Standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. Scores grant entry to schools with specific requirements, award scholarships, and determine areas of strengths and weaknesses within a student’s academic career. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college?” Regardless of whether you take all or one of these tests, right now, Peterson’s will be offering an ACT and SAT special, six months of test prep for $135—99 dollars off, so that you can walk into either test confidently.
What Are the ACT and SAT?
While both are standardized tests, there are a few key differences between them. The ACT includes a science section and an optional writing section, while the SAT emphasizes reading and writing with no specific science focus. While both have been recently updated, the time per question and pacing vary slightly. The SAT has fewer sections, but the sections are more prolonged. The ACT has more sections and a slightly longer overall testing time.
Do You Need Both ACT and SAT for College?
Most schools do not require both tests; sometimes, either is accepted and other times, the institution prefers one over the other. Be sure to check with your desired university to see their admission requirements.
Test-Optional Policies
Colleges with test-optional policies allow students to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Selecting which test score to submit may be beneficial If you believe your test scores don’t reflect your academic abilities, you can opt not to include them. Other aspects of your application, like GPA, essays, recommendation letters, and extracurriculars, are given more weight. Test-optional policies reduce barriers for students who may not perform well on standardized tests or lack access to test prep resources.
Test-Flexible Policies
Colleges with test-flexible policies let students submit alternative academic credentials instead of SAT or ACT scores. Alternatives may include AP/IB exam scores, SAT Subject Tests (if applicable), or other assessments that showcase your academic strengths. These policies typically aim at students who excel in specific areas or have taken advanced coursework. Some schools may require a minimum GPA or specific course requirements instead of test scores.
Why you may consider taking both the SAT and ACT test:
- Flexibility in test scores submission—you can sometimes choose your strongest score on either test to send to potential universities.
- Differences in how students perform on each test, you may be better able to show off your strengths in one test over the other. Taking both can give you ample opportunity to excel in either.
Benefits of Taking Both the ACT and SAT
Advantages of submitting scores for both tests:
- Better chances of meeting target test scores.
- Capitalizing on strengths: ACT’s science section may highlight STEM students, while SAT focuses on reading and writing for humanities students.
Deciding Between the ACT and SAT
Use ACT or SAT practice tests like the ones available through our ACT and SAT test prep to identify which test aligns with personal strengths:
- Take both SAT and ACT practice tests to simulate test day.
- Evaluate performance based on pacing, time per question, and subject strengths.
Consider other factors:
- College preferences, test dates, and availability.
- Balancing test prep schedules.
Preparing for Test Day
Start prepping early:
- Utilize official practice tests for both exams.
- Focus on challenging sections, like the ACT’s science section or SAT’s reading and writing.
For a smooth test day experience, practice with realistic conditions to manage stress and time.
When Taking Both Tests May Not Be Necessary
Scenarios where one test suffices:
- Schools that don’t require tests at all (test-optional).
- Strong performance on one test outweighs marginal improvement on the other.
- Financial and time constraints in preparing for both tests.
Conclusion
So, do you need both ACT and SAT for college? Colleges may not require both tests, but taking both can offer strategic advantages. When preparing for either test, it is a good idea to use practice tests and assess strengths to decide which test to take. Focus on excelling in either or both tests that suit you best, ensuring readiness for test day with our test prep, which experts craft to help you succeed.
