{"id":16203,"date":"2025-01-07T14:39:37","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T21:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/?p=16203"},"modified":"2025-01-07T14:39:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T21:39:37","slug":"do-you-need-both-act-and-sat-for-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/do-you-need-both-act-and-sat-for-college\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need Both ACT and SAT for College?\u200b"},"content":{"rendered":"

Standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. Scores grant entry to schools with specific requirements, award scholarships, and determine areas of strengths and weaknesses within a student\u2019s academic career. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college\u200b?” Regardless of whether you take all or one of these tests, right now, Peterson\u2019s will be offering an <\/span>ACT and SAT special<\/span><\/a>, six months of test prep for $135\u201499 dollars off, so that you can walk into either test confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are the ACT and SAT?<\/b><\/h4>\n

While both are standardized tests, there are a few key differences between them. The ACT includes a science section and an optional writing section, while the SAT emphasizes reading and writing with no specific science focus. While both have been recently updated, the time per question and pacing vary slightly. The SAT has fewer sections, but the sections are more prolonged. The ACT has more sections and a slightly longer overall testing time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do You Need Both ACT and SAT for College?<\/b><\/h4>\n

Most schools do not require both tests; sometimes, either is accepted and other times, the institution prefers one over the other. Be sure to check with your desired university to see their admission requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Test-Optional Policies<\/b><\/h4>\n

Colleges with test-optional policies allow students to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Selecting which test score to submit may be beneficial If you believe your test scores don’t reflect your academic abilities, you can opt not to include them. Other aspects of your application, like GPA, essays, recommendation letters, and extracurriculars, are given more weight. Test-optional policies reduce barriers for students who may not perform well on standardized tests or lack access to test prep resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

Test-Flexible Policies<\/b><\/h4>\n

Colleges with test-flexible policies let students submit alternative academic credentials instead of SAT or ACT scores. Alternatives may include AP\/IB exam scores, SAT Subject Tests (if applicable), or other assessments that showcase your academic strengths. These policies typically aim at students who excel in specific areas or have taken advanced coursework. Some schools may require a minimum GPA or specific course requirements instead of test scores.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why you may consider taking both the SAT and ACT test:<\/b><\/h4>\n