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 used to counsel our students to take one test or the other based on skills, high school performance, college goals, and other such criteria. But these days we are advising that all students take both tests this year.

The most obvious reason for this is that the tests are now quite different. The “Digital SAT” is now online and adaptive, which means that the student is presented with a harder or easier section depending on their performance in the initial set of questions. If you are sent down the easier path, you cannot get a top score.  The ACT remains a pencil and paper test and, we think, is easier to prepare for. But it is a longer test.

Another reason is that colleges are swinging back to taking standardized test scores more seriously, after a period where the tests fell out of favor and were made optional by many schools. It’s important to show your college of choice a good test result and taking both the SAT and ACT increases your chances of scoring well on at least one of them.

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.

For private, in-home SAT and ACT tutoring throughout Connecticut, contact In-Home Tutors at 203-583-3687 today.

SAT Registration:

    • You can register for the SAT through your College Board account. If you don’t have an account yet, create one. Make sure you have a photo and a form of payment ready.
    • Register for the SAT

ACT Registration:

      • To register for the ACT, visit the ACT official website and complete the following steps:
        • Create a MyACT online account.
        • Select a test time and location.
        • Create a student profile and provide supporting documentation.
        • Use a credit/debit card or an online money transfer method to pay the test fee.
      • Register for the ACT Test