Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT and SAT
- Sharon Carleton
- Apr 14
- 7 min read
If you're a high school student thinking about college – or the parent of a student – chances are you've heard the words ACT and SAT more times than you'd like. These standardized tests play a major role in the college admissions process, but they also bring a lot of questions to mind. Which test should I take? When should I take it? And… do I even need to take the ACT or SAT anymore with so many schools going test-optional?
Below I answer these and some of the other most frequently asked questions I get from students and their parents about the ACT and SAT.
1. What are the main college admissions tests?
The two most commonly accepted standardized tests for U.S. college admissions are:
ACT (American College Testing) – Administered by ACT, Inc.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) – Administered by the College Board
2. Do I need to take both the ACT and the SAT?
No, most students take either the ACT or the SAT. Both are widely accepted by colleges and universities across the United States, and neither is inherently preferred over the other. Your high school will likely determine which test you will take by offering administration (and possibly test prep) of that test at your school during your Junior year. However, some students do take both, especially if they're concerned about which one they'll perform better on. But this isn't necessary for most students.
3. Are test scores still required by colleges?
Unfortunately, like so many of my responses about college admissions, the frustrating answer to this questions is, "It depends." During the COVID years, many colleges and universities did go test-optional, meaning students could choose whether to submit ACT or SAT scores. However, many of the more competitive schools have started requiring test scores again. And, to make things even more confusing, some schools are now test-blind, meaning they won't consider test scores at all during the application process. So it's important to investigate every college on your list and understand each school's policy.
4. Should I take the ACT or SAT if I'm only planning to apply to test-optional or test-blind schools?
My feeling on this one is that you should take the ACT or SAT at least once, and prepare for it the best that you can, regardless of the schools on your college list. This is because I often see students' feelings – and their related college lists – change all the way through their entire Senior year. You don't want to limit your options early on by not having a score available if you decide to apply to a test-required school later in the process.
5. Are both the SAT and ACT digital-only tests now?
As of 2024, the SAT officially transitioned to a fully digital format, commonly referred to as the Digital SAT (or DSAT). This version is taken through the Bluebook app on a computer or tablet that is either brought by the student, or possibly provided by the testing center, depending on the testing location. The digital SAT is shorter than the previous paper version, lasting around two hours and fourteen minutes, instead of three hours. The ACT still offers a written test and is slowly expanding access to its digital test as well. Unlike the digital SAT, the electronic ACT maintains the same format, length, and content as the traditional paper version. One big advantage of the digital ACT and SAT is that students often receive their scores more quickly than with the paper test, sometimes within just a couple of days.
6. Should I take the written or digital ACT?
The paper-based ACT might be a better choice if you prefer working with physical materials. Many students find it easier to read long passages, annotate texts, and work through math problems by hand on paper. If you’ve been practicing using printed prep materials, or if you’re someone who focuses better without screens, the traditional written format could give you a sense of familiarity and control during the test. On the other hand, the digital ACT can be a great option if you’re comfortable using a computer for extended periods and have experience with online learning or digital test formats. If you type faster than you write, particularly for the optional writing section, it could also be a plus.
7. Should I take the science and writing sections of the ACT?
Beginning with the April 2025 digital test and September 2025 written test, the ACT Composite score is based on the English, math, and reading sections only. The science and writing sections are optional. However, an impressive science score can still boost your admissions chances, especially if you are applying to more competitive and/or STEM-focused schools; or if you are majoring in a STEM-related field. As of 2025, there are VERY few schools (less than 10) that require the writing section of the ACT. Most schools instead use the personal and supplemental essays to consider a student's writing abilities. So unless you are considering an application to West Point or one of the few (lesser-known) schools that require the writing section, you can skip the ACT written test and focus your preparation on the remaining four sections instead.
8. When should I take my first SAT or ACT?
Although many high school counselors tell all of their students to wait to take their first ACT or SAT in the spring of Junior year, I (and most other independent professionals) believe this decision should primarily be based on when you've completed Algebra 2. For some students, this means that they can start preparing for the tests as early as their Sophomore year, with their first test taken as a rising Junior, or the fall of Junior year. But if you won't complete Algebra 2 until the end of your Junior year, waiting until the spring of Junior year is likely more appropriate for your first test, as you won't have covered enough related content in math class until then. Whichever route is most appropriate, be sure to get at least one or two tests in before the end of your Junior year so that you allow enough time for retakes before the earliest college application deadlines.
9. Should I take the opportunity to send the optional four free test scores to colleges?
When you register and pay for the ACT or SAT, or take the test at school, you are given the choice to release your scores to up to four colleges automatically before you see them, for free. But should you do this? I encourage you to wait if at all possible, until you see your scores before you send them to schools. This will give you the option to choose if and when you will submit scores to different colleges. If you're worried about the related costs to send test scores after-the-fact, you can check to see if you qualify for a fee waiver. If you do qualify, you will be able to send your scores to as many colleges as you want for free.
10. I've heard I should take my first test "cold," or without any test prep? Is this true?
Although you may be advised to take your first test cold, test prep experts say students should consider the pre-ACT or PSAT as their cold test. After that, every test should include test prep in the week or weeks prior to the test, every single time you test. Test prep offers you the best chance to improve your scores; and improved scores (even by as little as 1-2 points) can lead to more acceptances and scholarships.
11. How can I prepare for the tests?
Today, there are several options for test prep:
Free resources: Khan Academy (SAT), ACT Academy, official practice tests
Prep books: Available at bookstores and online
Courses: In-person or online test prep classes
Tutors: One-on-one coaching for personalized help
The best test prep method depends on your learning style and budget, although I do offer this one piece of advice for all students around their test prep method: If you can afford it, make sure you don't rely solely on the test prep offered at school. Most students don't learn as much when they're surrounded by their classmates as they do when they're singularly focused. This is means that you will likely do better by taking test prep on your own, online or in-person at a test prep facility.
12. How many times can I take the test?
Technically, you can take the ACT and SAT as many times as you want. However, most students take the tests 2-3 times. How many times you test may also depend upon the colleges you're applying to. Some colleges allow Score Choice or Superscoring, which means you can submit your best section scores across multiple test dates; while other colleges pay attention to the number of times you take your test compared to other students they are admitting, so it might be important to approach the tests more strategically and limit the number of times you take them.
13. What are testing fee waivers, and do I qualify?
Both the ACT and SAT offer fee waivers for students from lower-income families. These waivers cover test registration fees and sometimes include free score reports, college applications, or test prep resources. Check eligibility on the SAT and ACT websites, or talk to your school counselor.
14. What if I have a learning difference or need accommodations?
Both the SAT and ACT offer testing accommodations for students with documented disabilities (e.g., extra time, extended breaks, etc.). But you'll need to apply well in advance – typically through your high school counselor or learning differences coordinator. So don't wait to start the discussion early!
Final Thoughts About the ACT and SAT
The process of standardized college admissions testing can feel overwhelming, especially with how competitive college admissions has become. But keep in mind . . . with the right preparation and planning, most students are able to get the most out of their ACT or SAT scores, and end up at the right school for their strengths and needs.
Have more questions about the ACT or SAT? Need help with a testing strategy? Reach out today and set up a free RingTrue consultation!
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