Is the ACT or SAT more popular?

Across the U.S., the ACT is more common, with the SAT often being preferred — or taken alongside the ACT — in most coastal states.

Is the SAT more popular than ACT?

About 1.9 million students took the SAT test, while roughly 1.4 million students took the ACT test. It's important to note that both the ACT and SAT tests are available in all 50 states, regardless of their popularity from state to state. We recommend visiting the tests' websites to find a testing center near you.

Do universities prefer SAT or ACT?

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.

Does Harvard prefer ACT or SAT?

Harvard has no preference between the SAT and ACT, so choose the test that's a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times. The range of SAT scores and ACT composite scores for students admitted to Harvard varies.

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.

SAT vs. ACT: Choose in 10 Minutes!

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!

Should I submit a 33 ACT to Harvard?

Even though Harvard probably states that there is no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 33 or lower, you will likely struggle to get in unless you have other extremely strong application materials. Because so many applicants received a 34 or higher, a 33 will appear to be an academically inadequate score.

Is a 35 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

Is a 35 ACT good enough for Ivy League? A score of 35 is within the average range for first-year students at Ivy League institutions. However, a high ACT score alone probably won't be enough to get in.

Should I submit a 32 ACT to Harvard?

Average ACT: 34

The 25th percentile ACT score is 34, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 36. In other words, a 34 places you below average, while a 36 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

Why take ACT instead of SAT?

Both tests evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. 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.

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!)

Should I take the SAT or ACT or both?

Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT and express no preference for either test. That said, significant percentages of students at selective colleges are submitting scores from both tests when they apply.

What are the cons of the ACT?

Do SAT and ACT matter anymore?

The importance of SAT and ACT scores is not a thing of the past. While there are a select number of colleges, or test blind schools, that do not look at test scores, there are far more schools that will take your test scores into account if you submit them.

Is SAT English easier than ACT?

Bottom Line: The Writing/English sections for both tests are highly similar. However, if you have a solid knowledge of grammar and sentence structure, you might find ACT English easier, whereas if you prefer questions about writing style and vocabulary, SAT Writing might be easier for you.

Is 1300 a good SAT score?

Is a 1300 a good SAT score? The average composite SAT score is 1059, and the highest possible score is 1600, putting 1300 above average and competitive. A 1300 SAT score allows you to apply competitively to a large number of schools, making it an objectively good score for most students.

Is 27 a good ACT score?

A 27 ACT score puts you a good deal about the national average (20.8) and makes you eligible for acceptance at a vast majority of schools. It also makes you competitive at some selective institutions, as well as eligible for merit aid! Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good.

How rare is a 36 on the ACT?

Unsurprisingly, a full 36 is the rarest score of all—just 0.25% of all test takers earned a perfect ACT score. Roughly three times more students earned the next-highest score of 35; however, this is still a very rare score that just 0.775% of test takers earned.

Can a 3.8 get into Harvard?

Harvard University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9.

Is 34 ACT good enough for Yale?

Average ACT: 34

The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. Even though Yale likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 33 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application.

Can I get into Yale with a 33 ACT?

Admissions Summary

Students that get into Yale University have an SAT score between 1470–1560* or an ACT score of 33–35*. Regular applications are due January 2.

Is a 28 bad on ACT?

With a score of 28, you are in the 91st percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 28, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at highly selective colleges. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Should I retake ACT with a 29?

A 29 on the ACT is definitely a good score! It falls in around the 92nd percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 92% of test takers. This score can be competitive for many colleges and universities, but the competitiveness also depends on the specific schools you're interested in.

Is 27 ACT good for NYU?

Average ACT: 34

There's no absolute ACT requirement at NYU, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.