When you’re applying to universities, you want to show your best side. Sometimes, this makes students wonder whether they should take tests like the SAT or ACT. The answer can depend on where you’re applying and what your goals are.

When You Might Skip the SAT or ACT

In many places, especially in countries like the UK, you don’t always need tests like the SAT for your university application. For example, if you’re doing the International Baccalaureate (IB) and applying to the UK, you won’t need the SAT. But, if you do really well on the SAT, you might choose to share your scores to show off your academic strength.

In the U.S.: Different Colleges, Different Rules

In the United States, colleges have different rules about the SAT or ACT. Some schools still ask for them, while others don’t.

• Schools That Require Tests: If a college asks for SAT or ACT scores, you’ll need to take the test.
• Test-Optional and Test-Blind Colleges: If a college is test-optional, you can choose whether or not to send your scores. If you think your scores are good—like 50 points higher than what most students score at that college—it might help your application. If a college is test-blind, they won’t look at your scores at all, so focus on other parts of your application.
• Other Situations: Some places, like the University of California, won’t look at your SAT scores when deciding if you get in, but might use them later to decide if you qualify for advanced standing.

How to Plan for the SAT or ACT

If you’re thinking about colleges in the U.S., it’s smart to plan how you’ll handle these tests. Here’s what you could do:

1. Pick Your Test: Decide if the SAT or ACT suits you better. You don’t need to take both.
2. Try It Out: Consider taking the test a few times to see if you can improve your scores.
3. Look Into Each College: For each college you like, check out their policy on SAT or ACT scores and decide if you should send yours based on those rules and how well you did.