Is the SAT harder than the ACT?

Only if you pick the wrong one for your brain, the SAT and ACT aren’t about which is “harder”—they’re about which is a better match for how your student thinks, reads, and calculates under pressure. In D.C., where students juggle APs, debate club, Model UN, and three extracurriculars before dinner, choosing the right test can save a lot of stress.

The SAT leans heavily on Algebra and critical reading, and offers more time per question. If your child likes working through complex math and slow, dense passages, the SAT might feel like a friend. It’s also fully digital now, which appeals to tech-savvy students used to testing on laptops.

The ACT moves faster, includes more Geometry and Trig, and has a full science section. It’s great for students who are quick on their feet and love data interpretation. The best way to find out? We offer practice tests for both and help students choose the one that clicks.