Okay, so I’m a junior and everyone keeps telling me to take the SAT, but I’ve also heard the ACT is better for some people. My question is, can I even take both the SAT and the ACT? Is there any rule against it? Do colleges care if I submit scores from both? I’m worried about spreading myself too thin with test prep, but I also don’t want to limit my options if one test happens to go better for me. Ideally, I’d like to see which one I score higher on and then focus on that one for future attempts. Is that a valid strategy? Also, are there any major differences in the test formats that I should consider before deciding?
Answer
Yes, you can take both the SAT and ACT. There are no restrictions preventing students from taking both standardized tests. In fact, many students choose to take both exams for a variety of reasons:
Reasons for Taking Both the SAT and ACT:
- Finding the Best Fit: The SAT and ACT, while measuring similar skills, have slightly different formats and emphasize different areas. Some students find they perform better on one test compared to the other due to their individual strengths and learning styles. Taking both allows students to determine which test better showcases their abilities.
- Maximizing College Options: While most colleges accept both the SAT and ACT equally, some students believe that a strong score on one test might be viewed more favorably by certain institutions. Taking both tests broadens the student’s application portfolio and potentially increases their chances of admission to a wider range of colleges.
- Practice and Familiarity: Taking one test can serve as a practice run for the other. The experience of taking a standardized test, understanding the timing, and becoming familiar with the question types can be beneficial when approaching the second test.
- Superscoring Opportunities: Many colleges practice "superscoring," which means they consider a student’s highest section scores across multiple test dates, regardless of which test (SAT or ACT) those scores came from. Taking both tests can potentially lead to a higher superscore, as a student might perform exceptionally well in a particular section on one test but not on the other.
- Test-Optional Policies: Even with the rise of test-optional policies, some colleges may still consider standardized test scores, particularly for merit-based scholarships or specific programs. Having scores from both tests gives the student more flexibility in deciding whether or not to submit scores to these institutions.
- Increased Confidence: For some students, taking both tests can boost their confidence. If they don’t achieve their desired score on one test, they have another opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on the other.
Considerations When Deciding to Take Both:
- Time Commitment: Preparing for both the SAT and ACT requires a significant time investment. Students need to balance their test preparation with their other academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal life.
- Cost: Registering for and sending scores for both tests can be expensive. Students should consider the financial implications before deciding to take both. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.
- Stress: Preparing for multiple standardized tests can be stressful. Students should prioritize their mental health and avoid overexerting themselves.
How to Decide if Taking Both is Right for You:
- Take Practice Tests: Take full-length, timed practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to get a sense of your baseline scores and identify your strengths and weaknesses on each test.
- Compare Scores: Use a concordance table (available on the College Board and ACT websites) to compare your SAT and ACT scores. This will help you determine which test you tend to perform better on.
- Research College Requirements: Research the standardized testing policies of the colleges you are interested in applying to. Some colleges may be test-optional, while others may require or recommend specific tests.
- Consider Your Personal Strengths: Think about your preferred learning style and the types of questions you excel at. The SAT tends to emphasize reasoning and problem-solving skills, while the ACT is more curriculum-based and emphasizes speed.
- Talk to a Counselor or Advisor: Seek guidance from your school counselor or a college advisor to discuss your individual circumstances and make an informed decision about whether taking both the SAT and ACT is the right choice for you.
