The ACT and SAT are widely recognized standardized tests used in the college admissions process. While the SAT is more commonly known, the ACT offers unique advantages. In this discussion, you will explore five compelling reasons why students should consider taking both exams. By taking both the ACT and SAT, students can enhance their chances of success, highlight different strengths, and present a comprehensive view of their academic abilities. Understanding the benefits of taking both exams allows students to make informed decisions and increase their opportunities for admission to their preferred educational institutions.
However, to effectively prepare for these exams, most students think about how often should I take sat practice tests. Regular practice tests provide valuable opportunities to familiarize you with the test format, improve time management skills, and identify areas that require additional focus. By incorporating regular practice tests into your study routine, you can track your progress, refine your test-taking strategies, and boost your confidence for the actual exam.
5 reasons Why You Should Consider Taking Both the ACT and SAT
Increased flexibility
Increased flexibility in selecting test dates is a valuable advantage to consider when planning for standardized tests. It has become evident in recent years that careful preparation and foresight are crucial when deciding on test dates.
By opting to take both the ACT and SAT exams, you gain access to a broader range of test dates. Each test offers seven Saturday administrations per year, although there may be overlapping dates in December.
Incorporating both tests into your testing strategy grants you more options and flexibility. This flexibility proves particularly beneficial for rising seniors who have limited test dates remaining before their college applications are due.
Provides more options
One of the main reasons why students choose to take both the ACT and SAT exams is to broaden their options. By doing so, they have the opportunity to select the test on which they achieve a higher score and submit those scores to colleges and universities.
Moreover, engaging in preparation for and taking both exams fosters adaptability when it comes to selecting test dates. While preparing for a single exam can be demanding, opting for both tests may initially appear daunting. However, you have strong justifications for advocating the choice to take both exams. Ultimately, being exposed to both exams equips students with valuable skills for their upcoming college examinations.
Additionally, practicing SAT exam past papers can significantly contribute to a student’s readiness for the actual SAT exam. By familiarizing themselves with the format, content, and types of questions found in past papers, students can enhance their test-taking strategies and improve their overall performance on the SAT exam.
Increases opportunities
Increases opportunities to reach score goals Due to variations in difficulty levels based on individual testing abilities, determining which test will yield the highest score can be a daunting task without firsthand experience. Taking both the ACT and SAT enhances the likelihood of achieving an above-average score. If a student encounters difficulty in obtaining a top-tier score on one test, trying the other test can provide a fresh opportunity. Although the ACT and SAT share similarities, they possess fundamental differences in content and question format, as outlined in another post detailing the key distinctions between the two.
Scores for both tests typically arrive a few weeks after the test date. Each test provides a comprehensive score report that breaks down performance in each section. As the tests employ different scoring scales, referring to a score concordance chart facilitates result comparison.
Provides a competitive edge
Achieving exceptional scores on both the ACT and SATs can be a demanding task, but with consistent preparation, it is an attainable goal. If you manage to accomplish this feat, it can be advantageous to submit scores for both exams. Particularly for highly competitive colleges such as Ivy League institutions, where the application process is rigorous, submitting outstanding scores for both tests can give you a competitive edge over applicants who only submit scores for one test. Before making a decision, it is essential to review the ACT and SAT score ranges of recently admitted students at your target colleges. This information is often available on the college’s website or in the Common Data Set. If you require additional assistance in preparing for these exams, you may consider seeking thesis help online. Online platforms can provide valuable resources and guidance to enhance your test-taking skills and increase your chances of achieving exceptional scores.
Endorsed by admissions committees
There is an increasing trend of students wanting to ensure they have done everything possible to enhance their applications. Admissions committees appreciate the submission of both test scores as it provides them with more comprehensive information.
Rapelye stated, “More information is always better. If students choose one or the other, that’s fine because both tests have value. But if they submit both, that generally gives us a little more information.”
Furthermore, it is worth noting that some college’s report that a significant portion of their students have submitted scores for both the ACT and SAT exams.
Why are the ACT and SAT exams so important?
Here are three key reasons why the ACT and SAT exams carry substantial weight:
Essential for College Applications
It’s no secret that most college applications require the submission of SAT or ACT scores (or both, if you choose to). Consequently, taking these exams becomes an absolute necessity. Your score becomes incredibly important in this context. Institutions dealing with tens of thousands of applications cannot thoroughly review every document, transcript, or essay. Unfortunately, a low score can work against you automatically.
Extends Beyond GPA
Regrettably, after your initial two years of high school, it becomes quite challenging to change or improve your GPA, especially if it was lower than desired during your freshman and sophomore years. Even if you achieve good grades in your final years, the damage may have already been done. Additionally, senior-year classes often do not factor into the GPA that colleges consider.
You’re ACT or SAT score provides another avenue to demonstrate how much you have grown academically, even if your GPA falls slightly below expectations. It offers an opportunity to showcase your ability to work under pressure, study diligently, and perform well. This is a significant reason why you should study and be well-prepared on test day.
Impacts on Future Opportunities
The results of the ACT and SAT exams can significantly influence your future opportunities. Many scholarships and financial aid packages consider these scores as crucial factors in their selection criteria. Additionally, certain programs, honors colleges, or specialized majors within universities may have specific score requirements for admission. By performing well on these exams, you increase your chances of accessing various academic and financial opportunities.
Conclusion
In summary, the ACT and SAT exams hold immense importance due to their role in college applications, their ability to showcase academic growth beyond GPA, and their impact on future opportunities such as scholarships and specialized programs. It is vital to recognize and prepare for the significance these exams carry to maximize your chances of success.
However, many students perceive SAT exams are hard due to a lack of information and preparation. As a result, they may struggle to complete their mandatory dissertations or thesis. In such cases, some students opt for master thesis writing services to assist them with their work.
References
TWH.2018. HOW TO MAKE OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM STRONG?. Online Available at: <https://thesiswritinghelp.com.pk/make-education-system-strong> (Accessed: 7 june 2023).
Kobrin, J. L., Sathy, V., & Shaw, E. J. (2007). A Historical View of Subgroup Performance Differences on the SAT Reasoning Test™. Research Report No. 2006-5. College Board.