Information and advice for the ACT and SAT
Just like Freshman orientation and your final graduation ceremony, the ACT and SAT are a predictable part of the high school journey. And just like other high school rights of passage, some students look forward to college admissions testing ... and others dread the thought of it. No matter how you feel about the ACT and SAT, you can give yourself a few distinct advantages just by understanding and using the information and tips below.
What's the difference between the ACT and SAT, and do I need to take both?
Both the ACT and SAT are used by schools to determine college admissions and merit scholarship decisions. Which one should you take? Since nearly 100% of schools (even selective) say they will accept either test, you can take your pick. However, a couple of caveats are:
Even though nearly 100% of all schools (even selective colleges) SAY that they don't prefer one test over the other, some schools do tend admit more students who take the SAT over the ACT. So be sure to do your homework and use resources like College Confidential's forums to find out what is standard for the schools on your list.
Typically students naturally do better on one test or the other. By taking both the ACT and SAT, you can determine which test is best for you, and then focus on improving your scores on just that one test, especially if none of the colleges on your list are known to have a preference.
When should I take my first tests?
Many of the students we coach say their high schools recommend they wait to take their first college admissions tests until second semester of Junior year. Although this makes sense from the standpoint of "you'll have more knowledge from your courses to apply," we disagree with this timeline. For most students, the more times you take your admissions tests with ample preparation (vs. just relying on what you know from class) can considerably increase your chances for higher scores. So, if you're a student who wants to improve your scores as much as possible, and open up more opportunities for competitive admissions and scholarships, we recommend you take your first tests during the fall semester of your Junior year or earlier.
By taking your tests early, you gain these advantages:
1. You can focus in sooner on either the ACT or SAT, whichever is preferred by your top schools, or whichever one you naturally score better on
2. You allow yourself more testing dates before applications are due
3. You open up more time to prepare for each additional test you take
4. If you are focusing on the ACT and the colleges you're applying to allow you to "superscore," or submit the highest scores you receive on each individual section, you will have more opportunities to test and improve your superscore
5. You can determine sooner if you will go test-optional, allowing a little extra time to build up your résumé your Junior year
6. If you have test anxiety, you may be able to reduce the stress around admissions testing each time you take the test and become more familiar with the process, which could improve your scores
How many times should I test?
For students who have scored within striking distance of their list of colleges' admissions and scholarship ranges, we suggest you keep taking the ACT or SAT until your scores stop improving, up to any testing limits and depending on the selectivity of your colleges and their preferences. (See "Selective School Tips" below for details.)
But, does retaking a test for a few additional points matter? Yes! Improving your scores by as little as 1 or 2 points can make a huge difference in admissions and scholarships. Know the scores you're shooting for on your applications by checking Niche.com's "Will You Get In" section for each school on your list.
*Selective School Tip*
Although taking your admissions test multiple times will not hurt you with most colleges, there are some selective schools that require you to submit ALL of your test scores. These colleges are more likely to admit students who do well and have only taken admissions tests once or twice vs. a student who test several times in order to improve their scores. Pay attention to the guidelines at the schools on your list. If any of them require you to submit all your admissions scores, you will want to prepare extensively even before you take your first test, as well as limit the number of times you test.
Should I consider a paid test prep course?
Most students do better on their admissions test when they take extra time to prepare for each test up front. Although this can be accomplished on your own, without the help of a paid course, many students do need the extra space, support and accountability that a professional test prep course can provide. Be sure to research any courses you're considering thoroughly to understand if the format of the course is suitable for your learning style and preferences.
*Selective School Tip*
Professional test prep courses can be particularly helpful for students who are applying to selective schools that require you to submit the results for every test that you take, or that prefer that students don't take admissions tests more than 1-3 times. How do you know what the colleges on your list prefer? You'll need to check into every school's official policy, as well as read through unofficial admissions sites, blogs and message boards like the ones mentioned earlier in this article. Although it's extra work, it will help you create your overall testing strategy and increase your chances for admissions and scholarships.
What about test-optional?
A few years ago, test-optional policies were slowly gaining ground at a handful of popular universities, although applying with test scores was still preferred at most schools and gave students a clear advantage. However, COVID-19 has changed this considerably, and even the most competitive colleges have adopted and followed temporary test-optional policies.
The bad news: Admission at many schools has become even more difficult due to the wave of additional applications submitted by test-optional students.
The good news: We've seen many hard-working, high GPA students who apply test-optional do even better with admissions and scholarships than students with similar GPAs who choose to submit their test scores.
Whether or not you submit your scores depends on the colleges on your list and their target ranges for admissions and scholarships. If you fall below the middle range of any schools' average scores, test-optional will likely be a better option for you. Just remember that without test scores, your résumé truly needs to stand out in different ways to admissions officers, and should include:
Higher-than-average GPA (top 25% or better at the colleges where you are applying)
Strong curriculum, with advanced or AP courses
A compelling Student Brand that demonstrates unique, stand-out strengths, leadership qualities and perspective
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