Most colleges require either the  SAT or  ACT, and express no preference for either test. That said, significant percentages of students at selective colleges are submitting scores from both tests when they apply.  Preparing for 2 major standardized tests may sound daunting, but there are some very good reasons to take both the SAT and ACT, and it's easier (and more affordable!) than ever before to prep for both tests. 

1. Give More Information to the Admissions Committee

Why take both the SAT and ACT

Princeton University's dean of admissions is on record as saying:

“...more information is always better. If students choose one or the other, that’s fine, because both tests have value. But if they submit both, that generally gives us a little more information.”
Tweet: ACT or SAT? 'More information is always better,' says Princeton's dean of admission http://ctt.ec/3bn9d+ @ThePrincetonRev

And some of the most selective schools are reporting that as much as a quarter (or more!) of their enrolled students submitted scores for both exams.

School% frosh enrolled in fall 2016 that submitted ACT AND SAT scores
Stanford University 31%
Harvard College 16%
Yale University 19%
Princeton University 18%
MIT 26%
University of Chicago 16%
Cal Tech 28%

2. Prep  More Efficiently

You’re applying to competitive schools and crafting a stellar college application —which means you may end up wanting to take standardized tests more than once to earn your target scores. If you start by planning to take both tests, you’ll be able make an informed decision about which one best displays your strengths. You will not need to double your test prep time to take both the SAT and ACT.  

Read More: How to Prep for Both the SAT and ACT

3. Increase Your Chances of Receiving Merit Aid

Even if you are applying to a college or university that does not require test scores for admission, ACT or SAT scores may be required to be considered for merit-based financial aid, and for any outside scholarship applications. 

4. Take Fewer Tests (No, Really!)

Some schools require applicants to submit scores from the ACT... OR from the SAT plus 2 to 3 SAT Subject tests. If you plan to take the SAT, taking the ACT too will cover you just in case something goes wrong on one of your  SAT Subject tests.

Read More: QUIZ: Should I Take the ACT, the SAT, or BOTH?

5. You'll Have More Options

Considering both tests gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing test dates.

We know how to help you prep efficiently for both the ACT and SAT, and we have excellent options to help you prep for both cost-effectively. 

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