Introduction

You’ve got an SAT score and need to know the comparable ACT—or vice versa. Or you’re weighing which test to sit, how to prepare, and whether to submit scores at all in a test-optional world. This 2025 guide gives you a practical, no-nonsense playbook:

• How the official SAT↔ACT concordance works (and why it matters).

• What digital SAT means for comparisons (short answer: the 1600 scale stayed; use the same approach). College Board ResearchCollege Board

• A simple DIY “calculator” workflow with examples you can replicate.

• When to send scores—and how to find test-optional policies quickly.

• A mega-FAQ that answers every search phrase you’re likely to type.

Why trust concordance tables? Because they’re built jointly by the testing organizations and align scores by percentile standing for students who took both tests. They don’t “equate” tests; they give you comparable ranges for sound decision-making. SAT Suite of AssessmentsACT+1

The official score-comparison landscape

• SAT and ACT publish joint concordance tables. The 2018 ACT/SAT study is the current official source for cross-walks between SAT total/section scores and ACT composite/section scores. Use those when converting. SAT Suite of AssessmentsACT+1

• Digital SAT (2023+) kept the 1600 scale. College Board’s research states that digital SAT scores have the same meaning as paper/pencil SAT scores; no extra “digital↔paper” conversion is needed before using the SAT↔ACT concordance. College Board ResearchCollege Board

• Where to find the tables: College Board’s comparison hub and ACT’s concordance page both link to the official PDFs. Bookmark them; avoid third-party charts unless they cite these sources. SAT Suite of AssessmentsACT

How to use the SAT→ACT (and ACT→SAT) “calculator” correctly

Think of this as a workflow, not magic arithmetic:

1. Start with your real score.

   • SAT: total (1600) and section (ERW/Math).

   • ACT: composite (36) and sections (English, Math, Reading, Science).

2. Open the official concordance.

   • Use the SAT↔ACT tables to find comparable ranges. (If you’re viewing on ACT’s site, look for “Tables A1/A2” for total/composite.) ACT+1

3. Read it as a range, not an identity.

   • Concordance lines up percentiles; tiny differences (±10 SAT points or ±1 ACT point) are normal.

4. Decide your next move.

   • If one test converts to a higher percentile for you, consider focusing prep there.

   • If both are similar, choose the format you prefer (passage style, math emphasis, timing).

5. When in doubt, cite the source.

   • If an application asks how you compared scores, write:
     “Compared using the 2018 ACT/SAT official concordance tables (ACT & College Board).” SAT Suite of Assessments

Quick example (illustrative)

• Suppose you earned 1350 SAT. From the joint table, that’s roughly comparable to a 29–30 ACT composite (read the table row for your exact range). Use that to decide whether an ACT sitting is worth it, or to gauge where your score stands in a college’s published middle 50%. ACT

Digital SAT in 2025: conversion sanity check

• Same 1600 scale, same use. Digital SAT scores are designed to be used like paper scores—for admissions, placement, scholarships—so you don’t need a special “digital↔paper” detour before using the 2018 SAT↔ACT concordance. College Board ResearchCollege Board

• Bottom line: If you took the digital SAT, you can compare your score to an ACT using the official SAT↔ACT tables—exactly as you would with paper/pencil SAT. College Board Research

Should you send scores? The test-optional reality (and how to check policies fast)

• Some colleges are test-required again, many are test-optional, and a smaller group is test-free.

• Policies shift. Rather than memorizing lists, use a live search:

  • BigFuture College Search lets you filter and read each college’s testing policy; College Board also maintains articles explaining what “test-optional” means and how to decide whether to send scores. BigFuture+1

  • College Board also periodically posts lists of colleges requiring tests; they emphasize these lists change frequently—always confirm on the college’s admissions page. BigFuture

Practical rule: If your concorded score sits at or above a school’s middle 50% range, sending scores can help; if it’s well below, consider applying without them where policies allow. BigFuture

A giant FAQ using every search phrase you asked for

(Each question appears verbatim so your page ranks for the exact queries. Answers are concise, helpful, and honest.)

online colleges that don t require sat or act

Many accredited online programs are test-optional or test-free. Because policies change, verify requirements via each program’s admissions page or use BigFuture College Search to filter by testing policy. BigFuture

what colleges do not require act or sat

There isn’t a permanent, exhaustive list—policies evolve. Use each college’s admissions website and tools like BigFuture to see who is test-optional/test-free this cycle. BigFuture

what colleges do not require sat or act

Same idea: check current policy on college sites or BigFuture; never rely on an outdated list. BigFuture

no act required colleges

Plenty exist under test-optional policies. Confirm school-by-school because some require scores for specific majors, honors programs, or scholarships. BigFuture

colleges that don t need act or sat

Search live databases (BigFuture) and each institution’s site. Some schools remain test-required, so don’t assume. BigFuture

community colleges that don t require sat or act

Most U.S. community colleges don’t require SAT/ACT for general admission; they may use placement tests or transcripts for course placement. Always check the specific college’s website.

what colleges don t require sat or act

Use BigFuture filters and institutional pages; policies may vary by major and scholarship rules. BigFuture

what colleges don t require act or sat

Same as above—use live sources rather than static lists; confirm for your intended major. BigFuture

no sat or act required colleges

You’ll find many under test-optional or test-free policies; always confirm for international students and homeschooled applicants, where rules can differ. BigFuture

which colleges don t require sat or act

Use BigFuture’s College Search and each school’s admissions site for current policy; it changes by cycle. BigFuture

colleges near me that don t require sat or act

Use search filters by location on BigFuture, then check each college’s testing page to confirm. BigFuture

colleges you don t need sat or act

Plenty are test-optional; the safest path is to verify by school and program. BigFuture

colleges that don t require sat or act

Yes—thousands are test-optional. Verify per school and program for your entry term. BigFuture

colleges that dont require sat or act

Same as above; rely on current official sources, not archived lists. BigFuture

colleges that don t require act or sat

Wording aside, the answer doesn’t change: confirm on institutional sites; use BigFuture as a starting point. BigFuture

colleges that don t require sat and act

Many are test-optional (send scores if they help). For test-free schools, scores aren’t considered at all. Verify for your application year. BigFuture

colleges that don t require sat act

See above—test-optional ≠ test-free. Read the fine print for majors/scholarships. BigFuture

colleges that do not require act or sat

Yes—use BigFuture and the college’s site to confirm in 2025. BigFuture

colleges not requiring act or sat

Policies change. Confirm directly with the admissions office or website each cycle. BigFuture

no sat colleges

“Test-free” schools don’t use SAT/ACT at all; others are test-optional. Check each college’s policy statement. BigFuture

colleges not requiring sats

Terminology aside, look for test-optional or test-free on official pages; confirm for your major. BigFuture

colleges no sat or act required

Yes, many—especially liberal arts and regional publics—but verify specifics (e.g., nursing/engineering may differ). BigFuture

colleges without sat or act scores

Typical under test-optional rules; some may ask for alternatives (transcript rigor, essays, graded paper). Verify per college. BigFuture

what colleges do not require the sat or act

Check the current cycle via BigFuture and school sites; some campuses re-instated requirements, others did not. BigFuture

hbcus that don t require sat or act

Several HBCUs are test-optional. Because policies differ by campus and program, confirm on each HBCU’s admissions page for your entry term.

what universities don t require sat or act

Many universities are test-optional. Always confirm on the university’s admissions page for the latest. BigFuture

colleges that dont require act scores

Some test-optional colleges allow applications without ACT scores (SAT optional too). Read each policy carefully for your major/year. BigFuture

universities that don t require sat or act

Yes—test-optional is common. Confirm details such as merit scholarship rules, which may still consider scores. BigFuture

universities that don t require act or sat

Same as above; policies may shift year to year. BigFuture

universities that dont require sat or act

Confirm in real time on official sites; don’t trust outdated lists. BigFuture

kaplan sat act

Kaplan offers SAT/ACT prep courses and practice tests. Use third-party prep if it matches your learning style; pair it with official practice tests for realism.

sat and act help

Start with official practice, then add structured prep (books, videos, tutoring) as needed. Diagnose timing vs. content gaps, and commit to a schedule.

act sat help

Same idea—build a study plan keyed to your weakest section types, then rehearse with full-length timed tests.

sat test optional colleges

Many exist; check current policies through institutional admissions pages or BigFuture filters. BigFuture

act sat online

Online registration, practice, and sometimes remote proctoring information live on the official sites (ACT.org, College Board). For test logistics, always check the official portal.

sat act testing near me

Both organizations list test centers by ZIP/postal code during registration. Choose a site early—popular dates fill quickly.

colleges requiring sat

Some colleges again require SAT/ACT; see College Board’s evolving summaries and then verify directly on the college’s site for your cycle. BigFuture

sat act preparation

Use a diagnostic, target weak skills, and run full-length timed exams. Mix content review with endurance practice; schedule 1–2 full tests per month before the real thing.

act and sat preparation

Same plan; tailor resources to the test you’ll actually take. Drills + timed sections → full tests → targeted review.

princeton review sat act

The Princeton Review is another well-known prep provider. As with any course, the key is consistent practice with high-quality materials.

universities without sat or act requirements

Plenty; use official school pages and BigFuture to verify for your intended major and entry term. BigFuture

act vs sat diagnostic test

Take one official SAT and one official ACT under timed conditions, then compare percentiles using the official concordance. Prep the test where your relative percentile is stronger. ACT

taking sat as an adult

Adults can register and sit the SAT. Check available dates/centers and consider whether your target programs require scores.

taking the sat as an adult

Same as above—ensure the schools you’re applying to accept (or require) standardized tests for your program type (e.g., degree completion).

act and sat testing near me

Use the registration portals to search nearby centers and dates; they’re updated in real time by the testing orgs.

testrocker sat

TestRocker is another prep brand. The right course is the one you’ll use consistently; pair it with official practice tests for calibration.

how to study for sat and act

Start with a diagnostic for each, pick the stronger fit, then build a 12–16 week plan: content review → section drills → full tests → error logs → targeted fixes.

sat act online test

You’ll register online; the official SAT is delivered digitally at test centers (not from home). ACT delivery varies by site—check the official site for specifics.

universities not requiring sat

Many are test-optional/test-free; confirm on each university’s site and use BigFuture to filter. BigFuture

how to study for the act and sat

Same fundamentals: diagnose, plan, practice, review. Don’t split your time 50/50 forever—specialize after a diagnostic round.

study for sat and act

Focus on timing (ACT is brisk), Math depth (SAT has more algebra/data emphasis), and Reading question styles (SAT combines evidence lines; ACT skews time pressure).

sat act coaching

Coaching can help if you need accountability or targeted instruction. Check for official-style practice and data-driven feedback.

sat test taking strategy

Pace your sections, mark and skip strategically, use answer elimination, and memorize your non-calculator math moves. Practice on official tests.

sat and act testing near me

Use ACT.org and College Board (during sign-up) to find centers/dates.

collegeboard act

The ACT is administered by ACT, Inc., not College Board. People search “collegeboard act” by mistake; use ACT.org for ACT info and College Board for SAT.

act sat diagnostic test

Do one of each, then use the official concordance to compare percentiles. Pick the higher-yield test to focus your prep. ACT

should i take the sat or act

Whichever yields the higher percentile for you—and fits your strengths (reading speed vs. math emphasis). Use a two-test diagnostic and concordance to decide. ACT

should i take sat and act

You can, but after diagnostics, focus on the better fit; that usually yields a higher superscore with less stress.

should i take the act and sat

Same guidance—two diagnostics, then concentrate.

take act or sat

Take the test that plays to your strengths and aligns with the admissions policies of your target schools.

take sat and act

Possible, but only if your schedule allows real prep for both; otherwise, specialize.

how to prepare for sat and act

Make a plan with weekly goals, section drills, full-length timed practice, and post-test error logs. Consistency beats cramming.

colleges based on sat scores

Colleges publish middle 50% SAT/ACT ranges. Use BigFuture or institutional Common Data Set pages for context, then decide whether sending your score helps. BigFuture

how to take sat and act

Create accounts on the official sites, choose dates/centers, and complete registration. Read ID rules and calculator policies.

how to take the sat and act

Same as above—register early to secure preferred centers and dates.

taking sat online

SAT is now digital, but you test at an approved test center on a device—not at home (unless College Board introduces special pilots; check official guidance). College Board

taking sat test online

Same as above; digital delivery ≠ remote home testing for standard administrations.

sat and act diagnostic test

One official SAT + one official ACT → compare via concordance. Choose your lane. ACT

prepare for sat and act

Set a target score based on colleges you like; reverse-engineer weekly tasks. Mix content, drills, and full tests.

act or sat diagnostic test

Do both early; pick the test yielding a higher percentile after concordance. ACT

sat and act

These are the two major U.S. admissions tests. Many colleges are test-optional, but strong scores can still help at selective schools/programs. BigFuture

sat or act test

Either is acceptable where tests are considered. Use diagnostics and official concordance to choose. ACT

act test or sat

Same idea—both are valid; choose based on your strengths and target schools’ norms.

act v sat

ACT tends to be faster-paced; SAT leans into data analysis and algebra with an adaptive digital format. Try both once; choose the one you like more (and score better on).

acts vs sats

Colloquial pluralization; guidance doesn’t change—diagnose both, then specialize.

where can i take the sat and act

Use the official sign-up portals to browse test centers near you; availability appears during registration.

where to take act and sat

Same answer—official portals list current centers and open seats.

where to take act and sat tests

Check during registration; centers and seats change by date and location.

where to take sat and act

Use the search tools within registration; don’t rely on outdated lists on third-party sites.

cost of taking sat

Fees change; check the College Board fee page for current amounts and fee waivers if eligible. (Avoid quoting amounts from memory; they change.)

sats requirements

If someone says “SATs requirements,” they usually mean a school’s testing policy. Check each college’s site or BigFuture for the current rule. BigFuture

sat and act test scores

Colleges may publish middle-50% ranges. Compare your SAT↔ACT via concordance, then decide if sending scores adds value. ACT

where can i take the sat or act

Use ACT.org and College Board to find centers by ZIP/postal code during registration.

where can i take the act or sat test

Same guidance—reserve early for popular administrations.

where do i take the sat or act

The registration portals surface nearby centers and available dates; choose the one that fits your schedule.

where to take act or sat

You’ll pick a test center inside the registration flow.

act sat sign up

Create accounts on ACT.org and College Board, pick your date/center, and complete registration. Upload a photo and read ID requirements.

sign up for act and sat

Same process—plan ahead for deadlines and standby policies.

what are act and sat

They’re standardized admissions tests used by many U.S. colleges (and some abroad). Policies vary (test-required, test-optional, test-free).

what are act and sat tests

They assess reading/writing and math (ACT also has Science reasoning). Colleges interpret them alongside your transcript.

what are sat and act

Same as above—two major U.S. admissions tests; submit scores when they strengthen your application.

what are sat and act exam

Colloquial wording for the same tests; formats differ (digital SAT; ACT timing/sections).

what are sat and act tests

Repetition of the definition; focus on fit and percentile rather than myths.

what are the act and sat

They’re parallel pathways; either works where permitted. Compare via concordance to choose. ACT

what are the act and sat tests

See above—choose based on strengths and policy.

what is act and sat test

A pair of admissions tests; act favors speed; sat leans analytical in math/reading. Try both once.

what is act sat

Usually shorthand for the concordance context—how ACT and SAT line up (use official tables). SAT Suite of Assessments

what is sat act test

The phrase points to the same two tests; use diagnostics to pick the better fit, then prepare deliberately.

Putting the calculator to work: a repeatable plan

1. Run a two-test diagnostic (one SAT, one ACT).

2. Convert one to the other using the official tables; look at percentiles, not just raw numbers. ACT

3. Commit to the test where your percentile is higher and the format suits you.

4. Build a schedule (8–12 weeks minimum): content review, timed sections, full-length tests every 2–3 weeks, error logs, micro-goals.

5. Check college policies (test-required vs. optional/free) this cycle via BigFuture and each admissions site. BigFuture+1

6. Decide to send scores based on whether your results strengthen your application profile.