One of the most common questions I hear from families across South Carolina is deceptively simple: should my student take the SAT or the ACT? After more than two decades of college counseling, I can tell you that the answer is not the same for every student, and choosing the right test can make a real difference in outcomes.

Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by virtually every college and university in the United States. Neither test is inherently “better” or “harder.” They measure slightly different skills in slightly different ways, and most students have a natural lean toward one or the other.

Here is what you need to know in 2026 to make the right choice.

The Key Differences Between the SAT and ACT

Format and Structure

The SAT, administered by the College Board, transitioned to a fully digital format and is now an adaptive test. This means the difficulty of the second module of questions adjusts based on how you performed on the first module. The test is approximately two hours and fourteen minutes long with two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.

The ACT remains a more traditional linear test. It includes four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing section. The ACT runs approximately two hours and fifty-five minutes without the Writing section.

Content Focus

SAT Math allows a calculator on all math questions and emphasizes algebra, data analysis, and problem-solving. The questions tend to be wordier, embedding math problems within real-world contexts.

ACT Math covers a broader range of topics, including more geometry and trigonometry. The questions tend to be more straightforward in their phrasing but require faster problem-solving since there are more questions in less time.

SAT Reading and Writing combines what used to be two separate sections into one, featuring shorter passages and a wider variety of text types. The digital adaptive format means the passages and questions adjust in difficulty.

ACT English and Reading remain separate sections. The English section focuses on grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. The Reading section presents longer passages with questions that emphasize speed and comprehension.

ACT Science is unique to the ACT and has no SAT equivalent. Despite its name, it is less about science knowledge and more about interpreting data, graphs, and experimental results. Students who are comfortable reading charts and scientific summaries often do well here regardless of their science coursework.

Scoring

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Both scores are well understood by admissions committees, and concordance tables exist to compare them.

How to Decide Which Test to Take

Take a Practice Test for Each

The single best way to determine which test suits your student is to take a full-length, timed practice test for both the SAT and the ACT. Many families I work with in the Myrtle Beach area do exactly this, usually in the sophomore spring or early junior year.

Compare the scores using an official concordance table. If one score is meaningfully higher than the other, that is your answer.

Consider Your Student’s Strengths

The SAT may be a better fit if your student:

• Excels at algebra and data analysis
• Prefers fewer questions with more time to think
• Is comfortable with word-heavy math problems
• Adapts well to digital, adaptive testing formats

The ACT may be a better fit if your student:

• Has strong time management under pressure
• Prefers straightforward question phrasing
• Is comfortable with a broader range of math topics
• Enjoys interpreting scientific data and graphs

The Pacing Factor

Pacing is one of the biggest differentiators between the two tests. The ACT is widely considered to be more time-pressured. Students who tend to work quickly and efficiently often prefer the ACT. Students who need more time to process and reason through problems may find the SAT‘s pacing more forgiving.

Test-Optional Policies in 2026

The test-optional movement that accelerated during the pandemic has evolved. While many schools still accept applications without test scores, a growing number of selective institutions have reinstated testing requirements or strongly recommend scores. The trend in 2026 is clear: submitting a strong test score is, once again, a meaningful advantage at most schools.

For South Carolina students applying to in-state schools like Clemson, the University of South Carolina, or the College of Charleston, check each school’s most current testing policy. Requirements can change from year to year.

When to Start Preparing

I recommend students begin light preparation in the spring of sophomore year and ramp up to focused study in the summer before junior year. This timeline allows time to take a diagnostic test, identify the right exam, prepare thoroughly, and sit for the official test in the fall of junior year with time for a retake if needed.

Local Testing Opportunities

Students in the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand area have multiple test center options for both the SAT and ACT. Registering early is important, as popular test dates at convenient locations fill up quickly.

Preparation Strategies That Work

For the SAT

• Use the College Board’s official practice resources, including the Bluebook app for digital practice
• Focus heavily on algebra fundamentals and word problem interpretation
• Practice the adaptive format so the shifting difficulty does not catch you off guard

For the ACT

• Time yourself rigorously during practice; pacing is everything
• Dedicate specific practice time to the Science section, focusing on graph and data interpretation
• Work through full-length practice tests under realistic conditions to build stamina

For Both Tests

• Consistency beats intensity. Thirty minutes of daily practice over several months outperforms weekend cram sessions
• Review every wrong answer. Understanding why you missed a question is more valuable than doing more questions
• Consider working with a counselor who can identify specific areas of weakness and tailor a study plan

Make the Right Choice With Expert Guidance

Choosing between the SAT and ACT is just one piece of a larger college planning strategy. At College Planning Centers of America, we help South Carolina families navigate every step of the process, from test selection and preparation planning to application strategy and financial aid.

Take the Free Quiz to assess where your student stands, or Schedule a Consultation to build a personalized testing and college admissions plan.

The right test, taken at the right time with the right preparation, can open doors. Let us help you find the right path.