Did you know that there’s an alternative option to the SAT for college admissions testing? Here’s 5 reasons why The Coach strongly recommends taking the ACT, either instead of or in addition to the SAT.
(1) More US high school students took the ACT in 2016.
2,090,342 ACT test-takers; 1,681,134 SAT test-takers.
(2) The SAT & ACT are viewed as equals by admissions officers.
UPenn Admissions: “No preference is given to the SAT or the ACT. If an applicant submits both tests, we will pay attention to the higher score from either test.”
(3) Potentially eliminate the need to take SAT Subject Tests.
Many colleges accept the ACT in place of SAT Subject Tests.
(4) The ACT has a “friendlier” scoring system than the SAT that gives you more room for error.
Performing poorly in one section doesn’t necessarily sink your overall score.
- SAT score = the sum of Math and Reading/Writing sections (400-1600)
- ACT score = the average of English, Math, Reading, and Science sections (1-36)
(5) And most importantly for current juniors … taking the ACT is an “insurance policy” to protect yourself against the issues with the new SAT.
See – Why your new SAT score is not as strong as you think it is.
Learn more about the ACT:
- 2016-17 Preparation Booklet
- SAT/ACT Concordance Chart
- SAT vs. ACT Infographic
- Is the ACT Easier Than the SAT?
