Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT and express no preference for either test. That said, significant percentages of students at selective colleges are submitting scores from both tests when they apply. Preparing for two major standardized tests may sound daunting, but there are some very good reasons to take both the SAT and ACT, and it's easier (and more affordable!) than ever before to prep for both tests.
1. Give More Information to the Admissions Committee
Princeton University's dean of admissions is as saying:
“...more information is always better. If students choose one or the other, that’s fine, because both tests have value. But if they submit both, that generally gives us a little more information.”
And some of the most selective schools are reporting that as much as a quarter (or more!) of their enrolled students submitted scores for both exams.
| School | % frosh enrolled in fall 2017 that submitted ACT AND SAT scores |
|---|---|
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 49% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 38% |
| Stanford University | 28% |
| University of Virginia | 26% |
| MIT | 26% |
| University of Michigan—Ann Arbor | 26% |
| Cal Tech | 21% |
| Harvard College | 20% |
| Princeton University | 19% |
| Yale University | 18% |
| Brown University | 16% |
2. Prep More Efficiently
You’re applying to competitive schools and crafting a stellar college application—which means you may end up wanting to take standardized tests more than once to earn your target scores. If you start by planning to take both tests, you’ll be able make an informed decision about which one best displays your strengths. You will not need to double your test prep time to take both the SAT and ACT.
Read More: How to Prep for Both the SAT and ACT
3. Increase Your Chances of Receiving Merit Aid
Even if you are applying to a college or university that does not require test scores for admission, ACT or SAT scores may be required to be considered for merit-based financial aid, and for any outside scholarship applications.
4. You'll Have More Options
Considering both tests gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing test dates.
We know how to help you prep efficiently for both the ACT and SAT, and we have excellent options to help you prep for both cost-effectively.
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