Which is better for a career in politics/government ACT or SAT?

Answered

All top-tier colleges and universities are completely apathetic or indifferent to which standardized test score you submit if you choose to submit one. Rather the opposite is true because they allow all applicants the opportunity to study for one or both and submit either the higher respective score of one or both. If they had a preference, they would reference their preference on their websites but they do not.

Since students drive the distribution of submitting either the ACT or SAT, it's fair to say that schools on the opposite coasts tend to get more SAT scores, and colleges in the Midwest and South tend to get more ACT scores because that's how their state and local school districts prioritize who should take what, and more in-state applicants drive the final tally versus out of state applicants. For example in Iowa, more HS students take the ACT because it's in the midwest and that's where ACT.org is headquartered. Therefore if you are applying to Grinnell College, 60% of applicants will submit ACT scores versus 40% submitting SAT scores.

The opposite is true of NorthEast Coast colleges. At Cornell, 70% of applicants submit SAT scores and 30% submit ACT scores. And keep in mind CollegeBoard is headquartered in NYC as well. On the West Coast, the same is true. At Stanford, 72% submitted SAT scores, and 45% submitted ACT scores (some applicants submit both scores so I really don't know the breakdown of who submits both).

So you can do 5 things.

1.) Submit your highest composite test score or super score of either ACT/SAT.

2.) Submit both

3.) Submit what the trend is at that school.

4.) Or be a contrarian and submit whatever is least popular and hope that will help differentiate you.

5.) Or submit neither because all top schools will be test-optional next cycle as well. But if you do that, make sure there are no gaps in your application anywhere.

BTW, your stats do not play a part in which test to take but may play a part in deciding not to take either. If you are the very best student and have all the very best UWGPA, Course Rigor, Evidence of Intellectual Vitality/Curiosity, ECs, Essays, Recommendations, and Community service, you might not need to take and submit a standardized test when you apply.