SparkNotes

Should I Re-take the SAT or Try the ACT?

We’ve been discussing SAT scores quite a bit lately: What do they mean to your college application? Will they help you get into the school of your dreams? But one of the toughest questions that inevitably comes up when discussing scores is whether or not to retake the test. Here's an email we received from one concerned reader:

My reading score is 530, math 730 and writing 630. So I am below the 50% mark in critical reading, but above it in math and writing. Would you advise that SAT be retaken? My key grades (math, physics and chemistry) are all A, and I have an average set of extracurricular activities.

One the flip side, there's the question of whether to take the ACT instead. Here's another reader:

I am planning to apply to Marymount Manhattan college. My SAT scores aren’t so great, but my GPA isn’t so bad. I have already taken the SAT twice already and was wondering if I should take it for a third time or try taking the ACT. Any suggestions?

Actually, I would advise both of these readers to give the ACT a try. Why? In the second reader’s case, if you’re still not satisfied with your SAT score after the second round (assuming you studied both times), you likely won’t see any drastic changes the third time unless you’ve been undertaking some rigorous test preparations. Many students find the ACT to be a more straightforward test than the SAT. It’s worth seeing if you can use that to your scoring advantage.  For the first reader, critical reading is a section of the ACT that many students find much easier than its SAT counterpart. It would be worth seeing if you could bump up your score in that area.

Here are two things to keep in mind before you sign up for the next ACT test:

1. Make sure the schools that you’re applying to accept ACT scores in place of SAT scores. Most do, but it’s worth double checking.
2. You'll need to study. While many students find the ACT somewhat easier, it does test you on some topics, particularly in math and science, that are not covered on the SAT. In addition, some of the questions are presented in a different way than on the SAT. You need to familiarize yourself with the ACT sections and take a few practice tests.

It’s worth repeating here that high scores on the SAT and ACT are no guarantee that you’ll get into your dream school. But by taking different tests and trying to get the best scores you can, you’re actively trying to improve your overall application package. Doing so is time well spent, regardless of the final results.

Have you taken both the SAT and the ACT? Which one do you prefer? Share your experiences in the comments. And email us at testpreptutor@sparknotes.com.

Related Post: I Got My Score...But What Does It Say About My Future?

By: Maggie Flynn

Topics: SAT, act, scores, retaking the test

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