When college-bound students start preparing for the SAT or ACT, it’s common for them to wonder which test is better and if the ACT and SAT are considered equally in the application review process. There’s been a long-held myth that one test is favored over the other, but U.S. colleges and universities review the SAT and ACT equally.
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the way higher education institutions review applications, with many colleges choosing to adopt a test-optional application review process. While this was the trend for several admissions cycles, many colleges and universities have since reinstated testing requirements.
Nearly 2,100 colleges and universities in the U.S. currently have test-optional or test-free policies for first-year applicants. Other schools have since reinstated their standardized testing requirements.
Curious about the testing policies of the schools on your best-fit list? Check out our recently updated list.
Superscoring is used by many colleges to evaluate your best possible performance on the SAT or ACT. What is superscoring? It’s when admissions committees consider only the highest section scores across all SAT or ACT test dates that are submitted when evaluating applications.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, standardized tests are an important part of college admissions, especially with more schools going back to requiring test scores. While test prep can certainly help you improve your score by a lot, mastering a few key skills can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your goal score on the SAT or ACT.
ACT and SAT scores are a critical factor in college admissions for several reasons. Because grading systems can vary widely, standardized tests are a common metric colleges can use to compare students from different high schools and educational backgrounds.
The SAT and ACT are the most often used exams for college admissions in the U.S., and given that they are standardized, they must be taken under strict time constraints. Students can struggle with the limited amount of time per question, leaving points on the table when they’re unable to finish certain sections. Simple pacing strategies, however, can help students improve their test performance and overall scores.
For students who submit standardized test scores during the college admission process, superscoring offers a strategic advantage in showcasing their academic abilities. But what is superscoring and how does it work? Let’s take a deep dive into superscore policies and how they can enhance your college application.
Want to see how your scores on the SAT compare to ACT? The College Board provides concordance tables so students and educators can see how SAT total scores compare to composite ACT scores. You can also use the SAT score conversion chart below if you’ve completed both tests and want to determine which score is better to submit to colleges. These tables can help you gain some insight as you compare your scores to the average student who is admitted to each school on your balanced college list.
In the past several years, testing policies have varied wildly across the U.S. admissions landscape. While it was once a given that applicants would submit their test scores with their college applications, students now may be wondering whether it is still worthwhile to take the ACT or SAT exam. Keep reading to find out why it is in many applicants’ best interest to submit a standardized test score — even if the school does not require it.
