It is not necessary to report both SAT and ACT scores, but it may be worth considering if one score is significantly higher than the other or if the colleges you are applying to accept both scores.
So let us take a deeper look
When it comes to SAT and ACT scores, the question of whether to report both or just one can be a tricky one. As the previous answer stated, it is not necessary to report both scores, but there are some situations where it might be beneficial to do so.
One reason to report both scores is if one is significantly higher than the other. According to the College Board, which administers the SAT, colleges that accept both the SAT and ACT will often look at both scores and use the higher one for admissions purposes. So if you have a much higher score on one test than the other, it may be worth reporting both to give yourself the best chance of being accepted.
Another reason to report both scores is if the colleges you are applying to accept both tests. This information is usually readily available on college websites or through admissions materials. If a college accepts both tests, it may be advantageous to report both scores to show your range of abilities and to demonstrate your dedication to academic excellence.
However, it’s important to note that not all colleges accept both the SAT and ACT. In fact, some colleges may prefer one test over the other or may require one test specifically. It’s always a good idea to do your research and check with the colleges you are applying to before making a decision on which scores to report.
In the end, the decision to report both SAT and ACT scores ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and the colleges you are applying to. As Forbes contributor Brian Witte puts it, “deciding whether to submit scores from both exams should be a strategic decision rather than a default action.”
Interesting facts on the topic:
- The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests widely used for college admissions in the United States.
- The SAT has been administered since 1926, while the ACT was first administered in 1959.
- The tests cover similar content areas, including math, reading, and writing/English, but differ in format and question types.
- Many colleges and universities adopted “test-optional” policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving students the option to not submit SAT or ACT scores due to testing center closures and scheduling difficulties.
Table:
| SAT | ACT |
|---|---|
| Administered by the College Board | Administered by ACT, Inc. |
| Required by some colleges and universities | Required by some colleges and universities |
| Covers math, reading, writing/English | Covers math, reading, science reasoning, and English |
| Scored on a 400-1600 scale | Scored on a 1-36 scale |
| Test-takers can choose to take an optional essay section | Test-takers must take an optional essay section if required by the colleges they are applying to |
More answers to your inquiry
ALL college admissions prefer the two tests equally, and typically encourage students to list both. Either way, it most certainly will not hurt your transcript. Good luck with your admissions!
If you have both SAT and ACT scores, only send in both scores if both are awesome and your school accepts both. If your scores on the ACT and SAT are not equally impressive, only submit the scores that place you higher amongst other admitted students. Do not send in both scores just for the sake of sending in both scores.
Don’t send in both scores just for the sake of sending in both scores. Focus on making the best case for yourself–and that means sending in things that highlight your academic prowess, not things that could cast a shadow on it. If both your scores are awesome and you want to send both in, make sure your school accepts both.
If your scores on the ACT and SAT are not equally impressive, do not submit both. Instead, only submit the scores that place you higher amongst other admitted students.
Response via video
The video discusses the pros and cons of submitting SAT/ACT scores to test optional colleges and provides guidance on how to make the decision. Using the example of a student with a 25 ACT score applying to three colleges with different score ranges, the speaker advises submitting the score for colleges where it is above or within the range, but not for colleges where it is below the average, as it may hurt the admissions chances.
I’m sure you will be interested
Do I need to submit both ACT and SAT scores?
In reply to that: No school will require you to submit scores from both tests, so you definitely don’t need to take both the ACT and the SAT. Keep in mind that, regardless of what you might have heard to the contrary, all schools accept both the ACT and the SAT.
Should you report SAT or ACT scores? Answer to this: The rule of thumb is always this: Send the scores that make you look the best. If your SAT is higher, send the SAT. If your ACT is higher, send the ACT.
Additionally, Is it recommended to take both SAT and ACT? Some students may be interested in taking both the SAT and ACT — and you certainly can, if you wish to do so — but it’s generally best to avoid doing this. For one, you’ll have to study for two separate exams, each of which has its own structure, content, and questions.
In this manner, Should I send both SAT scores to colleges? The reply will be: Since most colleges consider a student’s best score, you can send all your scores. If you’re unsure which scores to send or if your college has not shared their policy, we recommend you send all scores.
Additionally, Should I submit my SAT or ACT scores?
The reply will be: If your GPA and SAT or ACT score are both relatively high in comparison to the class average, then definitely submit those scores! Or, if you find that your GPA is somewhat low, but your standardized test scores are somewhat high, then sending them in could definitely be a boost to your application.
One may also ask, Which SAT score should I send? The rule of thumb is always this: Send the scores that make you look the best. If your SAT is higher, send the SAT. If your ACT is higher, send the ACT. Are both great?
Just so, Should I skip the SAT or act if I don’t take standardized tests? Response will be: Before you decide that you aren’t taking standardized tests, make sure you do your homework. The truth of the matter is that having test scores in hand means you can apply to almost any college in the United States, whereas skipping the SAT or ACT will limit the number of universities you can apply to.
What percentage of college applicants have no SAT or ACT score? As a response to this: In the fall 2021 college application cycle, about 20% of applicants had no recorded SAT or ACT score, according to data from the Admissions Research Consortium of the College Board, the not-for-profit organization that administers the SAT. Half submitted an SAT or ACT score and 30% had a score but chose not to submit it.
Regarding this, Should I submit my SAT or ACT scores? As an answer to this: If your GPA and SAT or ACT score are both relatively high in comparison to the class average, then definitely submit those scores! Or, if you find that your GPA is somewhat low, but your standardized test scores are somewhat high, then sending them in could definitely be a boost to your application.
Will My SAT score take the sting out of my ACT score? The reply will be: Although your ACT score could potentially take the sting out of your SAT score, it’s much more likely that your SAT score will take the shine off your ACT score. Same thing goes if you rocked out the SAT but didn’t do so well on the ACT. Don’t send in both scores just for the sake of sending in both scores.
Likewise, When will my ACT scores be reported?
ACT is committed to providing your scores as quickly as possible but cannot guarantee a specific date for your scores to be reported. If your scores are not yet available, while during the posted timeframe, ACT is unable to provide a status or timeline about a specific score. Occasionally we are unable to post scores when expected.