Some students find the ACT to be more difficult because it has a science section, which the SAT does not. Others find the SAT to be more difficult because it has a longer reading comprehension section and more difficult math questions. Ultimately, the best way to determine which test is harder for you is to take practice tests for both exams and compare your scores.
Here is a table that summarizes some of the key differences between the ACT and the SAT:
| Feature | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Number of sections | 4 | 3 |
| Total testing time | 3 hours and 35 minutes | 3 hours |
| Reading | 40 questions in 35 minutes | 52 questions in 65 minutes |
| Math | 60 questions in 60 minutes | 58 questions in 80 minutes |
| Writing & Language | 75 questions in 40 minutes | 44 questions in 35 minutes |
| Science | 40 questions in 35 minutes | N/A |
As you can see, the ACT and the SAT are both challenging exams. However, by understanding the key differences between the two tests, you can better prepare yourself for the test that you will be taking.