Should I Take the ACT or SAT?

Mahitha Kunamneni

Before looking at the importance of a good SAT and ACT score for college, it is important to know why the test is taken, and whether it is even necessary to take. Although select universities and colleges do not require either of these scores, many high school students will benefit from taking one of these exams. Colleges will use the score as a measure for whether one is prepared for college-level rigors or not. Standardized tests are the only way for colleges to be able to compare high school students from all over the country and the world. There is much controversy on whether these tests are valid, but for the time being, it is important to realize that it is unlikely the test will disappear overnight.

The SAT

Traditionally, the SAT has been a popular examination among states in the western United States. The test played a huge role in college admission decisions in schools in California. Frankly, that still holds true for many schools on the East and West coasts.

An SAT score is made up of both a Math and Reading score from multiple-choice questions, and there is an optional writing component. Top 20 - 30 schools definitely like to see an SAT score. You can read more about taking the SAT here. 

The ACT

The ACT is another standardized testing option used much like the SAT. The ACT is made up of four multiple-choice components in math, reading, English, and science. The maximum ACT score is 36. The ACT test is more popular in the Midwestern US than on the coasts, but students there also take the ACT. You can read more about taking the ACT here. 

Both Exams

With more and more people applying to highly competitive schools, it can be beneficial to take both the SAT and the ACT in order to maximize the chances of acceptance.

By taking both exams, an applicant will be able to show admission counsels that their scores are that much more reliable. In addition, if you are able to score in a higher percentile in one exam over the other, you can just send that score to schools and leave the other out. 

The most important thing to do, before spending time, energy, and money on an application for a school, is to be as informed as possible. Every university has an information page that focuses on average SAT and ACT scores. Free websites, such as USNews, hold rankings for every university and college in the United States with preferred/average ACT and SAT scores.

Whichever test you decide to take, there is a multitude of resources available online for you to begin studying. You can check out our blog on free SAT study resources to see which ones we recommend!