Should I Take the SAT or ACT? How to Pick the Right Test

As Collegewise counselors, we have encountered many students who feel so anxious about college entrance exams. Between the SAT and the ACT, and standardized testing changes in recent years, students are left asking, "Should I take the SAT or ACT?" 

In the United States, most colleges accept both tests, with no preference on which one students choose. However, the role of standardized tests in the college admissions landscape has undergone a series of changes in recent years. Some schools went test-blind, others remain test-optional, and a select few have reinstated standardized testing requirements. It's no surprise that many students are confused about which standardized test they should take. 

In this blog, we'll answer your biggest question about which test you should take, what to consider, and offer examples of why certain tests work better for specific students. 

Table of Contents:

• The Role of Standardized Testing in College Applications
• The SAT vs. ACT: Key Differences and Similarities
• Who Should Take the SAT or ACT? Considerations to Choose the Best Fitting Test
• Who Should Skip the ACT/SAT? (And What to Do Instead)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Additional Resources

Key Takeaways:

• The role of standardized tests in college admissions has evolved. Today, test scores are supportive, not central to the application. Driving this belief home is the fact that many colleges remain test-optional or test-free across the United States. 
• There are key differences and similarities between the ACT and the SAT, and with no real preference from colleges, students should identify which test makes the most sense for them. Ways to identify which test is the right fit include taking practice exams, playing to your strengths, and considering your goals and context in the college admissions process. 
• Not every student needs to take the ACT or SAT. There are special circumstances and situations in which professionals may encourage students to skip the tests entirely and instead, focus on strengthening other areas of their college application. 

The Role of Standardized Testing in College Applications

There has been much debate online about the significance of standardized tests in college admissions. Some believe it's an outdated requirement, while others believe it's a necessary benchmark for academics. In fact, Renee Roush, former Ivy League application reader and Collegewise Counselor commented on her experience reviewing applications over a 12-year period:

"Looking back on those thousands of applications, we generally used testing to confirm what we already knew about a student, rather than to enhance or diminish a student’s chances in the committee room. We tended to discuss curriculum and grades at length—was the student prepared for the rigor of our curriculum, and of their requested major? Did their coursework demonstrate their interest in their chosen field? The test score, however, was only a glance during a 10-20 minute conversation about the student’s candidacy. During my final year in admissions, I was working at one of the most competitive institutions in the country, and due to the pandemic, we were test-optional for the first time. It was a joy! We rarely noticed the lack of test scores."

While some colleges are encouraging more flexible test policies, it's important to understand why some colleges require them, even today. 

Benchmark for Academic Readiness

No two high schools are alike. Some offer Advanced Placement courses while others do not. Standardized test scores allow colleges to compare student performance across high schools, curricula, and grading systems. In situations where a high school may offer limited academic advancement opportunities, it allows readers to identify if students are prepared for college-level work. 

Merit Scholarships

Many colleges, especially public universities, leverage standardized test scores to determine who should be awarded scholarships. Higher scores can help unlock thousands of dollars for students and make college a more affordable endeavor. 

Related: How to Get the Perfect Score on the SAT

State and Graduation Requirements

In some states (which we discuss later in this blog), high schools require students to take a standardized test as part of their graduation requirements and to assess academic performance. 

The SAT vs. ACT: Key Differences and Similarities

While both tests cover similar core skills, such as reading, writing, and mathematics, they do have some distinguishing factors. Here are the key differences at a glance:

Related: New Enhanced ACT Exam: Key Changes and Expert Insights

Who Should Take the ACT or SAT? Considerations to Choose the Best Fitting Test

1. Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Take some time to self-reflect and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps you're a strong reader, in which case, you may want to consider the ACT. If you're more confident in math, the SAT may be a better option. 

Match the test to your abilities and test-taking style. This is the best way to identify which test is better for you. 

2. Ask Yourself if You Should Even Take a Standardized Test

With over 1,000 colleges and universities remaining test-optional, you might wonder if taking a test is even necessary. We'll go through who shouldn't take the tests shortly, but for now, here are some quick questions to ask yourself to determine if you should or shouldn't test:

1. Do you need merit aid? If so, many scholarships still consider SAT and ACT scores. 
2. Are you applying to highly selective colleges? Some highly selective colleges have reinstated standardized testing requirements. For students applying to these schools, they may be required to submit scores. 
3. Does your GPA highlight your academic strengths? If your GPA needs support, including a strong test score may help your candidacy. 

3. Take Practice Tests Before Making a Decision

The best way to determine which test is best for you is by taking a diagnostic exam to see how you might perform during the real thing. In fact, you may even want to try both under test-like conditions to fully grasp which test is the better fit. 

Here at Collegewise, we offer free ACT and SAT diagnostic exams, an online and convenient option for students. 

4. Consider State Testing Requirements

Some states require students to take standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT as part of state assessments or graduation requirements. Below is a list of states that require students to take a standardized test before graduation.

Who Should Skip the SAT/ACT? (And What to Do Instead)

"A current senior has a generalized anxiety disorder, and the first few times we discussed her SAT plan, she was nearly in tears as she shared her fears about not doing well. What’s more, she felt confident that her grades in school clearly demonstrated her intellectual ability, and she knew she’d have to spend a great deal of time and energy preparing for the SAT if she wanted it to contribute positively to her application, given that her PSAT score was not particularly strong. Once we started college research and she realized how many schools are Test Free or Test Optional—and she LOVED the schools she was finding—the choice was crystal clear: She would not be taking the SAT."

This student's story is not rare. Many students feel overwhelmed at the thought of taking a standardized test. Others may be in a position where a standardized test isn't a value-add to their already strong application. To determine if you're in a position where you may need/want to skip out on taking a standardized test, consider the following:

• Do you experience debilitating anxiety in the testing environment?
• Are you a student with a learning difference and/or attention deficits causing difficulty in a test environment, even with accommodations?
• Do you feel that tests, in general, tend not to showcase your knowledge and academic abilities?
• Does your GPA (weighted or unweighted) showcase your intellectual prowess?
• Do you lack financial resources to fund extensive tutoring, test prep programs, or multiple seatings of the SAT or ACT?

If you’ve found yourself nodding along as you’re reading through this blog, you can choose to reallocate the significant time you’d spend on testing to extracurricular pursuits or bettering your in-classroom academic performance. Here are some ideas to inspire your path forward:

• Take more challenging (but manageable) AP courses (if your school offers them). Reflect on how you can demonstrate rigor in the classroom. 
• Brainstorm a capstone project. Examples may include opening a craft business on Etsy or starting an investment club or initiative. 
• Take this newfound free time to study for school exams and ensure that your academic transcript provides a clear picture of your academic ability. 

Stay away from making decisions based on what you think a college will like. Do what you love! That’s the best path to making your application unique and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which test is longer? The ACT or the SAT?

As of 2025, the ACT is longer than the SAT in total test time. Not only is the ACT longer, it also has more questions than the SAT. Meaning, students get less time per question. 

2. Can you take the ACT or SAT online?

Yes, as of 2025, both the ACT and SAT are offered online to students. 

3. Which is better? The ACT or the SAT?

Neither. The answer to this question depends on the student, their test-taking abilities, and what makes the most sense for them. Within the college admissions process, there is no preference. Colleges do not prefer one test over the other, so instead of wondering which colleges will like better, focus on what makes the most sense for you. 

4. When do you take the ACT or the SAT?

The ideal testing window is the spring of junior year. Why? Students will have covered most of the content tested in the classroom, gives students enough time to study for the test, and it leaves room to retake the test if needed. 

5. Do I need to take the SAT or ACT if I'm applying to test-optional colleges?

It depends. At Collegewise, we recommend that students consider the strength of their entire application before deciding if they should include test scores. If a test score adds value to the application, it doesn't hurt to include it. In other cases, it may hurt the student's candidacy. In which case, it may be best to leave the score out. For example, a student may apply to one highly selective test-optional college with a test score and to another public liberal arts college without a test score, all within the same cycle. This is a strategic way to apply to colleges, and something we highly recommend. 

6. Can I take the ACT or SAT more than once?

Yes, most students take the test at least twice, along with any other diagnostic and practice exams. 

Additional Resources

If you still have lingering questions, you're not alone. Here are additional resources to help guide you along the way:

• Our trusted Common App Guide has been downloaded by 20,000+ families and educators. Download your copy today. 
• Check out our previous webinars for all kinds of advice on college admissions.
• Connect with one of our experts for a free 45-min consultation to learn more about how our college counselors can support you in your college admissions journey. 
• Learn more about test-optional colleges and what it really means by reading our blog: Test-Optional Colleges, Explained

About Us: With more than 25 years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape. Our work has always centered on you: the family. And just like we’ve always done, we look for ways for your student to be their best self - whether in the classroom, the applications, or in the right-fit college environment. Our range of counseling, test prep, academic tutoring, and essay management, all with the support of our proprietary platform, lead to 4x higher than average admissions rates.