Got a quick question. I've been hearing that some colleges require both the ACT and SAT. Is this common? I thought we only needed to take one or the other of these standardized tests.
Actually, it's quite uncommon for colleges to require both the ACT and SAT. Most institutions indeed allow students to submit either the SAT or the ACT. In fact, many schools are moving towards a test-optional or even test-blind policy in their admissions process, particularly due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, every college has its own testing policy, so you should definitely double-check with each specific institution you're interested in. And remember, when colleges do require a standardized test, they do not prefer one test over the other. Whether you submit the SAT or ACT score, it won't impact your admissions chance as long as your score is competitive.
Keep in mind that SAT or ACT scores are just one part of your overall application. Colleges consider many other factors such as GPA, course rigor, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
Example: Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Purdue University, Brown University, Yale University, The University of Texas at Austin, and California Institute of Technology will require all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score for the 2024-2025 application cycle. So, pick the test you feel most comfortable with and focus on preparing for that one.
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