How to Use the SAT to ACT Conversion Chart

The concordance table below is a helpful tool for deciding whether it's better to send your child's ACT or New SAT scores to a school. For instance, if your child got a total of 1250 on the SAT and a 26 on the ACT, the chart shows these scores are similar. Since one is not significantly "higher" or "lower" than the other, your child can send either score (or both) to colleges. However, if your child scored 1130 on the SAT and 23 on the ACT, the chart suggests the ACT score is "higher" and would likely be the better choice to submit to colleges.

You can check the SAT to ACT conversion chart below for a better understanding of the SAT and ACT scores.

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SAT to ACT Score Conversion: Convert SAT Scores to ACT Scores

You can check your ACT-SAT composite score from the table given below

Things to Keep in Mind:

1. When you see scores in tables, know that they can't perfectly predict how well a student will do on another test.
2. Think of concorded scores as rankings among students who took the tests at about the same time.
3. Don't use the tables to change total scores like averages or ranges to avoid mistakes.
4. Use several trustworthy measures, not just concorded scores, when making decisions.
5. Don't mix scores from different parts of the ACT and SAT to create one big superscore.

Comparing the SAT and ACT

When we talk about converting SAT scores to ACT scores, it's important to recognize that these tests are different from each other. Here are the main distinctions:

1. Science Section: The ACT has a part about Science, but don't worry—it's more about understanding graphs, charts, and research studies than memorizing science facts.

2. Time per Question: In the ACT, you have to answer 215 questions with limited time. For instance, you need to solve one math question every minute. The SAT, on the other hand, has 154 questions, allowing more time per question, but they can be quite reading-heavy.

3. Writing Section: You can choose to write an essay in the ACT, but the SAT no longer has that option.

Remember, the key is to practice and get used to the test format you choose.

Should I Choose the ACT or SAT for College?

If a college says it accepts scores from both the ACT and SAT, it means they don't prefer one over the other. You can compare your scores on the two tests in our SAT vs ACT guide or take our SAT or ACT QUIZ for more insights. Some students even decide to take both tests.

To figure out which test suits you better, try practicing with our free SAT and ACT practice tests. These mimic the real test conditions. Our helpful test prep experts can guide you through understanding your personalized score report and help you plan to achieve your desired score.
 

SAT vs ACT: How to decide which Test to take?

If you want to know which test is best for you then, the simplest and the best way to find out is by doing a trial run of both exams. TestprepKart offers you free practice tests for the Digital SAT test under the same conditions as actual exams.

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FAQs

Q.1 Why would someone want to convert SAT scores to ACT scores?

Answer: Converting SAT scores to ACT scores can help students understand their performance across both tests, especially if they're considering submitting scores for college applications that accept either exam.

Q.2 Is there an official method to convert SAT scores to ACT scores?

Answer: No, there isn't an official conversion scale provided by the College Board or ACT. However, there are approximate conversion charts and tools available that estimate equivalencies between the two exams.

Q.3 How accurate are SAT to ACT score conversion charts?

Answer: Conversion charts provide estimations based on data analysis and statistical correlations between SAT and ACT scores. While they can offer a rough idea, they may not always precisely reflect a student's performance on both exams.

Q.4 Can SAT to ACT score conversions predict actual performance on the ACT?

Answer: Conversion charts can give a broad idea of how scores might relate between the SAT and ACT, but individual performance can vary based on a student's test-taking strengths and weaknesses.

Q.5 What factors should I consider when converting SAT scores to ACT scores?

Answer: Consider the test format differences, your strengths in particular sections, and your comfort level with each exam's content and question types before attempting to convert scores between the SAT and ACT.

Q.6 Do colleges accept converted SAT scores in place of ACT scores or vice versa?

Answer:  Some colleges have score conversion charts they use internally, while others may accept either SAT or ACT scores without conversion. It's crucial to check the policies of individual colleges.

Q.7 Are there any conversion tools or calculators available online?

 Answer: Several online tools and calculators offer estimated SAT to ACT score conversions. These tools use statistical analysis to provide an approximation of equivalent scores.

Q.8 What's the general range or correlation between SAT and ACT scores?

Answer:  While it varies, a rough correlation might suggest that a certain SAT score might roughly align with a particular ACT score. However, it's essential to remember that these correlations aren't universally applicable.

Q.9 Can converting SAT scores to ACT scores help in deciding which test to focus on for college admissions?

Answer: It might offer some insight, but choosing between the SAT and ACT should primarily be based on personal strengths, test format preferences, and the specific requirements of colleges to which you plan to apply.

Q.10 How should I use SAT to ACT conversion information effectively?

Answer: Use conversion estimates as a reference point to gauge potential performance on the other test. However, focus more on preparing for and taking practice tests for the specific exam you plan to take to achieve the best score possible.