Should you take SAT or ACT or Both
Most colleges in the U.S. accept both SAT and ACT scores and do not prefer one over the other. Taking both tests can be beneficial if you’re unsure which one plays to your strengths. It’s common for students to take both, especially those applying to top colleges.
Pros and Cons of each exam
- SAT Pros:
- More widely recognized internationally.
- Focuses more on evidence-based reading and writing.
- Math section includes a no-calculator portion.
- SAT Cons:
- Can be challenging for those who prefer science and data analysis.
- The math section is weighted more heavily in the final score.
- ACT Pros:
- Includes a science section that tests critical thinking.
- All sections are weighted equally.
- Optional writing test can showcase writing skills.
- ACT Cons:
- Less recognition internationally compared to the SAT.
- Fast-paced with more questions in less time.
Which exam is valued more by Colleges
Colleges do not value one test over the other; both are accepted and considered equally for admissions decisions.
Which exam needs more studies
Both exams cover similar topics and require a comparable amount of study and preparation. The ACT includes a science reasoning section, while the SAT has a no-calculator math section. The choice of which exam involves more studies may depend on your personal strengths and weaknesses.
Which exam will give a higher score
The ACT rounds your composite score to the nearest whole number, which means you could potentially get a higher or lower score due to rounding. For example, if your average score across sections is 32.75, it would be rounded up to 33, but a score of 34.25 will be rounded down to 34
