I’m a junior who’s about to take the ACT in a few weeks and I wasn’t able to take the SAT because I couldn’t afford it. So I need to know if I’ll still be able to be accepted into colleges without an SAT score. On the PSAT I got a 1060 and on practice ACT I took a few years ago I got a 21. If I score around that same number on the ACT will I be able to get into college with that score alone or am I screwed?
You definitely don’t need to take both the SAT and the ACT. Most institutions require one of them.
The following link is from “College Simply” and it’s basically entitled “What colleges can I get into with an ACT score of 21?”
http://www.collegesimply.com/guides/21-on-the-act/
Don’t rely on that, though. Getting into college with that ACT score depends on which colleges you’re considering. It’s always advisable to try to study more and get high grades, so best of luck!
You only have to take one test, the ACT or the SAT.
Have you looked at online prep for the ACT? Books like Barrons?
You don’t need both and depending on what schools you want to get in ,you definitely aren’t screwed.
Depends…
I am a strong math student myself, so I take the SAT
Score breakdown for both tests
SAT:
Math (50% of Test)
Critical Reading (25% of Test)
Writing (25% of Test)
ACT:
Reading 25%
English 25%
Math 25%
Science 25%
The SAT is better and it is way easier. So if you are strong at math take the SAT and submit those to colleges instead.
You only need one. If you are happy with the ACT, there is no reason to take the SAT. Best of luck!
SAT or ACT is ok. You don’t need both.
To choose between them, focus on what your strengths are.
Be realistic. Be pragmatic. And be prepared.
If you are low income, talk to your guidance counselor about fee waivers for the college application process. You’ll want them for tests now and for college application fees later.
If you have a school in mind, you can look up the expected ACT scores to see how a score fits.
Schools have no preference for the SAT or the ACT. But some schools require SAT Subject Tests if you take the SAT but not the SAT; some schools require SAT Subject Tests regardless; and some schools don’t take SAT Subject Test scores.
SAT:
Why is it hard? Harder questions.
What does it require? Critical thinking and help
What does it test? Aptitude, scholastic achievement, and real-life problem solving.
Reading: Harder passages. More emphasis on evidence support (which includes chart analysis).
Writing: Harder passages. More emphasis on rhetorics.
Math: More emphasis on multi-step problem-solving and real-life problems with more time per question.
Science: Just a subscore that does not affect your main SAT score. Score based on all questions of the 3rd and 5th Reading passages of SAT, some questions on a science-related Writing passage, and some science-related math questions.
Essay (optional): Requires reading and writing; Argument analysis.
ACT:
Why is it hard? Little time per question.
What does it require? Concentration and efficiency
What does it test? Scholastic achievement.
Reading: Less time per question.
English (equivalent to SAT Writing): Very limited time. More emphasis on grammar/conventions.
Math: More emphasis on higher level, scholastic math topics and less time per question.
Science: Reading and chart analysis of scientific topics with strict time limits.
Essay (optional): Requires writing much more than reading; Make an argument.
Though you don’t have to, I would definitely do both because the SAT and ACT tests different things. By scoring well in both tests you’ll prove yourself to be well-rounded in a variety skill areas. As for your scores, they’re a bit low but you (1) still have opportunities to bring them up and (2) will not be screwed over by them, as your testing scores are not the primary indicator of your abilities as a student and good colleges know this! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و
Some colleges don’t require an SAT score, but in New England a majority if not all of their colleges do. Taking both tests will broaden your college options. It also wouldn’t hurt you to consider taking SAT subject tests. If you talk to your college guidance counselor you can determine if you’re eligible for a fee waiver; on top of covering two SAT exams and three subject tests, the waiver will also cover four college application fees, making applying free (for participating colleges at least, but College Board markets over 2000 partners and growing).