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ACT to SAT Conversion: Is Score Conversion Helpful?
The ACT to SAT conversion can be used to determine which test you perform best on. Knowing how your score translates will help you evaluate your performance and prospects of admission to multiple universities, even if you only take one exam. You can determine which test you are good at by taking practice exams for both the SAT and the ACT.
Comparison between SAT and ACT: Test Differences
Here’s a clear comparison between the SAT and ACT in 2025, highlighting key test differences:
SAT vs ACT: Key Differences
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
| Purpose | College admissions in the U.S. | College admissions in the U.S. |
| Test Length | ~2 hours 14 minutes (digital format) | ~2 hours 55 minutes (3 hrs 35 min w/ Essay*) |
| Format | Digital only | Paper-based (mostly), limited online |
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science (+ Essay*) |
| Scoring Scale | 400–1600 | 1–36 (composite score) |
| Math Tools Allowed | On-screen calculator allowed | Calculator allowed (some parts) |
| Science Section | Not included | Yes, includes scientific reasoning |
| Essay Section | Removed | Optional (but being phased out) |
| Math Emphasis | More algebra-based | More geometry & trigonometry |
| Time per Question | Slightly more time per question | A slightly faster pace is required |
| Superscoring | Accepted by many colleges | Accepted by many colleges |
| Test Dates | 7 times a year | 7 times a year |
Read more: GMAT Score Chart | 5 Tips to Enhance Your Exam Strategy!
ACT to SAT Conversion Chart
The table below is useful for the ACT to SAT Conversion:
| SAT composite score | ACT composite score |
| 1570-1600 | 36 |
| 1530-1560 | 35 |
| 1490-1520 | 34 |
| 1450-1480 | 33 |
| 1420-1440 | 32 |
| 1390-1410 | 31 |
| 1360-1380 | 30 |
| 1330-1350 | 29 |
| 1300-1320 | 28 |
| 1260-1290 | 27 |
| 1230-1250 | 26 |
| 1200-1220 | 25 |
| 1160-1190 | 24 |
| 1130-1150 | 23 |
| 1100-1120 | 22 |
| 1060-1090 | 21 |
| 1030-1050 | 20 |
| 990-1020 | 19 |
| 960-980 | 18 |
| 920-950 | 17 |
| 880-910 | 16 |
| 830-870 | 15 |
| 780-820 | 14 |
| 730-770 | 13 |
| 690-720 | 12 |
| 650-680 | 11 |
| 620-640 | 10 |
| 590-610 | 9 |
Key Takeaways
- A University does not favour one exam over the other if its admissions requirements state that both the ACT and SAT are acceptable.
- The best way to determine which test will most accurately reflect your academic ability is to take both exams on practice runs.
- You must start studying as soon as possible to gain the necessary knowledge and confidence to perform well on either test.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!
Like this blog? Read next- ACT vs SAT: A guide to choosing the right exam for you
FAQs
Question 1. Does passing both examinations guarantee admission to a reputable college?
Answer– You are not required to submit both; nevertheless, institutions prefer receiving both. Instead of wasting time and energy on both, one should concentrate on studying for each of them to succeed.
Question 2. Why is score conversion necessary?
Answer- Conversion enables you to select the exam where you can perform at the highest level.
Question 3. How do I determine which examination to take?
Answer- You can determine which exam to take based on your performance by taking practice tests for the ACT and SAT and converting your results.
Our in-house experts will help you solve all your queries.