Understanding Undergraduate Standardized Tests: Why They Matter & Which Should I Take?
For decades, standardized tests have been a crucial part of the college admissions process. Whether you love them, hate them, or wish they would disappear altogether, they remain a reality for many students. But in an era of test-optional policies and growing debate over their fairness, do standardized tests still matter? And if so, which one should you take?
Why Standardized Tests Still Matter
In recent years, many colleges have made standardized tests optional, leading some students to wonder if they should even bother. The truth is, these tests can still make a significant difference in your application. A strong SAT or ACT score can:
Boost your application – If your GPA is on the lower side, a higher test score can help balance out your application.
Stand out in competitive admissions – While some schools are truly test-optional, others may still give weight to strong scores, especially for highly competitive programs.
While colleges emphasize a “holistic” review process, the reality is that a solid test score can still give you an edge—especially if you're applying to selective schools.
SAT vs. ACT: Which Should You Take?
If you’ve decided that taking a standardized test is the right choice for you, or if the schools you’re aiming for require a standardized test score, the next question is: SAT or ACT? While both are widely accepted, there are key differences that might make one a better fit for you.
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Time per question | More time per question | Fast-paced |
| Math Focus | More algebra-heavy, includes some no-calculator sections | More geometry and trigonometry, calculator allowed for all math |
| Science Section | No dedicated science section (but includes data interpretation) | Optional science reasoning section |
| Reading Passages | Fewer but longer passages | More but shorter passages |
| Scoring | 400-1600 scale | 1-36 scale |
If you’re strong in math and prefer more time per question, the SAT may be a better fit. If you excel at reading and science and are good at working quickly, the ACT might be the way to go. Admissions gives no preference to one test over the other.
Making the Right Choice for You
Ultimately, whether to take a standardized test—and which one—depends on your college goals, academic strengths, and testing abilities. If your target schools are test-optional, consider whether your score will strengthen your application. If you need a score for admissions, practicing and preparing to take the SAT or ACT is a smart move. While standardized tests are no longer the sole deciding factor for college admissions, they remain a data point in the admissions decision.
Service to School has an established partnership with Princeton Review and has a test prep code available for applicants working with Service to School. Please reach out to the S2S staff for additional test prep resources or review our Preparing for the SAT worksheet here.