At Mally A.C.T., we help students and families make smart, confident choices about test prep. One of the first—and most important—decisions is choosing between the ACT® and the SAT®. While both tests are widely accepted by colleges, they differ in structure, timing, and approach.

This page won’t break down every section of each test in detail. Instead, we’re here to give you a side-by-side view of the key differences so you can start understanding what might be a better fit.

ACT vs. SAT Overview

Feature ACT® SAT®
Paper-Based Testing ✅ ❌
Digital Testing ✅ ✅
Adaptive Testing Format ❌ ✅
Optional Science Section ✅ ❌
Showcase Your STEM Strengths ✅ ❌
Student-Produced Responses ❌ ✅
Test Release Option for Select Dates ✅ ❌
Writing Section (Rarely Required) ✅ ❌
 

Paper vs. Digital Testing Experience

Feature Paper Testing Digital Testing
View Full Passages Without Scrolling ✅ ❌
Mark Connections on Graphs/Tables ✅ ❌
Physically Bubble Answers ✅ ❌
Underline or Annotate ✅ ✅
Free Calculator Provided ❌ ✅
Possible Technical Difficulties ❌ ✅
 

How Mally A.C.T. Helps You Decide

Some students feel like one test is the better fit—but without real data, it’s just a guess. We have students take both a full ACT® and/or SAT®, then break down the results using our internal tracking and reporting system.

We look beyond just the score—into timing, pacing, question accuracy, and mistake patterns—so families can clearly see where the student performs best. The recommendation isn’t a guess. It’s rooted in how the student actually tests, and it helps them move forward with confidence and direction.

Still have questions? Let’s talk it through.
Choosing between the ACT® and SAT® is a big decision, and we want to make sure you feel confident. Give us a call at (248) 788-8867—we’ll walk you through the process and help you make the right call.

Already know you’re ready to go?
Click below to purchase our ACT® and/or SAT® analyses and get started.