How to Compare SAT and ACT Scores
All colleges and universities that require standardized test scores for undergraduate admission will accept students’ scores on either the SAT or ACT. Many students want to submit their best results, but because these two tests are graded on a different scale, they don’t know how to compare scores. Understanding how to compare SAT and ACT scores can help students focus on their best test and know which scores to send to colleges.
Material Tested
The SAT and ACT test similar information, but they are not the same. The SAT contains three graded sections: reading, math, and writing. The ACT has four graded sections: English, math, reading, and science. While many of the question types are similar, the tests are different enough that comparing scores is a little bit like comparing apples to oranges.
SAT Scoring
Each of the two SAT sections is graded on a scale of 200 to 800. The scores are not averaged to obtain a total score; although students and colleges often add scores together, resulting in a total of 1600 (math and reading). The average score per section is right around 500.
ACT Scoring
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Each of the four sections is scored on the 1 to 36 scale, then all four scores are averaged to determine a student’s composite score. Consider a student who earns the following results: English 23 Math 36 Reading 22 Science 15 This student’s ACT composite score is 24. Averaging helps the 15 in science, but in doing so reduces the perfect score in math. The average score on the ACT is 21.
Determining Equivalent Scores
Because the SAT and the ACT test different material and use different scoring systems, any attempt to compare scores must be seen as an imprecise evaluation. The best way to determine equivalent scores is by evaluating how many students earn below a particular score; in other words, compare percentiles. So, if half the students who take the ACT earn below a 21, and half who take the SAT earn below a 500 per section, those two scores are seen as similar.
Helpful Tip:
Students can obtain official full-length SAT and ACT practice tests the College Board and ACT websites. Students who complete these free practice tests according to instruction will have a good idea of how they will score on the actual test. Students do not need to take the actual SAT or ACT or pay for a prep course in order to evaluate their likely results.