Generally, it is not necessary to report both SAT and ACT scores unless specifically requested by the college or university. It is recommended to research the specific requirements and preferences of each institution before submitting scores.
Now take a closer look
When it comes to reporting SAT and ACT scores, it is important for students to do their research and understand the specific requirements and preferences of each institution. Generally, it is not necessary to report both scores unless specifically requested. Many colleges and universities accept scores from either exam, and some even allow students to choose which set of scores they want to submit.
According to the College Board, “Most colleges don’t prefer one test over the other. That means you can choose which test to send scores from.” However, there are some colleges that have specific policies regarding score reporting. For example, some schools may require applicants to submit scores from both exams if they have taken both. Other institutions may only require one set of scores, or may require SAT Subject Tests in addition to either the SAT or ACT.
In general, it is recommended that students take both the SAT and ACT to see which exam they perform better on. However, if a student has a clear preference or performs significantly better on one exam, it may be best to only report those scores. Some colleges may also “Superscore” exams, meaning they will take the highest individual section scores from multiple test dates and combine them to form a new, higher total score.
It’s important to keep in mind that test scores are just one aspect of a student’s application, and many colleges and universities use a holistic approach to admissions. As Harvard University states on their website, “no score alone can guarantee admission or deny it.”
In the end, it is ultimately up to the individual student to decide which scores to report. By researching and understanding the policies of each institution, students can make informed decisions about their applications.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Action expresses priorities.” In the case of reporting SAT and ACT scores, a student’s priorities should be based on their personal performance and the requirements of the colleges they are applying to.
To summarize, here’s a table of some key points to keep in mind when reporting SAT and ACT scores:
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Can choose which test to send | Yes | Yes |
| Some colleges may require | Scores from both exams | Scores from both exams |
| Some colleges only require | One set of scores | One set of scores |
| Some colleges superscore | Yes | Yes |
Overall, students should take both exams, see which exam they perform better on, and research the requirements of each college they plan to apply to before deciding which scores to report.
See a video about the subject.
The video discusses the pros and cons of submitting SAT/ACT scores to test optional colleges and provides guidance on how to make the decision. Using the example of a student with a 25 ACT score applying to three colleges with different score ranges, the speaker advises submitting the score for colleges where it is above or within the range, but not for colleges where it is below the average, as it may hurt the admissions chances.
Other viewpoints exist
ALL college admissions prefer the two tests equally, and typically encourage students to list both. Either way, it most certainly will not hurt your transcript. Good luck with your admissions!
If you have taken both the SAT and ACT exams, you should report all scores from whichever test you choose to report. However, if your scores on the ACT and SAT are not equally impressive, do not submit both. Instead, only submit the scores that place you higher amongst other admitted students. If both your scores are awesome and you want to send both in, make sure your school accepts both. Some schools may prefer to see both scores, so check with the admissions office.
Yale says āapplicants who have taken the SAT or ACT exam multiple times should report all scores from whichever test they choose to report. Applicants who choose to report scores from both the SAT and ACT should report all scores received on both tests.
If your scores on the ACT and SAT are not equally impressive, do not submit both. Instead, only submit the scores that place you higher amongst other admitted students. Again, use the information available from a web query to see how last yearās admitted students faired. Then, select the scores that place you closer to the top.
Donāt send in both scores just for the sake of sending in both scores. Focus on making the best case for yourselfāand that means sending in things that highlight your academic prowess, not things that could cast a shadow on it. If both your scores are awesome and you want to send both in, make sure your school accepts both. Not all schools do.
If both your SAT and ACT scores are nearly the same, then I still recommend that you only send in scores from one test. However, there are a few very highly schools that have stated they like to see both. In this case, check with the admissions office. And only submit both if you have very high scores on both.
More interesting questions on the issue
Regarding this, Should you submit both SAT and ACT scores?
As a response to this: No school will require you to submit scores from both tests, so you definitely don’t need to take both the ACT and the SAT. Keep in mind that, regardless of what you might have heard to the contrary, all schools accept both the ACT and the SAT.
Should you report SAT or ACT scores?
The rule of thumb is always this: Send the scores that make you look the best. If your SAT is higher, send the SAT. If your ACT is higher, send the ACT.
Do colleges look at both SAT and ACT scores?
In reply to that: 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.
Do SAT and ACT scores matter anymore? The answer is: The importance of SAT and ACT scores is not a thing of the past. While there are a select number of colleges, or test blind schools, that do not look at test scores, there are far more schools that will take your test scores into account if you submit them.
Should I submit my SAT or ACT scores? The answer is: If your GPA and SAT or ACT score are both relatively high in comparison to the class average, then definitely submit those scores! Or, if you find that your GPA is somewhat low, but your standardized test scores are somewhat high, then sending them in could definitely be a boost to your application.
Beside above, Which SAT score should I send?
As a response to this: The rule of thumb is always this: Send the scores that make you look the best. If your SAT is higher, send the SAT. If your ACT is higher, send the ACT. Are both great?
Herein, What percentage of college applicants have no SAT or ACT score? In the fall 2021 college application cycle, about 20% of applicants had no recorded SAT or ACT score, according to data from the Admissions Research Consortium of the College Board, the not-for-profit organization that administers the SAT. Half submitted an SAT or ACT score and 30% had a score but chose not to submit it.
Keeping this in consideration, Should I skip the SAT or act if I don’t take standardized tests?
Before you decide that you arenāt taking standardized tests, make sure you do your homework. The truth of the matter is that having test scores in hand means you can apply to almost any college in the United States, whereas skipping the SAT or ACT will limit the number of universities you can apply to.
Also asked, Should I submit my SAT or ACT scores?
If your GPA and SAT or ACT score are both relatively high in comparison to the class average, then definitely submit those scores! Or, if you find that your GPA is somewhat low, but your standardized test scores are somewhat high, then sending them in could definitely be a boost to your application.
Should I skip the SAT or act if I don’t take standardized tests? Before you decide that you arenāt taking standardized tests, make sure you do your homework. The truth of the matter is that having test scores in hand means you can apply to almost any college in the United States, whereas skipping the SAT or ACT will limit the number of universities you can apply to.
Also asked, Will My SAT score take the sting out of my ACT score? Although your ACT score could potentially take the sting out of your SAT score, itās much more likely that your SAT score will take the shine off your ACT score. Same thing goes if you rocked out the SAT but didnāt do so well on the ACT. Donāt send in both scores just for the sake of sending in both scores.
When will my ACT scores be reported? ACT is committed to providing your scores as quickly as possible but cannot guarantee a specific date for your scores to be reported. If your scores are not yet available, while during the posted timeframe, ACT is unable to provide a status or timeline about a specific score. Occasionally we are unable to post scores when expected.