If you’re planning to apply to college, you’ve probably heard a lot about the SAT and ACT. But should you take one? Do you need to take both? Or are there situations where you don’t need to take either? This article will help you understand when testing makes sense and when it might not.
Should You Take a Test at All?
Start by looking at the colleges you’re interested in. Many are now test-optional, which means you don’t have to submit scores but you can if you want to. If your GPA is strong, your extracurriculars are solid, and you don’t test well, skipping the tests might be a smart move. But if your scores could strengthen your application or qualify you for scholarships, they may be worth taking.
Why Take the SAT or ACT?
Even if a college is test-optional, scores can still help. A strong test score can:
- Offset a lower GPA
- Qualify you for merit-based scholarships
- Strengthen your application at selective schools
Even though some schools are test-optional, there may be strong recommendations from certain competitive programs to submit test scores. The implication is that these programs are technically test-optional, but you may be more likely to get in with a tests scores as part of your application.
What’s the Difference Between the SAT and ACT?
The tests are similar, but not identical. They cover similar content areas: reading, grammar, and math but differ in pacing, structure, and style. You can explore this more in our article: What’s the Difference Between the SAT and ACT?
Should You Take Both Tests?
Most students only take one. But if you’re not sure which test suits you better, try a practice test for each. Choose the one where you feel more confident or where your practice score is higher. You can then focus your studying on just that test and potentially retake it to improve your score.
What If You’re Not a Good Test-Taker?
You’re not alone. Plenty of strong students don’t do well on standardized tests. That’s why test-optional policies exist. If your application is strong without scores, it’s perfectly fine to skip them. But you might want to try at least one test, just to see how you do. You don’t have to submit the score if you don’t want to.
Next Steps
Make a list of the schools you’re considering and check their testing policies. Think about whether test scores would add value to your application or scholarship opportunities. Then decide whether to prep, test, or skip.
What Is a Test-Optional School?
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Test Prep