SATs or ACTs

[klfrech]

My daughter is a high school junior at is taking the SATs tomorrow for the first time. We've noticed that many schools accept both SAT scores and ACT scores. Can someone tell me pros/cons of taking one over the other? Is there an advantage to taking both tests?

 

[tommya60]

It is generally recommended that the students take both because some students will do notably better at one over the other. The ACT is considered easier to study for, it generally tests what they have learned in school. The SAT is generally considered "tricker".
Check out the College Confidential message board, it has a lot of information, althought it can be a little intense.

 

[redlight]

I only took the SATs.

My impression was that East and West coast colleges generally favor the SAT, and midwestern colleges favor the ACTs.

 

[allison443]

I only took the SATs.

My impression was that East and West coast colleges generally favor the SAT, and midwestern colleges favor the ACTs.

That was true in the past. Now it seems the ACT has gotten more common on the east coast. I know five years ago my oldest dd was a senior, no one she knew took the ACT; last year my other dd was a senior and many/most of her friends took both the SAT and ACT.

My dd applied to colleges in the east/midatlantic region, and submitted only her ACT scores (they were comparatively better).

All colleges accept either test. Make sure to take the ACT with the writing section.

Good luck.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I only took the SATs.

My impression was that East and West coast colleges generally favor the SAT, and midwestern colleges favor the ACTs.

Yep.

My oldest only took the SAT and now I am kicking myself for not having her take both.

My youngest just took the ACT as a 7th grader and did well.

 

[Art 1]

They should take both. My daughter, a senior is also taking the SAT today. This will be the last one, I think this will be the 4th time. She has taken the ACT twice.

 

[klfrech]

Thanks for the replies. Art1--how did your daughter do on the ACTs compared to the SATs?

 

[Art 1]

Thanks for the replies. Art1--how did your daughter do on the ACTs compared to the SATs?

She seemed to do better. She just finished a large breakfast and left for the SAT. She has been accepted at a number of schools but still taking it one last time. Good luck to yours.

 

[bballmom56]

Most colleges accept both. DS took the SAT, then took the ACT to see if if made any difference. According to the score comparison charts, he did exactly the same on both.

 

[golfgal]

The reason more and more schools are turning to the ACT over the SAT is that the ACT is more comprehensive-tests more areas, math, reading, science, social studies and writing skills where generally the SAT tests math and writing skills so if your strengths aren't in those areas you might not score well.

I would suggest both as well. Around here though most kids only take the ACT unless they are trying for a Ivy League or similar school.

 

[Christine]

My daughter took both and did a lot better on the ACT. She said the test just seemed more "user friendly" to her, not necessarily easier. Some schools she applied for wanted to see both results if she had them but most wanted one or the other. In those cases, we just sent the ACT.

 

[JoanGirardi]

My two sons took both, and the ACT scores were pretty comparable to the SAT for both of them. They are both good science students, and the ACT has a section devoted to science, so that worked in their favor. They are really encouraged to take both at their school, so that's what we went with. I just figured it gave them more test taking experience, so it could only help.