“Which is better to take, SAT or ACT? Or should I take them both? Is one or the other easier or more important?” (Quora Post)
Each week, The Ivy Institute receives many questions from students and parents on platforms like Reddit and Quora. These inquiries span a wide range of topics related to college admissions, covering everything from standardized test advice and essay writing tips to scholarship opportunities and extracurricular guidance. After careful evaluation, we select a handful of these questions each week to feature on our website. These chosen questions are deemed particularly insightful, informative, or representative of common concerns shared by students embarking on their college journey. By highlighting these questions, along with our expert responses, we aim to create a valuable resource for all individuals navigating the college application process.
When it comes to making the decision between taking the SAT, ACT, or both, The Ivy Institute emphasizes a strategic approach aimed at maximizing a student's testing potential. At The Ivy Institute, we recommend that students take a practice test in each format to determine which they prefer and better captures their strengths for a higher cumulative score. Then, we recommend focusing solely on that one test--either the SAT or ACT--to get the highest score possible. Both tests are viewed equally in the process and there is no advantage to take and/or doing well on both.
1. Initial Assessment: We recommend that students begin by taking a practice test in both the SAT and ACT formats. This step is crucial as it allows them to gain firsthand experience with the structure, content, and time constraints of each test. It's like trying on different suits to see which one fits best.
2. Identifying Strengths: Following these practice tests, students can critically assess their performance and determine which test format aligns more closely with their strengths and abilities. Some students may discover that the SAT's style suits them better, while others may feel more comfortable with the ACT. This self-awareness is a key factor in the decision-making process.
3. Focused Preparation: Once a preference is established, we strongly advise students to concentrate their test preparation efforts on their chosen format. By doing so, they can dedicate more time and energy to mastering the intricacies of that specific test. Focused preparation increases the likelihood of achieving their highest possible score, which is a valuable component of their college applications.
4. Equal College Consideration: Importantly, The Ivy Institute emphasizes that both the SAT and ACT are regarded equally by colleges during the admissions process. There is no inherent advantage to taking or excelling in both tests. Admissions committees consider the score of whichever test a student submits, so there's no need to take both unless a student wishes to do so for their own personal reasons.
Our approach at The Ivy Institute encourages students to make an informed decision based on their strengths and preferences. We understand that every student is unique, and our goal is to help them achieve the best possible testing outcome as part of their holistic college application strategy.
