The short answer to the question above is no. As of 2023, all colleges that consider standardized test scores as part of their admissions processes will take SAT or ACT scores at an equal value.
This myth has persisted primarily because of the fact that a lot of states mandate that their high schoolers take either the SAT or ACT during the school day. CPS students take the SAT at their schools in April. Just north in Wisconsin, the ACT is mandated, so it varies state to state. Additionally, about half of incoming college freshmen attend colleges that are within 100 miles of their hometowns. As a result, colleges tend to receive a majority of test scores from the test that their state mandates that students take in high school (i.e. the SAT for Illinois students). Not all states mandate the SAT or ACT, but each state often leans one way or the other.
All of that being said, these state mandates and local tendencies do not affect how colleges consider either test, and students should just take whichever test they feel most confident. Students may also take both tests, but should consider the extra preparation time, stress, and testing fees that would be involved.
Check out our article ‘What's the Difference Between the SAT and the ACT?’ from November, 2022 to see which test is right for you!
Nate Hall, Director of Technology & Tutoring Coordinator
nate@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266