SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Should You Take? And Is Test-Optional Still the Right Choice?

For several years, students had more flexibility than ever when it came to standardized testing. since many colleges went test optional during the pandemic, allowing applicants to decide whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Now, the landscape is changing again.

While the majority of colleges remain test-optional, many of the nation’s most selective universities and some public universities have reinstated testing requirements. Understanding the differences between the SAT and ACT—and knowing when to submit scores—can help students determine whether to include testing scores in their college application.

SAT vs. ACT: What’s the Difference?

The good news is that colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Admissions offices accept either exam equally.

The SAT focuses heavily on reasoning and problem-solving skills and includes:

• Reading and writing
• Math (including Algebra, Advanced Math, Geometry, and Data Analysis)

The SAT is now fully digital and uses an adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of later questions adjusts based on a student’s performance earlier in the exam. It generally places a greater emphasis on algebra and analytical thinking. Students who enjoy working carefully through problems and are strong in math often prefer the SAT.

The ACT includes:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science and reasoning

Beginning in 2025, students can choose to take the Science section separately in many testing situations, but colleges continue to accept ACT scores. Always verify each college’s policy regarding optional sections.

The ACT tends to move at a faster pace than the SAT, requiring students to answer more questions in less time.

Students who read quickly, work efficiently under time pressure, or have strong science reasoning skills often find the ACT to be a better fit.

Which Test Should You Take?

There is no universal answer.

Many students perform significantly better on one exam than the other, even when they have similar academic backgrounds.

We typically recommend:

• Take a full-length practice SAT and ACT.
• Compare your scores.
• Focus your preparation on the test where you naturally perform better.

Remember, colleges only see the score you choose to submit and many colleges superscore, so you can submit your highest scores on each part if you take them multiple times.

When Should You Take the SAT or ACT?

The ideal timeline for most students is:

Sophomore Year

• Take a practice SAT and ACT to establish a baseline. Some schools offer the PSAT10, which is a good way to practice.

Junior Year

• Take the PSAT in the fall as that can help give you merit scholarships if you score high enough.
• If you are advanced in math, you can take the SAT in Dec., otherwise, many students wait until March.
• Sign up for test prep if needed, but give yourself at least 3 months to study/prep.
• Retake in June or summer if you want to improve your score.

Unless you are trying for a small boost in scores, it’s best to not test again in the fall of senior year. You will be working on applications and don’t need the extra stress. 

Should You Apply Test-Optional?

This is one of the most common questions families ask—and the answer depends on your individual application.

You should strongly consider submitting your scores if:

• Your score falls within or above the middle 50% range for admitted students.
• Your score strengthens your academic profile.
• Your GPA may not fully reflect your academic ability.
• You’re applying for merit scholarships that consider test scores.

You may want to apply test-optional if:

• Your score falls well below the college’s typical admitted student range.
• Your transcript, grades, and coursework tell a much stronger academic story than your test scores.
• The colleges on your list truly have a test-optional admissions policy.

Keep in mind that “test-optional” does not mean test scores aren’t valuable. At many colleges, strong scores can still strengthen an application or qualify students for scholarships and honors programs. Review each college’s admissions website carefully, as policies continue to evolve.

Which Colleges Are Requiring Test Scores Again?

A growing number of colleges have reinstated SAT or ACT requirements.

Examples include:

Ivy League and Highly Selective Universities

• Harvard
• Yale
• Dartmouth
• Brown
• University of Pennsylvania
• Cornell
• Stanford
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Georgetown University

Public Universities

Here are a few examples of public schools that require submission of standardized tests:

• Florida Public Universities
• Georgia Public Universities
• Purdue
• UNC Chapel Hill
• Ohio State

Several other highly selective universities have also announced plans to reinstate testing requirements in upcoming admissions cycles. Because testing policies continue to change, students should verify the requirements for every college on their list before applying.

Why are colleges bringing back testing?

• A common academic benchmark. High schools vary widely in grading scales, course rigor, and class rankings. Standardized test scores provide one consistent measure that helps admissions officers compare students from different educational backgrounds.
• Better prediction of college success. Research from several universities has found that SAT and ACT scores, when considered alongside high school GPA, can improve predictions of a student’s likelihood of succeeding academically in college.
• Identifying academic potential. Strong test scores can help highlight students who attend schools with fewer Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors opportunities or where grade inflation or deflation makes transcripts harder to evaluate.
• Supporting access and financial aid. Some institutions have found that test scores can help identify talented students from underrepresented or lower-income backgrounds who may benefit from additional recruitment, scholarships, or academic support.

It’s important to remember that even at colleges requiring standardized tests, admissions decisions remain holistic. Colleges continue to evaluate your coursework, grades, essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, leadership, and personal qualities. Test scores are just one part of the overall picture—not the deciding factor on their own.

Final Thoughts

Standardized testing is once again becoming an important part of the college admissions process—especially at highly selective institutions.

If possible, take the SAT or ACT. Even if many of your colleges are test-optional, having a strong score gives you more options and may strengthen your application.

The best admissions strategy isn’t simply choosing whether to test—it’s understanding how your scores fit into your overall application.