Which is more important: ACT or SAT?

I'm struggling to decide whether to take the ACT or SAT. Is one more important or valued by colleges? How do I decide which one to focus on?

There isn't one test that is more important or valued by colleges across the board. Both the ACT and SAT are widely accepted, and colleges generally have no preference for one over the other. The key is to choose the test that best suits your individual strengths and test-taking style.

To decide which test to focus on, consider the following differences between the SAT and ACT:

1. Structure: The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not. The SAT focuses more on evidence-based reading and writing, and its Math section concentrates more on algebra and data analysis.

2. Timing: The ACT generally offers less time per question compared to the SAT. This can be a significant factor for students who may need more time to read and fully comprehend the questions.

3. Scoring: For the ACT, each of the four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) receives a subscore from 1 to 36. Your composite score is the average of these four subscores. The SAT has two sections, Math and Evidence-Based Reading, each scored between 200 to 800. These two section scores are added to get the total score, which ranges from 400 to 1600.

4. Guessing Penalty: Neither test penalizes you for guessing, so feel free to answer every question on both tests, even if you're not sure of the correct response.

To determine which test is a better fit for you, it's recommended to take a practice test for each. There are numerous free, official practice tests available for both the SAT and ACT. Review your scores, assess which test you felt more comfortable taking, and identify strengths and areas that need improvement for each test. Focus on the test that highlights your strengths, and consider seeking guidance from teachers, counselors, or test prep experts for further advice on which test is better suited for you.

Ultimately, your personal preferences, abilities, and comfort level will help you decide which test is best for you to focus on. Prepare accordingly, and remember that many colleges are still test-optional due to the changing landscape of standardized testing, but submitting strong test scores can still enhance your application.