If you’ve taken the ACT but are applying to colleges that ask for SAT scores—or you’re just curious which test highlights your strengths—you’re not alone. Many students wonder:
“What’s my SAT equivalent score if I already took the ACT?”
This guide will walk you through the official ACT–SAT conversion chart for 2025, explain why conversions matter for college admissions, and help you strategically decide whether to submit your ACT, SAT, or both.
🧭 What Does ACT–SAT Conversion Mean?
Both the ACT and SAT are used by U.S. colleges to assess college readiness.
They measure similar skills—reading, writing, and math—but in slightly different ways.
However, because colleges often superscore (combine your highest section scores) or accept either test, understanding how one score translates to the other helps you:
- See which test you’re stronger at
- Decide whether to retake one or switch
- Know how competitive you are for your target colleges
Example:
If you scored a 32 on the ACT, that’s roughly equivalent to a 1450–1470 on the SAT.
That means if your college’s middle 50% range is around 1400–1500, you’re already in a strong position!
2025 ACT → SAT Conversion Chart
Use this chart to estimate your SAT equivalent from your ACT composite.
| ACT Composite |
SAT Equivalent |
Approx. Percentile |
| 36 | 1590–1600 | 99+% |
| 35 | 1560–1580 | 99% |
| 34 | 1520–1550 | 98% |
| 33 | 1490–1510 | 97% |
| 32 | 1450–1470 | 95% |
| 31 | 1420–1440 | 93% |
| 30 | 1390–1410 | 91% |
| 29 | 1350–1380 | 89% |
| 28 | 1320–1340 | 86% |
| 27 | 1280–1310 | 83% |
| 26 | 1240–1270 | 79% |
| 25 | 1200–1230 | 75% |
| 24 | 1160–1190 | 70% |
| 23 | 1130–1150 | 67% |
| 22 | 1100–1120 | 63% |
| 21 | 1060–1090 | 59% |
| 20 | 1020–1050 | 55% |
| 19 | 980–1010 | 50% |
| 18 | 940–970 | 45% |
| 17 | 900–930 | 40% |
| 16 | 860–890 | 35% |
| 15 | 810–850 | 30% |
| 14 | 760–800 | 25% |
| 13 | 710–750 | 20% |
| 12 | 660–700 | 15% |
| 11 | 600–650 | 10% |
| 10 | 530–590 | 5% |
Note: Ranges are estimates. Always check each college’s latest testing policy and class profile.
🧩 Which Score Should You Submit? (SAT vs ACT Strategy)
It’s not always about which test is harder — it’s about which test makes you look your best.
Here’s how you can decide strategically:
Which Score Should You Submit?
Choose SAT if…
- You prefer a bit more time per question.
- Algebra, data analysis, and step-by-step reasoning are your strengths.
- You’re comfortable with one no-calculator and one calculator math section.
Choose ACT if…
- You thrive under fast pacing.
- You like data-heavy visuals and quick inference (Science section).
- You prefer using a calculator on all math questions.
Friendly tip: If your converted scores are about the same, choose the test that matches your academic story (e.g., SAT for Math-heavy STEM, either test for balanced profiles).
Example:
If you’re a student who likes step-by-step logical reasoning in math and structured reading comprehension, the SAT may highlight your strengths.
But if you’re fast, intuitive, and good with data-heavy visuals, the ACT might give you an edge.
🧠 What Colleges Actually Care About
Most U.S. colleges (and many international programs) treat SAT and ACT equally.
They convert your score internally using concordance tables provided by the College Board and ACT.
However:
- If your converted score is slightly higher on one test, submit that one.
- If your two scores are about equal, consider which test aligns better with your academic story (for example, STEM students often favor the SAT).
🎓 Pro Tip: Don’t rush to retake both tests. Focus on the one that fits your strengths, then polish that score. Consistency shows colleges that you know your strengths and plan strategically.
💻 How GATE+ Can Help You Build a Smarter Test Strategy
Your digital SAT journey doesn’t have to be stressful — it just needs structure.
GATE+ provides exactly that.
With GATE+, you can:
- Take official-style digital SAT mock tests anytime, anywhere
- Get a detailed score breakdown that mirrors real SAT reports
- Track improvement trends and see how your performance would compare if you switched from ACT
- Use Review Notes to revisit missed questions (because real progress happens when you learn from mistakes!)
Example:
Let’s say you scored a 32 ACT (≈1470 SAT equivalent).
After two GATE+ mock tests, your math accuracy rises from 70% → 85%.
That progress could translate to a 1500+ SAT score range, enough to make you competitive for top 30 universities.
📈 How to Use ACT–SAT Conversion Strategically for College Admissions
Understanding your ACT–SAT equivalent score isn’t just about numbers —
it’s about telling your academic story more effectively to colleges.
Here’s how to use it strategically:
1. Align With Each College’s Middle 50%
Every college publishes a middle 50% SAT or ACT range — the score band for admitted students.
Once you know your converted score, compare it to your dream schools.
College Strategy with Examples
- Match the middle 50%. Compare your converted score to each target school’s middle 50% SAT/ACT range.
- Use superscoring to your advantage. Plan retakes to lift specific sections.
- Iterate with data. After every mock test, adjust your weekly study plan to target the biggest gaps.
Quick Table Example
| College | Middle 50% SAT | Middle 50% ACT | Your Score |
|---|
| NYU | 1420–1540 | 31–34 | ACT 32 → ~1460 SAT ✅ Competitive |
| UCLA | 1340–1520 | 29–34 | ACT 30 → ~1400 SAT ⚖️ Borderline |
| Stanford | 1490–1570 | 33–35 | ACT 32 → ~1460 SAT ❌ Below range |
This comparison helps you decide:
- Should I retake the test?
- Or should I focus on essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters to balance it out?
2.Consider Superscoring Opportunities
Many colleges superscore either the SAT or ACT — meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test dates.
If you notice your SAT Math is stronger but Reading & Writing is lagging, take another SAT attempt and aim to boost just that section.
Your superscore could increase significantly without a total retake.
3.Re-evaluate After Every Mock Test
Tools like GATE+ let you test, analyze, and adjust your prep plan with precision.
Here’s a smart way to use it:
- Take a full GATE+ SAT mock test.
- Compare your scaled score to your ACT equivalent using the chart above.
- Identify which section (Math, Reading, Writing) has the biggest gap from your ACT strength.
- Focus your next week’s practice just there.
Repeat the cycle → analyze → adjust.
That’s how top scorers break through their plateau.
✨ Encouragement: You don’t need to be perfect — just consistent.Every mock test teaches you something about how you think, and every review builds real progress.
🏁 Key Takeaways
- A 32 ACT ≈ 1470 SAT, a 35 ACT ≈ 1570 SAT, and a 36 ACT ≈ perfect 1600 SAT.
- Use the conversion chart to find your equivalent and check where you stand among your dream schools.
- Focus on the test that best matches your strengths instead of juggling both.
- Track your growth through GATE+ mock exams and Review Notes to turn insight into improvement.
- Remember: it’s not just about your score — it’s about how effectively you use it in your college story.
Ready to see your SAT potential?
🎯 Take a free Digital SAT Practice Test on GATE+ today and get your detailed analytics instantly.
Your prep deserves clarity — and GATE+ helps you find it.
