Is it okay if I don't take the ACT?

The SAT and ACT may be optional for you to take, depending on what colleges you decide to apply to. When building your college list, be sure to take note of which schools do and don't require test scores so you know what to expect when it's time to apply.

What happens if you don't take the ACT?

If you are unable to test, standby requests will not transfer to another test date or test center. Instead, ACT will refund the fees paid for your standby request after all answer documents have been processed for the test event.

Is it bad to not study for the ACT?

Bottom line: taking the SAT or ACT without at least minimal prepping is never a good idea. While you can take these tests as many times as you like, we advise students not to take any test more than 4 times, and taking a test twice is really ideal.

Do you really need to take the ACT?

If you're wondering "do you have to take the ACT?" know that the answer will highly depend on your own circumstances. You might need to take the ACT for college applications, because your state or high school requires it, for enrichment programs you're applying to, or for financial aid or scholarships.

Is it okay to not finish the ACT?

What happens if you don't finish/skip a section on the ACT? Not finishing a section may affect your score for that section; however, skipping a section can prevent your test from being graded.

Do colleges really not care if you take the SAT or ACT?

Do colleges care about ACT anymore?

Most colleges are test-optional or test-blind now, but not these top schools. Oct. 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. While the need for submitting SAT/ACT scores has lessened, there are still some universities that require the test scores on applications.

Do colleges take ACT seriously?

The ACT is Accepted

So you can rest easy knowing that if you take the ACT, you do not need to take the SAT to get into college. In terms of nominal legitimacy, the ACT is equal to or even above the SAT. Universities will accept ACT takers universally.

Can you get into college without taking ACT?

Although the ACT and SAT are the two most common college entrance exams, many schools do not require either of these tests. If you cannot access testing or deal with test anxiety, you can explore one of the many on-campus or online colleges that don't require SAT or ACT scores.

Do colleges prefer ACT or SAT?

This is a common misconception. 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.

Can I graduate without taking the ACT?

TL;DR answer: Yes. Longer answer: Most US high schools don't require the SAT or ACT; those are generally for those who intend to attend college, which many students do not. Furthermore, many colleges no longer require the ACT and SAT.

Does the ACT really matter?

Some colleges may offer automatic scholarships to students who achieve a certain score on the ACT or SAT. Other schools may use test scores as one factor in awarding merit-based aid, so higher scores can increase your student's overall eligibility for scholarships and grants.

Is taking the ACT optional?

The truth is, it depends. It's important for you to ask questions of the college or university you are considering to fully understand how various admissions criteria are weighted and which aspects are most important. Some schools still prefer test scores, even if they say they are test optional.

Does the ACT test really matter?

Depends on the college. Some want you to take either the SAT or ACT; some don't require tests; and some are currently test-optional. If a college requires a test, you may assume your score is important. If it's test-optional, a very good score could help your application.

How hard is the ACT test?

Ultimately, the difficulty of the ACT depends on the test-taker. Some may find the long reading passages and complex math questions challenging. But since the test uses a predictable format and structure, even students who find the test hard can improve their performance with practice.

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 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.

What is the lowest ACT to get into college?

What is the lowest ACT score a college will accept? In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools.

What if I never took the SAT or ACT?

Many colleges and universities are now ““test optional” so you can apply without taking the SAT or ACT. Check into the specific colleges you'd like to attend. Find out if they are test-optional, or if they would waive the test scores requirement for a mature student.

Is ACT necessary for Harvard?

Average ACT: 34

The 25th percentile ACT score is 34, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 36. Even though Harvard likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 34 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application.

Does GPA or ACT matter more?

According to a 2020 study, high school GPA is a better predictor of college graduation than ACT scores. This study confirms that the ACT score only makes a difference depending on the high school that students attend.

Does a bad ACT score hurt you?

(Read more about how many students get a 36 ACT every year and how their admissions chances are improved.) So to recap, any ACT score below 33 will lower your chances at the most selective schools. And any score below a 30 is decidedly low for top colleges.

Does ACT affect your GPA?

Standardized test scores such as the ACT/SAT don't reflect GPA growth: While GPAs have risen, standardized test scores like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) haven't shown similar improvements, suggesting a disconnect between grades and actual academic mastery.

Why are schools moving away from ACT?

A 2021 study found that, among a group of about 100 private colleges, making tests optional was linked to small increases in the number of enrolled students from low-income backgrounds. In light of the overwhelming shift away from testing requirements, hundreds of thousands fewer students are sitting for the exams.

Do most students finish the ACT?

The ACT is a time crunch, and most students have trouble finishing the whole test in the allotted time.

Is the ACT really important for college?

Colleges use ACT scores to place you in the right classes at the right level. And, your ACT score can help you place out of remedial coursework rather than sitting for additional placement tests on campus — saving time and money!