One of the most common questions students ask is: Should I take the SAT or ACT for college? Or both? While most colleges will require you to take the SAT or ACT, most of them express no preference for either test. With that being said, there’s a large number of students at selective colleges submitting scores from both tests when they apply to the school. Makes sense, right? Or does it?
Sure, preparing for two major standardized tests may sound daunting, but there are resources out there if you need them. Like Test Geek – they have SAT and ACT tutoring, resources, support, etc. Now, do you really need to take both (SAT / ACT)? Well, here are a few good reasons why you should take both, and it’s easier (and more affordable!) than ever before to prep for both tests.
1. Give Admissions More To Work With
If you’re a student and you’re aiming to get into a great school, you want to take both tests. That would make the most sense, and it’s going to give you more options and flexibility down the road.
Many select schools are reporting that more than 25 percent of enrolled students have been submitting scores for both exams.
2. Help Prep You More
You’re applying to competitive schools and building an epic college application—which means you may end up wanting to take standardized tests more than once to earn the target test scores you want to achieve. If you start planning to take both tests now, you’ll be able to make a sound 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.
3. Increase Your Opportunity To Receive 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. If the schools you want to attend require it, you want to get the best possible scores you can get.
4. Take Fewer Tests (No, Really!)
Some schools require applicants to submit scores from the ACT or from the SAT, as well as 2 to 3 SAT Subject tests. If you plan to take the SAT, taking the ACT too would allow you to cover yourself just in case things don’t go as planned with one of your SAT Subject tests.
5. More Options For Test Dates
If you’re only taking the ACT or SAT, you’re going to have fewer options available if you were going to take both tests. Considering both tests gives you a lot more flexibility in choosing test dates.
6. When You Don’t Need It
Now, what about scenarios when you don’t need to take the SAT or ACT?
College is expensive, and it will take a big financial investment unless you’re fortunate to be granted a scholarship to attend.
Here at F.I.R.S.T., these tests are not required to attend our campus or our online classes. F.I.R.S.T. Institute takes the quality of education very seriously and is proud to be a licensed and accredited institution in the state of Florida. F.I.R.S.T. is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education (CIE) and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
Want to learn more? Check out our programs here.
