For about 50 years, the SAT dominated the ACT as the go-to standardized test for high schoolers. This held true until 2012, when the ACT finally pulled ahead by about 1,500 test-takers. The tests have ranked neck-and-neck in popularity since then, and students have had to ask some serious questions: Which test to take? Better yet, should I take both the ACT and SAT? We’ve always counseled our students to take one test or the other based on skills, high school performance, college goals, and other such criteria. As an agency that has provided SAT tutoring in Connecticut since 2008, we have been with the SAT and ACT for more than a decade. For the first time we are advising that all students take both tests this year.

This isn’t as hard as it sounds; the new SAT is actually starting to look a lot like the ACT. Obscure vocabulary words have been tossed; math focuses more on basic algebra; and reading passages have more science-based content, somewhat like the ACT’s science section.

The University of Georgia seconds this advice on its Admissions Criteria web page. “Though historically we have reviewed more SAT scores from applicants, we do not have a preference between the ACT and SAT. In fact, we often recommend that students attempt each test at least once.” Not only do we second this advice, but we think you can read between the lines and find a possible preference for students with the moxie to take both tests.

And then there’s another subtle, yet important detail to consider: some colleges “superscore” the SAT but not the ACT. (This is to say that if you take the SAT more than once, you can just send your highest section scores.) If your top school, such as NYU, institutes this policy, taking the SAT twice in addition to taking the ACT may best ensure top scores.

For private, in-home SAT and ACT tutoring throughout Connecticut, contact In-Home Tutors at 203-583-3687 today. Your first session is guaranteed!