I am currently a sophomore and am curious as to whether or not I should take the ACT. I already know for sure that I will take the SATs, and many people have told me that colleges normally take SATs more seriously than the ACTs. I know there’s no harm in taking both, but I’m almost certain that I would do much worse on the ACT than the SAT, meaning I would need to take a considerable amount of time studying for the ACT. Considering my relatively busy schedule, I’d like to ask for advice as to whether or not taking the time to prep for the ACT is a good idea if I’m also going to be prepping for the SAT.
I am interested in applying for ivy league schools as a reference. I’m very involved in multiple sports and band, and will also be self studying for some AP’s this year so I’d like to make the best use of my time.
Some people do better on one test than the other. Just pace yourself and see how the SAT goes, and then decide if you want to try your luck with the ACT.
@CS1211 You will be well served by getting test prep started early.
Many students/parents think The ACT is “easier” than the SAT. This is a common myth – pitting one test against the other and even asserting that colleges value one over the other. However, all colleges and universities equally consider both tests. No test is “easier” than the other. The factor that students must consider when choosing which test to take and prepare for is which one is a better fit for his or her abilities.
As suggested above, try each test, under test conditions, and see where your strengths lie.
Thank you all. I will take both tests. Which year should I take my first ACT? I already know I will be taking my first SAT around the beginning of Junior year (fall) and was wondering if taking the ACT towards the end of sophomore year would be a decent start.
@CS1211
You should take the tests whenever you feel that you are ready. I would say take the SAT beginning Junior year and ACT in the middle of your Junior and take more as needed.