The SAT places more of an emphasis on vocabulary, while the ACT places more of an emphasis on science and advanced math. The questions on the ACT are generally more straightforward than the questions on the SAT. Your scores for the three sections of the SAT are looked at individually, while your score on the ACT is cumulative. This means if you are weak in one area, but strong in another, you may still be able to do well on the ACT. The writing portion of the ACT is optional, although many schools require it. The writing portion of the SAT is not optional.

If you choose to transfer to a four-year college after attending community college, you may or may not be required to take the SATs. Some schools will waive the requirement if you can show that you did well in community college.

In Austria, for example, the only requirement to enroll in many bachelor’s degree programs is a high school diploma, although you may have to take classes in the German language. [3] X Research source Some universities in Belgium will waive the requirement for SAT scores if you have an IB diploma. [4] X Research source

You may still have to take the SAT to be admitted to a public university in Texas, depending on the school you choose, but your scores will not factor into the admissions decision, so it doesn’t matter if you did poorly.

New York University, for example, will accept the scores from three SAT subject tests, AP tests, or IB higher-level tests in lieu of traditional SAT or ACT scores. This allows students to submit scores that are reflective of their high achievements in specific subjects. [6] X Research source

If you choose not to submit SAT or other standardized test scores with your application, you should make sure that the rest of your application is very strong. You should spend extra time on your personal essay, making sure that it tells your unique story of personal achievement. [8] X Research source You might be required to submit samples of academic work that you did for your high school classes in lieu of test scores. The requirements are different for each school, so read the application instructions carefully. [9] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source

Hampshire College’s policy is very unique, but it is possible that other colleges will adopt similar policies in the years to come.