High School teachers and their students should be aware of the ins and outs of both the SAT and ACT exams. Both of these exams are used by colleges and universities to make admission decisions. My goal as a high school math teacher is to be aware of the testing dates and keep my students practicing the skills needed to be successful on either or both of these tests. Here are the testing dates for both exams during the 2025 – 2026 testing season:
| SAT | ACT |
| Aug 23 | |
| Sept 13 | Sept 6 |
| Oct 4 | Oct 14 (Paper Test in School) Oct 14 – 24 (Window for digital in School) |
| Oct 1 – 31 (Window for PSAT and SAT in School) | Oct 18 |
| Nov 8 | Oct 28 (Paper Test in School) Oct 28 – Nov 7 (Window for digital in School) |
| Dec 6 | Dec 13 |
| Feb 14 | |
| March 2 – April 30 (Window for SAT in School) | Feb 24 – March 6 (Window for digital in School) |
| March 14 | March 10 or 24 (Paper Test in School) All of March through April 3 (Window for digital in School) |
| April 11 | |
| May 2 | April 7 or 21 (In School) April 7 through May 1 (Window for digital in School) |
| June 6 | June 13 |
| July 11 |
Not all schools offer campus exams.
Here’s a free PDF of the test date schedule: SAT and ACT Testing Dates.
When a student asks me which one they should take, I always say both. Some students do much better on one of them than the other. The students should also think about which colleges they are applying to and look at the requirements to help them decide which test to take. More urban high schools are paying for students to take the tests during the school day. This is an awesome opportunity and the students should take advantage. Another thing for teachers to keep in mind is that 11th grade students have an opportunity for recognition and scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship if they do well on the PSAT in October.
If you’re wondering how the SAT and ACT math portions compare, take a look at my chart below:
| SAT (2024+) Digital SAT | ACT (2025+) Enhanced ACT |
| 1 Math Section with 2 Modules • 35 min per module (70 min total) • 44 questions total • Module 2 adjusts based on Module 1 performance Calculator allowed on all questions. | 1 Math Section • 50 minutes • 45 questions Calculator allowed on entire section. |
| ~75% multiple choice ~25% student-produced response (gridded) | 100% multiple choice 4 answer choices per question |
| 1) Algebra (~30–35%) • Linear equations in one or two variables • Linear functions • Systems of linear equations • Linear inequalities 2) Problem Solving & Data Analysis (~30–35%) • Ratios, rates, units, percentages • One- and two-variable data • Probability, statistics, and evaluating claims 3) Advanced Math (~11–16%) • Equivalent expressions • Nonlinear equations and functions • Systems of nonlinear equations 4) Geometry & Trigonometry (~11–16%) • Area and volume • Angles and triangles • Right triangle trig • Circles | 1. Preparing for Higher Math (57–60%) Includes: • Number & Quantity – Real & complex numbers, exponents, vectors, matrices • Algebra – Linear, polynomial, radical, and exponential equations; systems of equations • Functions – Graphs, notation, piecewise, logarithmic, transformations • Geometry – Congruence, similarity, trig, volume, circles • Statistics & Probability – Data displays, center/spread, probability 2. Integrating Essential Skills (40–43%) Multi-step and applied problems using: • Percentages, rates, proportional relationships • Area, volume, surface area • Averages and medians • Converting between forms • Applying skills in real-world situations 3. Modeling (cross-category) Appears throughout the test: • Build or interpret equations • Use graphs/tables/functions • Critique or revise models |
Now that you know more about these two exams, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your students. Even 9th and 10th graders can take the SAT 8/9 and the SAT 10 if your school chooses to facilitate it. All levels of students need practice over these exams. These tests are not like what students are accustomed to. One of the best ways for a teacher to understand how questions are asked is to take some practice tests. Very quickly you’ll see how you need to up your game in your classes and ask questions in different ways.
In 2016, I became a teacher on an Early College High School Campus. This is when my interest in college readiness soared. I also felt bad that in my previous years I did not give much thought about these tests. During that first year on the ECHC campus, I was given a class of seniors that had never passed the TSI (comparable to the ACCUPLACER). I had no resources, so I started researching and soon found out that I was going to need to create my own. Once I got most of my students to pass the TSI, I began preparing them for the ACT and SAT. Again, I had to create my own lessons. I’m happy to say that I’ve got all of these resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I’ve got them in various forms. You can purchase bundles or individual lessons. I’m still enjoying creating these resources and I’m adding things as I go.
I’m glad you made it here. This shows that you are invested in your students. They rely on us to use our knowledge to advance their knowledge! I wish you and your students success and a happy future. Please check out my resources if you are limited on what you have available!
Other Related Posts:
Study Guides for Math Portions of College Entrance Exams and College Readiness Exams
GETTING READY FOR THE OCTOBER PSAT
Are Your Students College Ready? 5 Teacher Challenges!
Resources:
Time Flies Edu 