College Admissions Tests

The ACT and SAT are the two widely used standardized tests used as a component of 4-yr college admissions decisions in the United States.  Some schools may also require SAT Subject Tests - this should be verified with individual schools, but if any schools you're considering require SAT Subject Tests, then it could be beneficial to take the tests soon after you've completed the recommended classes.

Generally, schools accept results from either test and do not indicate a preference for one test over the other.  There are agreed-upon concordance tables which schools use to compare SAT and ACT results, and schools typically use students' highest score from either test in their decision.

There are some differences between the two tests.  The ACT has a Science Reasoning section.  The Math sections touch on slightly different materials beyond Math 3.  The SAT technically has more time per question.

Starting Spring of 2024, there will be expansion of digital testing for the SAT and ACT. The ACT's content is not expected to change, while the SAT will begin to incorporate adaptive testing in its digital format.

Sending scores to 4-yr schools

4-yr schools require an official copy of your test scores, which must be sent to the school directly from the ACT or the College Board.  You must list schools as score recipients when you register for the test, or you'll have to pay an additional fee to send additional score reports later.

FAQ

• Should I take the ACT/SAT with the essay?  If and how 4-yr schools utilize the essay score is school-specific.  We recommend taking the essay section, in case you need it, but you can verify with individual schools whether or not and how they would use it.
• What is superscoring?  Some schools will combine your highest section scores from different test administrations.  This is also school-specific, and you should verify with individual schools.