ACT or SAT: What do most colleges prefer?

Hey guys, so I've been doing some research but I'm still a bit confused about the whole ACT vs SAT thing. Do most colleges accept scores from both tests, or do they typically lean towards one over the other? Any insight into this would be super appreciated!

Sure, I can clear this up for you! The reality is that virtually all colleges and universities in the United States accept both the ACT and SAT and do not prefer one over the other. These two assessments serve the same purpose — to measure a high school student's general educational development and college readiness.

That means it's less about the colleges' preference and more about which test is a better fit for you as an individual. The best way to determine this is by understanding the differences between the two tests.

The SAT focuses heavily on reasoning skills and takes a more segmented approach, segregating related questions into specific sections. On the other hand, the ACT has a Science Reasoning section (which doesn't really require in-depth knowledge of science, but rather tests data interpretation and analytical skills), and it tends to intermingle question types within sections.

So, your decision should hinge upon which type of test aligns best with your strengths rather than worrying about what colleges prefer. Also, note that many colleges have remained test-optional, so it's also an option to not submit any standardized test scores at all, although this varies by institution. Good luck on your test prep and college admissions journey!