Do more kids take the SAT or ACT?

In the class of 2023, 1.9 million high school students took the SAT at least once, up slightly from 1.7 million in the previous year's class, according to College Board data. Nearly 1.4 million students in the class of 2023 took the ACT, a slight increase from the previous year.

Is the ACT or SAT more common?

The ACT is popular across the U.S., while the SAT is most popular in coastal states. Regardless of a student's location, most colleges use standardized tests as just one part of the admissions process and therefore have no strong preference for the ACT or SAT, only minimum score requirements on one or the other.

Do most schools take SAT or ACT?

Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

Do students usually do better on SAT or ACT?

The ACT is better if you study school subjects more: aside from the ACT resembling a high school test more than the SAT does, it also tests a broader range of knowledge than the SAT does--taking AP Chemistry, for example, won't help you on the SAT.

How many students take the SAT or ACT?

More than 1.9 million high school students took the SAT in 2023, the majority of them juniors and seniors. By comparison, 1.4 million students took the alternative standardized test, the American College Test (ACT), in the same year.

Should my child take the SAT or ACT?

Is 1200 a good SAT score?

The average SAT score is a 1040, so a 1200 is above average. A 1200 SAT score is between the 71st and 80th percentile of test takers, meaning that you scored above 71-80% of other students. A score of 1200 opens a wide range of college options, assuming you have comparable grades (mostly A's and B's).

Is 980 a bad SAT score?

Yes, 980 is below average score. Will suggest you retake the test.

Why ACT is preferred over SAT?

However, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities. Additionally, the ACT also includes a science section, making it a go-to choice for those interested in STEM fields.

Is the ACT harder than the SAT?

The SAT is not harder than the ACT. Both tests vary slightly in terms of subjects covered and structure. These variations can affect each test-taker differently, making one exam more challenging than the other. Taking full-length practice tests of each type can help you determine which may be best suited for you.

Is it easier to raise SAT or ACT score?

Both of these tests are equally difficult, so regardless of your personal strengths, you can do well on both of them with the right resources and strategies.

Why are colleges getting rid of SAT?

In an October 2022 webinar called “Preparing for a Supreme Court Decision Involving Race-Conscious Admissions,” NACAC officials similarly advised college admissions officers to “eliminate consideration of applicants' ACT and SAT scores because they reflect a variety of biases related to race and ethnicity” as well as “ ...

Should I take the SAT or ACT 2023?

Colleges don't care which test a student takes. The ACT and SAT are equally acceptable. One won't look better or give you a leg up in admissions. (No, the science section of the ACT will not make you a stronger STEM applicant!)

Is SAT not required anymore?

In 2020, many colleges and universities (almost 2,000 for fall 2024 admission) transitioned to test optional or test blind. This means that these schools will no longer require (or in some cases, even consider) a student's SAT and ACT test scores when reviewing their applications for admission.

Is the ACT a Midwest thing?

For many decades, the choice between the SAT and the ACT was considered a regional thing, with the SAT more popular on the coasts, the ACT in the West, and especially the Midwest. Now, any institution that accepts the SAT will accept the ACT, and vice-versa.

Is a ACT score of 19 good?

A good ACT score ranks you higher than the majority of test-takers. As such, any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19-20, can be considered a solid score.

Is a 29 on the ACT a good score?

A 29 ACT score puts you in the 91st percentile — that means you scored higher than 91% of all test takers. That's a brilliant accomplishment and you should be proud!

Is math harder on ACT or SAT?

The ACT tests slightly more complex, more advanced math. Both exams test almost identical mathematical material. You need a strong grasp on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to thrive. And the New SAT has added some of the advanced concepts formerly reserved only for the ACT.

Why do less people take the ACT?

Many universities have made standardized admissions tests optional amid criticism that they favor the wealthy and put low-income students at a disadvantage. Some including the University of California system do not consider ACT or SAT scores even if submitted.

Is GPA more important than SAT ACT?

As a result, students and parents often assume that their GPA is always more important than their SAT scores. Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach. The truth is that students who want to get into competitive universities need to view their SAT scores as equally important to their GPA.

Is the ACT or SAT shorter?

Section Length

In terms of overall testing time, the SAT test used to be a little longer than the ACT test. In its new digital format, the SAT test is now just over two hours long (134 minutes), whereas the ACT test is either 2.9 hours (without the essay) or 3.5 hours (with the essay).

Is 1700 a good SAT score?

The 50th percentile mark is around a 1500; anything within 50-100 points of 1500 is an average score. This should translate to around a 1000 on the new SAT. The 75th percentile score is around a 1700, so anything above this is a great score.

Is 910 a low SAT score?

A 910 SAT score is quite low but you're in luck: you usually don't have to submit it. The SAT is now optional for the vast majority of schools in the U.S. so you are not strictly eliminated from any school just because of a low SAT.

Is 1300 a bad SAT score?

A 1300 SAT score puts you at the 87th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 87% of all other test takers.

Is 800 a good SAT score?

With scores ranging from 400 to 1600 and more than 1.7 million students nationwide taking the SAT each year, the average score range is between 1000-1100. A score of 800 falls significantly below that national average and is about the 8th percentile of all test takers, which means that 92% received a higher score.

Is 790 a bad SAT score?

790 SAT Score Standings

Out of the 2.13 million test-takers, 1934160 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 7 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1482 schools with this score.