171 (including optional science subject) | ||
| Timing | More time per question | Less time per question |
| Calculator policy | Allowed on math questions; cannot have prohibited features | Allowed on math questions; cannot have prohibited features |
| Math | Algebra | Algebra |
| Advanced math | Functions | |
| Problem-solving/Data analysis | Number & quality | |
| Geometry | Geometry | |
|
Trigonometry |
Statistics/Probability |
SAT and ACT: Test months
Both tests are offered nationally seven times a year:
- SAT: August, October, November, December, March, May, and June
- ACT: September, October, December, February, April, June, and July
Do colleges prefer one entrance exam over the other?
Both entrance exams are accepted by all US colleges and many international colleges and universities. While schools generally don’t have a preference on which test is better, you should research your school to make sure they don't favor one test over the other before investing your time and money.SAT and ACT: Studying
You can find study books with practice tests and online test prep resources—some are free. You can also partner with a coach or tutor, or take test prep classes to help maximize your success with whichever entrance exam you choose. Get a head start with these resources:
- SAT: College Board offers SAT resources and access to take full-length practice tests.
- ACT: ACT Test Prep offers practice questions with detailed explanations, test strategies, and tips for tackling the ACT test.
- Kaplan: Provides a combination of practice materials, tutoring services, and courses for preparation for the ACT and SAT— and also offered at a lower price for Fidelity users.
Practice exams
Some middle and high schools may give practice versions of the entrance exams, such as the preACT® 8/9, PreACT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8. You aren’t required to take these before the ACT or SAT. They're meant to provide an idea of what to expect when you take the real test.
What is the PreACT test?
The PreACT gives 10th grade students practice taking the ACT test. If you take the PreACT, you’ll get a score for their PreACT test and a projected future ACT test score. This gives you greater opportunities for college recruitment and scholarships if you choose to share your scores with college and scholarship agencies.
While simulating the ACT testing experience, the PreACT is a shorter test covering English, math, reading, and science. Schools can choose when to administer the test to its students.
What is the PreACT 8/9 test?
PreACT 8/9 is an early indicator of college and career readiness. It helps educators, students, and parents identify areas of academic strength and opportunity. The test gives students in grades 8 or 9 a predicted score for the PreACT and ACT. Available through your school, PreACT 8/9 can be delivered to students between October and June.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit® Scholarship Qualifying Test)?
The PSAT/NMSQT is practice for the SAT, with sections and questions following the same format. Top performers can qualify for scholarships and recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program. It’s usually taken by 10th or 11th graders. The primary test day for the PSAT/NMSQT is in mid-October, with an additional Saturday date and alternate test date a bit later.
What is the PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10 test?
The PSAT 8/9 is often a student’s first experience with the SAT, with similar question types. It’s a low-stakes test, meaning colleges and scholarship programs will never see the score. It's used to identify sections where you might need some extra studying. It's intended for 8th and 9th graders. Schools can choose when to administer the test.
The PSAT 10 familiarizes you with the types of questions you’ll see on the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT, offering an indication of how you’ll perform on those tests, highlighting academic strengths and weaknesses. It’s intended for 10th graders and only offered in the spring. Schools can administer the PSAT 10 roughly anytime during two testing windows.