SAT vs ACT in 2025: What Pittsburgh Students Need to Know

At Pittsburgh Prep, we often get asked the age-old question: SAT or ACT? And in 2025, that question is getting a fresh twist, thanks to new updates coming to the ACT. So if you’re a high school student (or parent of one) wondering which test to tackle, let’s break it down together, Pittsburgh-style: clear, honest, and just a little bit nerdy.

First, What Are the SAT and ACT Anyway?

Both are standardized college admissions exams accepted by every four-year university in the U.S. They test many of the same skills: reading comprehension, grammar, math reasoning, and, in the ACT’s case, a little extra science reasoning. Historically, the SAT was considered more of an analytical reasoning test suited to students in the coastal cities, while the ACT catered more to fast readers with foundational knowledge across all subjects in the midwest states. But that divide? It’s shrinking. With the SAT now fully digital as of 2024 and the ACT launching its own tech-forward updates in 2025, these exams are more alike than ever. Still, there are key differences.

SAT vs ACT (2025): Quick Comparison Chart

What’s New with the ACT in 2025?

In response to a growing demand for flexibility, efficiency, and faster results, the ACT is rolling out several major changes that will significantly reshape how students interact with the test:

Shorter Test Duration
The new ACT will clock in around 2 hours, making it more comparable in length to the SAT. This means less fatigue and a tighter, more focused test day experience.
Science Section: Optional (Not Entirely Phased Out)
Big news: the ACT will no longer include a mandatory science section. Instead, science-based reasoning will be an optional section. If you were dreading charts and experiments, this may be a relief.
Streamlined Format
The ACT will now have just three core sections: English, Math, and Reading. This simplified structure reduces cognitive switching between sections and helps students focus on their core strengths.
Fully Digital Testing
Starting in 2025, all ACT tests will be offered digitally OR paper-based. For the digital test, students will interact with a modern interface that includes:
1. On-screen calculators
2. Highlighting tools
3. Answer eliminators
4. Real-time clock tracking
Ease of Use
The digital ACT will also provide an updated test navigation experience including more user-friendly scrolling, section review, and question-flagging tools designed to reduce test anxiety and support strategic time management. ACT has also confirmed these enhancements:
1. A cleaner interface that mimics modern applications
2. In-test reminders to help students stay on pace
3. Easier flag-and-return tools for reviewing marked questions
4. Audio and visual adjustments for students with accommodations
Faster Score Reports
Digital ACT scores will now be available in just a few days, matching the SAT in turnaround time and giving students faster feedback for decision-making.
Enhanced Score Insights
The ACT will provide more detailed score breakdowns that identify strengths and weaknesses with precision, ideal for focused test prep.
Improved Accessibility Options
The new ACT will feature upgraded accommodations for students with learning differences, including better screen readers, font and color customization, and customizable visual settings, improving equity for all testers.

SAT vs NEW ACT: Key Differences (2025 Edition)

Which Test Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s our take at Pittsburgh Prep:

Choose the SAT if:
You like solving puzzles and analyzing data
You prefer a shorter, adaptive test
You’re comfortable with digital tools and adjusting to difficulty levels

Choose the ACT if:

You’re a fast reader who likes a brisk pace
You want a science-light test without charts and graphs
You prefer a non-adaptive format with consistent difficulty throughout
You want more digital support tools during the test
You need more accessible testing features

Pittsburgh Prep Pro Tip: Try Both!

We always recommend taking a full-length practice test of both the SAT and ACT under timed conditions. Compare your scores, but also pay attention to how you felt during each test. Were you rushed? Did you run out of steam? Did one feel more intuitive than the other? Your gut matters. And so will your diagnostic scores on both tests.

Final Thoughts

The SAT and ACT are evolving fast. With the ACT’s bold shift toward a digital, shorter, science-free format in 2025, students now have more options than ever to play to their strengths. The best test for you is the one that matches your natural abilities, preferred pacing, and learning style. At Pittsburgh Prep, we’re here to help you make that decision with confidence, so that you can maximize your score and reach your college goals. Whether you’re team SAT or team ACT, the goal is the same: open the doors to the future you want.

Ready to figure out which test fits you best?

Take a diagnostic at our center in Shadyside, North Hills, South Hills or in the comfort of your own home. We provide a free, comprehensive diagnostic for both exams and a free assessment consultation for all prospective students to help you get started.

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