Digital SAT vs. New ACT: Which test should you take?
With the launch of the digital SAT and the newly redesigned ACT which comes into effect in September 2025, students now have more choice than ever when it comes to university admissions tests. But more choice can mean more confusion: Which test plays to your strengths? Which one is easier to manage under timed conditions? And how do you decide between them?
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between the new ACT and the digital SAT, including timing, question style, and subject emphasis, so you can make a confident, informed decision about which test is right for you.
The new ACT: What’s changed?
The ACT has undergone a major update, and one of the most significant changes is timing. While it's still a faster-paced test than the Digital SAT, it's no longer the frantic race it once was. Here’s how the timing now breaks down:
- English: 35 minutes for 50 questions – that’s 42 seconds per question, up from just 30 seconds in the old format.
- Math: 50 minutes for 45 questions – around 1 minute 11 seconds per question, up from 1 minute.
- Reading: 40 minutes for 36 questions – also 1 minute 11 seconds per question, previously 1 minute.
- Science: 40 minutes for 40 questions – 1 minute per question, up from about 45 seconds.
Compare this with the digital SAT, where students get:
- English (Reading & Writing): about 1 minute 10 seconds per question
- Math: roughly 1.5 minutes per question
Despite the ACT still being slightly quicker overall, the time pressure is now much more manageable, especially when you consider how much simpler the ACT's question language tends to be.
Simpler wording = easier experience?
The ACT has long been praised for its straightforward, less verbose language. The English and Reading sections in particular tend to use clear, direct phrasing — making it easier to understand and quicker to answer. In contrast, the SAT’s Reading section remains challenging, with dense texts and more inferential questions. For many international students, this makes the ACT feel significantly more accessible.
How to decide which test to take
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some key things to think about:
Take a practice test in both formats
Not sure which suits you better? Start with a diagnostic test. A-List offers ACT diagnostic pack in the new format - just get in touch with us to request it. You can also try sample questions from both tests online (check out the ACT Test Enhancements page for updated sections).
Ask yourself:
- Did the language and structure of one test feel more natural than the other?
- Are you confident tackling a wide range of Math topics and prefer easier English questions? If so, the ACT could be the right choice.
- Do you prefer fewer Math topics, the comfort of a built-in graphing calculator, and don’t mind wrestling with harder English passages? If so, the SAT might work better for you.
Need help deciding?
Choosing the right test can shape your entire university application journey. Our expert tutors can help you weigh your options and build a strategy tailored to your strengths.
Book a free session with one of our consultants today to discuss your best path forward.
