SAT vs ACT: Why This Choice Has Become More Strategic

For many students, the question comes up at some point in high school: should you take the SAT or the ACT? While the two tests serve the same purpose, they are structured differently.

It is often treated as something that can be decided later, or adjusted along the way. In reality, the two tests are structured differently, and that difference can shape how a student experiences the test.

The Digital SAT has more vocabulary, shorter (but more challenging) reading comprehension, and math that covers fewer topics, though the hardest problems tend to be more involved. Desmos can always be used.

The ACT is available in both paper and digital formats. The digital version allows for Desmos, while the paper version uses a graphing calculator. The ACT can feel time-pressured for some students. Since the introduction of its “enhanced” version in September, question types and difficulty have become more unpredictable. The ACT also has longer reading passages, with less emphasis on vocabulary.

In practice, most students perform fairly similarly on both tests. However, some students do perform significantly better on one than the other, which is why it is important to assess fit early on.

This is why we begin with both SAT and ACT diagnostics. This process shows how a student actually moves through each test—how they manage time, what they are able to complete, and where the format creates difficulty. Starting with both diagnostics makes it easier to see where a student is more consistent and which format supports their strengths.

As Ivy Link’s Director of Standardized Testing, Cory Bragar, often explains, preparation should reflect a student’s starting point and goals. Some students may need a shorter period of focused work, while others benefit from a longer timeline. Identifying the right test early simply allows that preparation to be planned more effectively.

From there, a clear recommendation can be made, and preparation can be structured around that fit from the outset.

Workshop for Parents & Students: Navigating Standardized Testing in 2026

If you’re currently deciding between the SAT and ACT, we’re hosting a session with Cory Bragar to walk through how to approach this decision and how to plan preparation in a way that fits within a student’s schedule.