One of the most common questions asked by students and parents regarding U.S. college admissions is: Are SAT and ACT scores totally interchangeable? For many decades, the SAT was the leading test of choice, while the ACT was initially assigned more regional significance; the ACT quickly moved to a nationally used test as well. Today, most colleges and universities state that both tests are broadly accepted, but the bottom line is a bit more complicated. Let’s examine the degree of interchangeability of SAT vs ACT scores, what schools explicitly state in their policies, and what this may mean for college applicants.
Official Policies: Equal Consideration on Paper
Almost every four-year college in the United States accepts and does not prefer one test over the other; however, on the admissions websites, students can see that they may complete either test, and they will be looked at as equal. Indeed, from 2007 on, all Ivy League and other selective colleges have accepted both of these tests under the same policy.
This was helped along by the growing trend of taking the ACT. By the 2010s, the ACT test-takers actually surpassed SAT test-takers. Colleges couldn’t risk excluding a big segment of potential applicants.
Behind the Scenes: Are They Viewed the Same Way?
While policies may sound uniform, there are subtle nuances in how colleges treat SAT and ACT scores.
- Concordance tables: College admissions offices tend to identify SAT and ACT scores using concordance tables developed by the College Board and ACT, respectively, and more specifically, learn to align the two test scales (1600 vs 36). Concordance tables are essentially a lookup chart showing approximate equivalency (e.g., an SAT score of 1450 is the same estimated merit as an ACT composite of 33). While concordance tables are convenient, they are imperfect and assume that the student performs similarly across the sections of the two exams.
- Superscoring: Many colleges will also report scores by superscoring the SAT, meaning they take your best section scores, no matter how many times you have to take the test. Not many (but it is growing) colleges do the same with the ACT. There may be a slight edge favoring the SAT in these situations, as not all colleges adhere to the same policies regarding superscoring.
- Institutional Bias: Some admissions professionals, particularly in smaller colleges, may even be more familiar with reading one test over the other. It is a historical assumption that East Coast institutions are more SAT inclined, while the Midwestern institutions typically prefer the ACT. This inclination may be declining, but it is still an inclination as stated above.
Test-Optional Policies and Their Impact
The increase in test-optional admissions has made the SAT vs. ACT debate more complicated. Now, many colleges allow students to submit an application without standardized test scores at all. However, if you choose to submit your score, it is still relatively important; your score, whether SAT or ACT, comes into play.
Some schools even cite differences in who submits which test. As an illustration:
- Students applying to STEM programs are likely to take the SAT, as that test focuses more on math strengths.
- Strong English and science reasoning students are more inclined to take the ACT.
Although this depends on the institution, admissions officers are cognizant of these patterns, as they may affect how they interpret scores.
What This Means for You
If you’re a student considering SAT vs. ACT, the exciting information for you is that either choice will give you the same access to college admissions. But some tactical differences might be relevant:
- Leverage the Differences: Try practice tests for both tests and see which you perform better on. Although you have longer per question on the SAT, the wording is often more difficult to understand; the ACT is quicker and has a science section.
- Understand Superscoring: If you are going to take the test lots of times be sure to see if your target schools superscore the SAT and ACT or superscore both. This might impact your decision.
- Think about Scholarships: Some state universities and scholarship programs might publish SAT or ACT minimums. Make sure the test you choose meets those requirements in your area.
- Don’t Get Caught Up in Prestige: Colleges do not rank SAT or ACT better. Your results are way more important than which test you take.
Final Word
So, can they really be equal if we call them equal? Yes, on paper, unequivocally. Colleges will accept both tests, and your admissions actions or decisions should not have a direct advantage to admissions based on either test. But in practice, things like superscoring practices, concordance interpretations, and the relative strengths of each exam could certainly make one slightly more applicable than the others for you.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which test you take; it matters how you prepare; and how you demonstrate your abilities to perform in not only the standardized test but in academic preparation overall. Test scores (if submitted) are one component of the application you’ve crafted for your schools of interest, but admissions officers largely look for consistency in your application: grades, rigor/classes, and test scores. They are looking to see that your academic narrative from high school makes sense. Choose the test that enables you to shine, and you will have an equal opportunity with the rest of them.
How The Princeton Review Can Help
Choosing between the SAT and ACT—and preparing appropriately—can be made simple, and it can be stress-free. The Princeton Review can also offer advice, coaching, and private counseling to help you make the best choice for you and demonstrate your best performance:
- SAT vs. ACT Diagnostic Tests: Can’t choose between the two? The Princeton Review offers free diagnostic practice tests that simulate the actual testing experience. These tests help you compare test scores so you can make a confident decision.
- Expert Guidance: Deciding between SAT and ACT is not always just a personal preference based on your style of testing. As a boon, it can also depend on your desired profession, what colleges you are applying to, and ultimately, what you want your degree in. The Princeton Review counselors will help in assisting either way to make a well-informed decision based on your career plans and guide you to the test that is best suited to meet your academic and career goals.
- Custom Planning: After deciding on the test that fits best with your weaknesses and desires, The Princeton Review then creates a custom study plan focused on reinforcing weaknesses and building up strengths.
- Expert Course Experience: The Princeton Review has the best instructors to utilize proven strategies in SAT and ACT Prep courses that teach you pacing strategies, shortcut techniques, and test-day confidence.
- Score Guarantees and Flexibility: Lots of programs offer a score guarantee, and they offer flexible formats – self-paced, live online, or working with a tutor – so you have all the opportunity to study on your schedule and customize your learning style.
In sum, The Princeton Review does not just prepare you for the test but also assists you with deciding your SAT or ACT approach based on your college and career aspirations, creates a tailored approach, and supports you until you hit your desired score.
The Princeton Review Singapore offers top-notch SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exam preparation designed to help students achieve their dream scores. With expert tutors, proven strategies, and personalized study plans, we ensure every student reaches their full academic potential.