Say you got a 25 on the ACT—ever wonder how that would translate to an SAT score? Despite their many similarities, when you take the ACT or SAT, you’ll find out that they are still two very different tests. One of their primary differences centers around how it’s scored. So while there is a grand total of 36 possible composite points for the ACT test score, the SAT score is a total of 1600. So how does your hypothetical 25 fit on that score conversion scale?
The SAT and ACT Scores for Colleges Conversion Chart
Luckily, the College Board and the ACT have provided test-takers a nifty conversion chart to estimate what you might have scored on the other test. Keep in mind, since the scoring criteria are so different, these are estimates, not direct comparisons.
Why Comparisons Matter
So why bother looking up a comparison? Well, there are multiple reasons. First off, you may just be curious. Maybe the ACT is far more common in your area, but you’re wondering what your SAT score might have been like.
Second, and perhaps more useful, is that you can use it as a tool to anticipate how you might score if you plan on taking the other test. More and more often students are taking both the ACT and SAT, so finding your equivalent score on the other test can be a goal or guiding point for the other exam.
Next, say you do take both tests and want to submit the best one to your prospective colleges. Which one is higher? These conversion charts can be a big help in determining which scores to submit.
Additionally, discovering which score is higher can help you determine which test to re-take to earn an even higher score. Students tend to find either the ACT or the SAT a better fit for them, one “clicks” more with their way of thinking. For example, students who are adept readers might find the SAT to be a better fit for them, while mathematically-driven students might favor the ACT.
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