Comparing ACT & SAT Scoring
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools made the ACT and SAT optional. Most top colleges, including all eight Ivy League schools, are continuing to forgo testing requirements. While it’s unclear how long this will continue, there is plenty of speculation that the policy will become permanent.
Despite these changes, we still encourage students to take one of the standardized admissions tests. Strong test scores will boost your college application and make you stand out from those who opted out of the elective challenge. Importantly, note that MIT and Georgetown reverted to requiring ACT and SAT scores. So unless you’re certain that you’ll be applying only to test-optional colleges, you should prepare for and take either the ACT or SAT.
Despite slight differences in format and subject matter between the ACT and SAT, both tests measure a student’s reading, writing, and mathematics abilities. Colleges don’t have a preference for either test. A high score on one test is just as advantageous as a high score on the other.
Each test has a distinct scoring scale, and the College Board has produced a concordance study to compare scores from both exams. While the concordance is not an exact equivalent, it’s a useful tool for comparing and predicting a student’s performance.
ACT vs SAT Conversion Chart
If standardized tests aren’t your strong suit or you want additional tutoring support, Ivy Link offers comprehensive 1:1 test preparation for both the ACT and SAT, which includes multiple full-length practice tests completed in simulated testing conditions. We recommend starting the preparation process as early as 10th grade. Don’t hesitate to reach out to find out how we can help you achieve your college goals.
