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SAT vs. ACT:
Compare Tests & Find the Right Fit
SAT & ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines 2026–2027
Review the upcoming SAT and ACT testing dates and deadlines below. Register early whenever possible to give yourself more flexibility when choosing a test date and location.
SAT Test Date
Regular Deadline
Late Deadline
November 7, 2026
October 23, 2026
October 27, 2026
December 5, 2026
November 20, 2026
November 24, 2026
March 6, 2027
February 19, 2027
February 23, 2027
May 1, 2027
April 16, 2027
April 20, 2027
June 5, 2027
May 21, 2027
May 25, 2027
ACT Test Date
Regular Deadline
Late Deadline
December 12, 2026
November 6, 2026
November 29, 2026
February 27, 2027
January 22, 2027
February 9, 2027
April 10, 2027
March 5, 2027
March 23, 2027
June 12, 2027
May 7, 2027
May 25, 2027
July 10, 2027
June 4, 2027
June 22, 2027
SAT vs. ACT: Quick Comparison
The SAT and ACT assess many of the same academic skills, but their testing structures differ. Here's a quick overview of the main differences.
Feature
SAT
ACT
Test Format
Main Sections
Total Testing Time
Number Of Questions
Scoring Scale
Science Section
Writing Section
Math Calculator
Test Structure
Digital
Paper or Digital
Reading and Writing, Math
English, Math, Reading
2 hours 14 minutes
2 hours 5 minutes for the core test
98
131 Across the Three Core Sections
400–1600
1–36 Composite Score
No Separate Science Section
Optional Science Section
No Standard Essay Section
Optional Writing Section
Built-in Graphing Calculator
Math, Subject To Act Rules
June 22, 2027
June 22, 2027
Test formats, optional sections, and administration arrangements can change. Confirm current requirements with the official testing organizations before registering.
SAT vs. ACT: Quick Comparison
The SAT and ACT assess many of the same academic skills, but their testing structures differ. Here's a quick overview of the main differences.
Feature: Test Format
SAT: Digital
ACT: Paper or Digital
Feature: Main Sections
SAT: Reading and Writing, Math
ACT: English, Math, Reading
Feature: Total Testing Time
SAT: 2 hours 14 minutes
ACT: 2 hours 5 minutes for the core test
Feature: Number Of Questions
SAT: 98
ACT: 131 Across the Three Core Sections
Feature: Scoring Scale
SAT: 400–1600
ACT: 1–36 Composite Score
Feature: Science Section
SAT: No Separate Science Section
ACT: Optional Science Section
Feature: Writing Section
SAT: No Standard Essay Section
ACT: Optional Writing Section
Feature: Math Calculator
SAT: Built-in Graphing Calculator
ACT: Math, Subject To Act Rules
Feature: Test Structure
SAT: June 22, 2027
ACT: June 22, 2027
Test formats, optional sections, and administration arrangements can change. Confirm current requirements with the official testing organizations before registering.
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardized college admissions test administered by the College Board. It evaluates skills in reading, writing, and mathematics that students develop throughout high school.
The SAT is delivered digitally and uses an adaptive format. The difficulty of the second module in each section depends on a student's performance in the first module.
SAT Test Sections
❖ Reading and Writing
❖ Math
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a standardized college admissions test that measures students' skills in English, mathematics, and reading. It also offers an optional Science section and an optional Writing section.
The ACT uses a linear testing format, meaning the difficulty of later questions does not adapt to a student's earlier answers in the way it does on the SAT.
ACT Test Sections
❖ English
❖ Math
❖ Reading
❖ Science (Optional)
❖ Writing (Optional)
SAT & ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines 2026–2027
Review the upcoming SAT and ACT testing dates and deadlines below. Register early whenever possible to give yourself more flexibility when choosing a test date and location.
SAT Test Date: November 7, 2026
Regular Deadline: October 23, 2026
Late Deadline: October 27, 2026
SAT Test Date: December 5, 2026
Regular Deadline: November 20, 2026
Late Deadline: November 24, 2026
SAT Test Date: March 6, 2027
Regular Deadline: February 19, 2027
Late Deadline: February 23, 2027
SAT Test Date: May 1, 2027
Regular Deadline: April 16, 2027
Late Deadline: April 20, 2027
SAT Test Date: June 5, 2027
Regular Deadline: May 21, 2027
Late Deadline: May 25, 2027
ACT Test Date: December 12, 2026
Regular Deadline: November 6, 2026
Late Deadline: November 29, 2026
ACT Test Date: February 27, 2027
Regular Deadline: January 22, 2027
Late Deadline: February 9, 2027
ACT Test Date: April 10, 2027
Regular Deadline: March 5, 2027
Late Deadline: March 23, 2027
ACT Test Date: June 12, 2027
Regular Deadline: May 7, 2027
Late Deadline: May 25, 2027
ACT Test Date: July 10, 2027
Regular Deadline: June 4, 2027
Late Deadline: June 22, 2027
Find the Right Test and Plan Your Preparation
Choosing between the SAT and ACT starts with understanding the differences and evaluating your strengths. Compare the formats, try official practice tests, and review your college requirements before making your decision.
With a clear plan and consistent preparation, you can approach your college admissions testing with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Reading and Writing: This section assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar, punctuation, and the ability to understand and improve written expression.
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Math: The Math section assesses skills in algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, geometry, and related mathematical concepts.
Students receive 64 minutes for Reading and Writing and 70 minutes for Math, for a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes of testing time.
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English: Assesses grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, usage, and rhetorical skills.
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Math: Covers mathematical concepts and problem-solving, including algebra, geometry, statistics, and other high-school-level mathematics.
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Reading: Measures reading comprehension, analysis, interpretation, and the ability to understand written passages.
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Science (Optional): Evaluates the ability to interpret scientific data, analyze graphs, understand experiments, and draw conclusions from scientific information.
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Writing (Optional): The optional Writing section requires students to develop and support an argument in an essay.
The three core ACT sections take 2 hours and 5 minutes in total. Optional Science and Writing sections add testing time.
Most colleges that accept admission test scores accept both exams and do not prefer one over the other. Always check the current testing policies of your target colleges.
Yes. Students can take both exams if their schedules and preparation plans allow. You can compare your results and determine which scores best support your applications.
The SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes of testing time. The ACT core test takes 2 hours and 5 minutes. Optional ACT Science and Writing sections add time.
Yes. The ACT offers an optional Science section that focuses on interpreting data and scientific information. Check your target colleges' requirements before deciding whether to take it.
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400–1600, while the ACT Composite score ranges from 1–36. Official concordance tables help compare scores across the two exams.
Start early enough to understand the exam, practice consistently, identify areas for improvement, and leave time for another test attempt if needed. Your ideal timeline depends on your academic readiness and college application deadlines.