Should You Take the SAT or ACT (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to take the SAT or ACT? ›

Some students choose to take both the ACT and SAT – while others find they are more comfortable with one test or the other based on their learning styles and preferences. Either way you choose, know that colleges and universities have no specific test preference.

Before your child takes the SAT, it's a good idea for him or her to be familiar with how the SAT test scoring works. Here is the information your child needs to know. There is no deduction for incorrect answers, which means students should answer every single question.

✓Answer every question. Your scores in the sections will be based only on the number of questions that you answer correctly; there is no penalty for guessing. Try to answer every question within the time allowed for each section.

The SAT typically allows only two or three incorrect answers to earn a perfect score, while test-takers can miss seven or eight questions and still earn a perfect score on the ACT, he says. "We tend to think higher scores are easier to attain on the ACT," he says.

The SAT/ACT is equally considered by colleges unless comparing a 1600 SAT vs a 36 ACT (colleges prefer the former). Although, I doubt that will be the case for most people unless you're in the top 0.1%. Why? Statistically speaking, it is much harder to score a perfect score in the SAT than the ACT.

Harvard has no preference between the SAT and ACT, so choose the test that's a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times. Take special note that Harvard University superscores the SAT, and Harvard does not superscore the ACT.

Myth 2: C is the best guess letter and is right more often than any other letter. C or H are right (and wrong) as often as any other answer choice. The only guess letter you don't want to use when you are completely guessing is E or K because they only show up on the math test.

A score of 1100 on the SAT puts you at the 58th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 58% all 2 million+ test takers. Earning an 1100 makes you eligible to apply to most colleges and universities as a decent candidate.

There is no most common answer on the SAT.

The truth is that it doesn't matter which letter you pick, only that you stick to the one you choose. The best strategy, and the one that will maximize your overall point gain, is to pick your favorite letter and fill it in for every blind guess.

Do colleges look more at ACT or SAT? ›

Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other.

You or your student may have wondered "Is there a penalty for guessing on the SAT® or ACT®?" Once again, there is no penalty for guessing on the SAT® or ACT®, which is why it's so important to go ahead and make best guesses.

In other words, a 34 places you below average, while a 36 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

Will Smith SAT score was a perfect 1600. A rare score few people have earned. Despite this incredible score, Will chose not to attend college, did not even enroll, and decided to pursue his career in music.

What was Mark Zuckerberg's SAT score? Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, reportedly scored a perfect 1600 on his SATs. His high score likely played a role in his admission to Harvard University before he dropped out to focus on developing Facebook.

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.

The ACT tests slightly more complex, more advanced math. Both exams test almost identical mathematical material. You need a strong grasp on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to thrive. And the New SAT has added some of the advanced concepts formerly reserved only for the ACT.

For the ACT, you will have to at least skim the entire passage, even if you read the questions first. Our advice? If you have a good memory for longer passages and small details, you will have an advantage on the ACT. If you are good at picking information out of a passage, you might do better on the SAT.

For all fees, including the standard registration fee, the SAT is slightly cheaper than the ACT. Additionally, both tests charge through the nose for extra fees, punishing lack of planning ahead.