Choosing Between the SAT and ACT – “Which Standardized Test is Better for me?”
The day I took my first SAT, I walked out of the testing center, sat down on the curb, and cried. Not because the test went badly—though I had no idea how I did—but because I had been carrying the weight of it for months.
Everyone had told me it mattered. Teachers, counselors, my parents, random YouTubers.
“This score can change your life.”
“Good scores open doors.”
“No pressure, but colleges are watching.”
So I had signed up for tutoring. Downloaded prep apps. Taken four full-length practice tests. Given up weekends. Traded sleep for flashcards.
And when it was over, I didn’t feel relief. I just felt… empty.
Which test should I take: SAT or ACT?
That’s the question everyone was asking in junior year.
The SAT felt more “classic”—more math-heavy, reading-intensive, and tricky with wording. The ACT felt fast-paced, with more straightforward questions but a strict time crunch and an entire science section that made some people panic.
My friends split into two camps.
Some swore the SAT was harder.
Others said the ACT was too fast to think clearly.
A few tried both just to keep their options open.
And then there were the overachievers who did both—twice.
I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t even know if the colleges I wanted still cared about scores, since so many had gone test-optional.
But the truth? It wasn’t about the colleges anymore. It was about the fear of falling behind. The fear of not doing enough.
What the pressure actually feels like
For months, my life became a series of numbers.
Practice scores. Time per section. Percentiles.
I’d compare myself to friends. Stalk Reddit forums. Scroll test prep TikToks late into the night.
No one warned me that this part of high school could make you feel like a number too.
The pressure wasn’t just to do well. It was to prove something. That I was smart. Capable. College-worthy.
And that’s a lot to carry on one Saturday morning with a No. 2 pencil in hand.
What I learned through the process
- You don’t have to take both
Pick the one that fits your strengths. If you’re fast at processing and like structure, the ACT might work better. If you’re strong in math and prefer fewer sections, go SAT. Take a free practice test for each and see how it feels. - Your score isn’t your worth
You can be brilliant and still mess up on a timed test. These exams don’t measure your kindness, creativity, or potential. Just your ability to game a system. - Test-optional is real
Many schools now mean it when they say test scores aren’t required. If standardized tests don’t reflect you, it’s okay to focus on your essays, GPA, and experiences instead. - Prep smart, not endlessly
Over-studying doesn’t always lead to better scores. Set a clear prep schedule. Don’t let it take over your life. Your brain needs rest to perform well. - One score won’t define you
I didn’t get a perfect score. But I still got into a college I love. And I realized that the test was just a small piece of a much bigger story—my story.
If you’re in the middle of it
If you’re stressing about which test to take or how high you need to score, just know:
You’re not alone. You’re not behind. And you’re not less than anyone with a higher score.
Pick the path that feels right for you.
Study hard—but don’t lose yourself.
And when it’s all over, take a deep breath.
You’re more than a score. You always have been.
Are you addicted? Are you under stress? Need to talk to someone? Text “HELLO” to 741741 or visit Crisis Text Line. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to help you with your stress.
