The SAT and ACT, explained
The SAT and ACT are the two main US college admissions tests, and most colleges accept either. The SAT is fully digital, takes 2 hours 14 minutes and is scored 400 to 1600. The enhanced ACT’s required part takes 2 hours 5 minutes and is scored 1 to 36, with optional Science and Writing.
Fees and ACT details from College Board’s 2026-27 guide and ACT’s own pages; checked October 11, 2026.
Everything on the SAT and ACT
Accounts, ID, retakes and waivers.
→SAT $68, ACT $70 and add-ons.
→A side-by-side of the two tests.
→2026-27 dates and deadlines.
→When scores come out.
→No pass mark; what scores mean.
→Step by step.
→Timing, format and what to bring.
→Digital SAT and optional ACT Science.
→Recent changes to both tests.
→Official free practice tests.
→Prepare and choose prep
Start with free official practice: an official practice test of each shows which test suits you. Our 8-week study plan works for either test, and our ratings compare six prep options, from free Khan Academy to live classes.
8 weeks to test day, with three full practice tests.
→PrepScholar 4.3, UWorld 4.2, Princeton Review 4.2, Kaplan 4.1, Khan Academy 4.1, Magoosh 3.8.
→Nine head-to-head comparisons.
→Bluebook, Khan Academy, ACT practice and fee waivers.
→Fee waivers, trials and current codes.
→Common questions
Is a test score still useful at test-optional schools?
Often, yes. Many test-optional schools still use scores for merit scholarships, so a strong score can help even where the test is not required.
How much do the SAT and ACT cost?
$68 for the SAT and $70 for the ACT’s core test in 2026-27; ACT Science adds $5 and Writing $25. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.
When are the next SAT and ACT dates?
The next SAT is December 5, 2026 (register by November 20) and the next ACT is December 12, 2026 (register by November 6).
What is the best SAT and ACT prep?
Khan Academy and College Board’s Bluebook tests for the SAT, and ACT’s free practice tests, are free. For paid prep, PrepScholar (4.3 / 5) and UWorld (4.2) rate highest on our rubric.