ACT to SAT Conversion: Differences and Similarities

In the competitive landscape of college admissions in the United States, standardized tests like the ACT and SAT play a

pivotal role. Students often find themselves preparing for both exams to maximize their chances of acceptance into their desired universities.

This article delves into the distinctions and resemblances between the ACT and SAT explores the process of converting scores between the two, and addresses common questions regarding their significance in college admissions.

ACT vs SAT: Differences and Similarities

Similarities

Both the ACT and SAT share several key characteristics:

• Standardized Tests: Both exams follow standardized formats.
• Multiple-Choice Questions: They consist predominantly of multiple-choice questions.
• Universally Taken: High school students across the country take these tests.
• College Preferences: Most colleges do not exhibit a preference for one test over the other.
• Broad Evaluation: They provide colleges with a comprehensive evaluation of students’ skills.
• No Penalty for Wrong Answers: Neither exam penalizes students for incorrect responses.
• Common Subjects: Both tests cover similar subject areas, including reading, writing, and math.

Differences

However, significant differences exist between the ACT and SAT:

ACT	SAT
The ACT exam is divided into four segments: Reading English Mathematics Science (Optional writing section)	SAT exam is divided into three segments: Reading Writing and Language Mathematics (No optional essay/writing section)
The scoring scale is between 400-1600	The Scoring scale is between 1-36
Use of a calculator allowed for the mathematics section	Calculator not allowed
Overall 215 questions	Overall 154  questions
Duration: 2 hours 55 minutes (without optional writing section) With writing section: 3 hours 35 minutes	Duration: 3 hours
The test is conducted four times a year: March, May, October and December	The test is conducted six times a year. (February, April, June, July, September and October)

Importance of Conversion Charts

For Students

Conversion charts serve as practical aids for students uncertain about which test to take or eager to gauge their performance across both exams.

By providing a comparative analysis, these charts offer insights into a student’s strengths and areas needing improvement. This knowledge is particularly valuable when strategizing test preparation efforts.

For Colleges and Universities

In the admissions process, colleges and universities rely on conversion charts to assess students’ eligibility, college readiness, and suitability for scholarships.

By understanding how ACT and SAT scores align, institutions can make informed decisions regarding prospective students.

For Educators and Counselors

Teachers and guidance counselors leverage conversion charts to monitor student progress and offer tailored guidance.

By interpreting students’ performance on both exams, educators can provide targeted support and assist students in identifying suitable colleges and academic pathways.

For Researchers and Policymakers

Conversion charts serve as invaluable resources for researchers studying trends in standardized testing outcomes and policymakers seeking insights into educational preparedness.

By analyzing data from these charts, researchers and policymakers can develop evidence-based strategies to enhance educational outcomes and resource allocation.

ACT and SAT Conversions

Focusing efforts on excelling in either the SAT or ACT is more prudent than attempting to perform well on both exams. Understanding how scores from one test translate to the other can aid students in assessing their performance and admission prospects across various universities.

Below is a conversion table showcasing how ACT composite scores correspond to SAT composite scores:

ACT Composite Score	SAT Composite Score
1576-1600	36
1530-1560	35
1490-1520	34
1450-1480	33
1420-1440	32
1319-1410	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

ACT to SAT Conversion: Subject-Wise Conversion

In addition to general conversion charts, subject-specific conversion tables provide detailed comparisons for the Reading and Writing, as well as Math sections.

ACT to SAT Conversion: Reading and Writing Section

This conversion table facilitates the comparison between the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score and the combined ACT English and Reading scores. By aligning scores across these sections, students and educators gain a nuanced understanding of performance in language arts-related domains.

ACT English and Reading	SAT EBRW
72	790-800
71	770-780
70	750-760
69	740
68	730
67	720
66	710
64-65	700
63	690
61-62	680
60	670
58-59	660
57	650
55-56	640
53-54	630
52	620
50-51	610
49	600
48	590
46-47	580
45	570
44	560
43	550
41-42	540
40	530
39	520
38	510
36-37	500
35	490
34	480
33	470
32	460
31	450
30	440
29	430
28	420
27	410
26	400
25	390
24	380
23	370
22	360
21	350
20	340
19	330
18	320
17	310
16	300
15	290
14	280

ACT to SAT Conversion: Maths Section

The Maths conversion table enables students to equate their ACT Maths score with the corresponding SAT Math score. This comparison is instrumental in assessing proficiency in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills across the two exams.

ACT Math	SAT Math
36	800
35	770-790
34	760
33	740-750
32	720-730
31	710
30	690-700
29	680
28	660-670
27	630-650
26	610-620
25	590-600
24	570-580
23	550-560
22	540
21	530
20	520
19	510
18	490-500
17	460-480
16	420-450
15	380-410
14	350-370
13	320-340
12	300-310
11	280-290
10	260-270

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the ACT and SAT have similarities, understanding their differences and conversion processes is crucial for students aiming to navigate the college admissions process successfully. By focusing on one test and utilizing conversion tools, students can optimize their chances of admission to their desired universities.

ACT to SAT Conversion- FAQs

Why Convert Between SAT and ACT scores?

Converting scores allows students to determine which test they perform better on, enabling them to focus their efforts effectively.

Do we have to attempt both exams to get into a premium university?

No, most universities accept either SAT or ACT scores, so focusing on one test is sufficient.

Can someone with a 32 ACT score get into Harvard?

While a 32 is a commendable score, Harvard typically looks for scores in the range of 33 to 35 for admitted students.

Is it possible to convert SAT scores to ACT scores using the same conversion table?

While conversion tables exist for both SAT to ACT and ACT to SAT conversions, they are not identical. The scoring scales and structures of the exams differ, leading to variations in the conversion process. It’s essential to use an accurate conversion tool specific to SAT to ACT or vice versa.

Are there any colleges or universities that require both SAT and ACT scores?

While most colleges accept scores from either exam, a small number of institutions may require or recommend submitting scores from both the SAT and ACT. However, this is relatively rare, and students should verify the admission requirements of their target colleges individually.

How often should I take the SAT or ACT?

The frequency of taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT depends on individual circumstances and preparation levels. It’s generally advisable to take these exams at least once during the junior year of high school and potentially again during the senior year if improvement is desired or required.

Do colleges superscore both the SAT and ACT?

Superscoring is a practice where colleges consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates. While many colleges superscore the SAT, the policy for the ACT varies among institutions. Some colleges may superscore the ACT, while others may consider only the highest composite score from a single test date. It’s essential to research the superscoring policies of each college to which you plan to apply.

How long are SAT and ACT scores valid?

SAT and ACT scores are typically valid for five years from the date of testing. However, individual colleges may have their own policies regarding the acceptance of older scores. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements of each college regarding score validity.