Not necessarily, as most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT. It is up to the student to decide which test to take.
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Many colleges in the US accept both the SAT and ACT, so it’s up to the student to decide which test to take. According to the College Board, which administers the SAT, “more than 2 million students take the SAT each year, and more than 1.9 million students took the ACT in 2018.” With nearly equal numbers of students taking each test, it’s clear that both are widely accepted by colleges.
However, there may be some colleges or universities that have a preference for one test over the other. It’s important for students to research the admissions requirements and policies of the colleges they are interested in to determine if there is a preference.
In general, it’s recommended for students to take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to see which one they perform best on. According to Ned Johnson, founder of PrepMatters, a test preparation company, “students should decide which test they feel most comfortable taking and which test allows them to highlight their strengths and downplay their weaknesses.”
Below is a table comparing the two tests:
SAT
ACT
Test Content
Reading, Writing and Language, Math, Essay (optional)
English, Math, Reading, Science, Essay (optional)
Scoring
Score range from 400-1600, with sub-scores ranging from 200-800
Composite score range from 1-36, with sub-scores ranging from 1-36
Time
3 hours (3 hours and 50 minutes with essay)
2 hours and 55 minutes (3 hours and 35 min with essay)
Overall, while most colleges accept both SAT and ACT, it’s important for students to research the preferences of the colleges they are interested in and choose the test that they feel most comfortable with and can perform their best on. As said by author and educator, Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” So, it’s important for students to do their research and make informed decisions on their path to college success.
David Blaubaum from the National Test Prep Association highlighted in the video the continued importance of SAT and ACT scores for college admissions. Despite the growing trend of test-optional colleges, many schools still consider test scores as an important factor in identifying academically strong students, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Good test scores not only increase admission chances but also merit aid and scholarship opportunities. Without standardized testing, it becomes much harder to assess which students are the most qualified.
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Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT and express no preference for either test. That said, significant percentages of students at selective colleges are submitting scores from both tests when they apply.
In reality, all colleges and universities that require standardized testing accept both the ACT and SAT. And college admissions counselors have openly stated they do not prefer one test over the other.
Colleges and universities often accept both exams as part of their admissions processes and to determine scholarship awards for incoming students. Both the SAT and ACT evaluate similar topics, including reading, writing and mathematics. On both tests, the reading and writing and language sections are entirely passage-based.
All colleges that consider test scores in 2023 accept both the ACT and SAT for admissions and don’t discriminate based on which test applicants take.
College admissions experts encourage almost every student to take the SAT or ACT at least once, barring significant access barriers or text anxiety. Fee waivers for both tests are available for eligible students, and those who qualify may also receive waived application fees at certain colleges.
I’m sure you will be interested
Is it worth it to take both the SAT and ACT?
Response will be: 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.
Do you need to take both SAT and ACT for Ivy League?
The reply will be: No matter what you might’ve heard, Ivy League schools have no preference between the ACT and SAT. You can submit scores from either test or from both of them without worrying that your application will be dinged.
Does Harvard want both SAT and ACT?
When you apply for admission, you can choose whether or not our review of your application will include your standardized test scores (SAT and ACT). If your scores already are on file before you apply and you choose at the time of your application to proceed without scores, we will not consider those scores.
Is a 34 ACT good enough for Ivy League?
As an answer to this: Even if you’re applying to the Ivy League institutions, there isn’t an incredible need to retake the ACT. An ACT score of 34 lands you solidly in their average acceptance area. For an above average score, a 35 would increase competitiveness, but it’s not an easy score to obtain.
Do colleges favor sat more than act?
The idea is that colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT is a myth. All colleges and universities which require standardized testing accept both tests without hesitation. More importantly, college admissions officials often stated they have no personal preference for one test versus the other.
Do Colleges prefer the sat over the Act?
The short answer is that there is no preference. The common misconception is that elite colleges prefer to take the SAT over the ACT. In reality, colleges and universities that require standardized tests accept both the ACT AND SAT. College admissions counselors are openly stating that they don’t prefer one over the other.
Do colleges accept both the SAT and the Act?
Answer will be: Yes, all colleges and universities in the United States accept both SAT and ACT scores. ( Even some schools abroad do, too.) No matter which test you take, your score will be a worthwhile addition to your college application.
Do universities prefer sat over Act?
The idea is that colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT is a myth. All colleges and universities which require standardized testing accept both tests without hesitation. More importantly, college admissions officials often stated they have no personal preference for one test versus the other.
Do colleges favor sat more than act?
The idea is that colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT is a myth. All colleges and universities which require standardized testing accept both tests without hesitation. More importantly, college admissions officials often stated they have no personal preference for one test versus the other.
Do Colleges prefer the sat over the Act?
The short answer is that there is no preference. The common misconception is that elite colleges prefer to take the SAT over the ACT. In reality, colleges and universities that require standardized tests accept both the ACT AND SAT. College admissions counselors are openly stating that they don’t prefer one over the other.
Do colleges accept both the SAT and the Act?
Answer to this: Yes, all colleges and universities in the United States accept both SAT and ACT scores. ( Even some schools abroad do, too.) No matter which test you take, your score will be a worthwhile addition to your college application.
Do universities prefer sat over Act?
Answer will be: The idea is that colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT is a myth. All colleges and universities which require standardized testing accept both tests without hesitation. More importantly, college admissions officials often stated they have no personal preference for one test versus the other.
