Since 1901, colleges have used standardized test scores as a uniform baseline to assess students’ aptitude for college study.  Historically, schools on the East and West coasts have taken the SAT while students in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states have taken the ACT.  Teens in the South have split their allegiance between the two tests.  Since 2007, however, all colleges and universities in the United States accept both the SAT and ACT. In fact, both tests hold equal merit to university admissions officials. So students now have the attractive option of choosing which of the tests is best for them.

Students and parents should understand that the SAT and ACT have some differences in content and format. As a result, each test will have stronger appeal to a different type of test taker.