I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the testing requirements and stuff. So, like, do I have to take the ACT, or can I just submit my SAT scores instead? Are there colleges that only accept ACT scores? Thanks for any advice!
No, taking the ACT is not necessary if you already have SAT scores. Most US colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores interchangeably, and there are no colleges that only accept ACT scores. In fact, some colleges have even adopted test-optional policies, meaning that you don't have to submit any standardized test scores at all.
That being said, each student's performance on the SAT and ACT may vary, as the two tests differ in format, pacing, and types of questions. Some students find that they perform better on one test than the other. If you haven't taken the ACT yet but think that you might perform better on it than on the SAT, it could be worth considering. Additionally, some colleges superscore the tests, so taking both exams might benefit you if you perform exceptionally well on one section of the ACT and another section of the SAT.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to take the ACT, SAT, or both depends on your personal preferences and how well you feel you can perform on each test. It's best to research the testing policies of the colleges on your list, understand the differences between the tests, and decide which test (or tests) will best showcase your abilities.
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