Many colleges and universities don’t require you to take the ACT or SAT to apply or be accepted. However, if your dream school lists these exams as “optional”, it may still be in your best interest to take them. If you find yourself asking, “Should I take the SAT or ACT?” here are five reasons why answering “yes” may be a smart move.
1. You Could Win Scholarships
Flickr user Karla Mora
Some scholarships are granted because of your scores on the ACT or SAT. The PSAT, for example, is actually a competition (though great practice for the real deal) hosted by the National Merit Scholarship Program. If you score high enough, you could win recognition for your achievement in addition to a scholarship.
Local, regional, and state organizations may also grant you scholarships based on your scores on the ACT or SAT. Even if it’s not a main requirement to apply for the award, scores on these exams could influence their decision in choosing a winner, especially if there is a tie between applicants.
2. You Could End up Applying to a School That Requires It
While your current list of preferred schools may not require ACT or SAT scores, it’s still advisable to take these exams. This proactive approach ensures you’re prepared in case you reconsider your application choices or decide to add more schools to your list. Some institutions may require ACT or SAT scores, and being ready in advance can save you time and broaden your admission opportunities.
3. It Gives Your Application a Boost
Opting to take the ACT or SAT can only enhance your college application. Colleges view this as a positive initiative, demonstrating your commitment to going the extra mile. A good score can highlight your thinking abilities or knowledge in a subject, strengthening your application.
Not to mention, a strong test score on the ACT or SAT might serve as the decisive factor if your acceptance status is tied with another student. If you took the exam and they didn’t, it could tip the scale in your favor, leading to you receiving the acceptance letter.
4. Your Scores May Set You Apart
Top-tier academic institutions often have stringent admission criteria, making it challenging for students—even those with impressive GPAs—to distinguish themselves. Enrolling in the ACT or SAT and promptly submitting your scores can play a crucial role in setting you apart from other applicants.
5. You Hope to Play a College Sport
The National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) helps student-athletes connect with college coaches. Coaches often look for student-athletes who not only excel in their sport but also meet academic standards. Having strong ACT or SAT scores demonstrates you can likely handle both sports and school work in college.
When is the Best Time to Take the ACT or SAT?
Many students spend two to three months preparing for the ACT or SAT. While some wait until the fall of senior year to take the test, it is usually better to do it before the spring of your junior year. This way, you have enough time to retake it if you want or need to before your application deadlines.
Even if your college application doesn’t require you to submit an SAT or ACT score, it might be a good idea to take the tests anyway. After all, you can always choose to keep scores private and if you don’t, most colleges will only look at your best scores.
So, should you take the SAT or ACT? Ultimately, the decision to take the test is a personal one. Consider the schools and scholarships you’re applying to, the current strength of your application, and how well you perform on tests.
————————————————————————————————————–
To see how your ACT/SAT score affects your acceptance odds, look at each of your potential colleges using College Raptor’s College Match tool!
