SAT or ACT? How about both…

(Originally posted by Andrew Belasco on Kaptest.com)

In today’s hypercompetitive college admissions landscape, standardized tests are a “necessary evil.”  Sure, four hours in a fluorescent-lit room with these grueling exams could pass for cruel and unusual punishment in some countries, but let’s face it, colleges need a way to level the highly variable academic playing field from which its prospective students apply.  The SAT and ACT are not perfect, but most institutions still believe that these exams offer the best way of putting applications into their right perspective. So, unless you’re applying exclusively to the handful of schools that have done away with evaluating SAT/ACT test scores, standardized testing is a reality that you will have to confront, sooner or later.   This being the case, which test should you choose? The SAT or ACT? The right (albeit unpleasant) answer is BOTH!

While most colleges require that students take either the SAT or the ACT, it is in your best interests to take each exam at least once. Why?  Most institutions will use your best standardized test score when assessing your prospects for admission. Contrary to popular belief, admissions officers want to admit you, and as such, are willing to evaluate your application in the best possible light.  Translation: at most schools, a stellar ACT score can be used in lieu of an average or substandard SAT score, and vice versa. Now, before you begin getting all those warm and fuzzy feelings towards these seemingly kindhearted admissions officers, please keep in mind that this commonly-used policy is not based on altruism alone.  Better test scores make for better colleges… well…at least in the public eye.  There are few better ways to rise in the rankings or to secure that special feature in the latest “most competitive colleges” guide book than to boost the (perceived) average standardized test score of next year’s incoming freshman class.  So, the motives behind standardized test policies aren’t completely innocent, but they nevertheless benefit you, so take advantage and play the odds!

One more piece of advice: Currently, there are a number of articles out there, which aim to predict on what test you will score best. Ignore them! Yes, possessing a prodigious vocabulary may predict a better SAT, and a love of trigonometry could predict that you‘ll do better on the ACT.   But life (and testing) is unpredictable.  As famous sportscaster, Chris Berman, says, “That’s why they play the game.” So lace em ‘up and give both tests your best shot.  Take the SAT and ACT.