Updated: September 2026 | This post has been revised to reflect current ACT changes, updated testing costs, and the evolving landscape of college testing policies.
The Testing Landscape Has Shifted—But It’s More Complex Than Ever
If you’re deciding whether to take a standardized test for college, you’re facing a more complicated decision than students did just a year or two ago. While many colleges were test-optional during the pandemic, a significant trend has emerged: many elite universities are now requiring standardized test scores again. Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin have all returned to requiring an SAT or ACT score from applicants.
The good news? The ACT underwent major changes in 2025 that may make testing more manageable. Let’s break down what you need to know.
Step 1: Check Your Target Schools’ Testing Policies
Before you do anything else, research the schools you’re interested in. Visit their websites or check FairTest.org, which maintains an updated list of testing policies for fall 2026 and beyond. The landscape is genuinely mixed right now—some schools require scores, some remain test-optional, and others have adopted test-flexible policies that let you submit alternatives like AP or IB scores.
While several prestigious schools have returned to requiring test scores, some colleges—like Cornell—have honored existing test-optional policies for the class of 2026, though they recommend scores. The key takeaway: policies vary widely, so you need to know what your specific target schools require.
Consider the Value of Your Time
Here’s the reality: standardized tests are a relatively small part of your college application. Even at schools that require tests, your academic transcript, essays, and extracurriculars often matter more. Before committing months to test prep, ask yourself: Do I have time to adequately prepare while maintaining my GPA and current commitments? If you think you’d have to drop something important to earn a strong score, it may not be a worthwhile exercise.
That said, if your SAT or ACT scores fall at or above the median range for admitted students at your target school, submitting them can enhance your profile—especially when other parts of your application are strong.
The Major ACT Changes (Now in Effect)
The ACT underwent its biggest overhaul in decades starting in 2025. Here’s what changed:
The Test Is Much Shorter
The core test now takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes (without the Science section) or 2 hours 45 minutes with Science, compared to the previous ~3-hour format. Even though the test is shorter, students actually have more time per question than before—about 18% more time per question, which can help reduce rushing and careless errors.
Science Is Now Optional
This is the biggest change. The ACT Science section is now optional, similar to how the Writing section has long been. Students who skip Science will answer only 131 questions across the core test, compared to 215 questions in the full traditional format.
Should you take Science? That depends on your target schools. Some schools, especially those that are more STEM-focused, may require students to include the Science section in their application. Always check with your target schools before deciding to skip it.
Other Notable Changes
The Math section now has four answer choices instead of five, and there are shorter passages in English and Reading. English has an added argumentative essay component. Despite these changes, ACT has maintained that the difficulty of the test will not be affected.
SAT vs. ACT: Current Comparison
Here’s an updated side-by-side comparison of the two tests as of 2026:
| Categories | SAT (Digital) | ACT (Enhanced Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for Test | $68 (US students) | $68 without Writing; $90 with Writing |
| Additional Fees | Late registration: $38; Change test date/center: $34; Extra score reports: $15 each after first 4 free | Late registration: $42; Change fees also apply |
| Core Test Length | 2 hours 14 minutes | 2 hours 5 minutes (without Science) to 2 hours 45 minutes (with Science) |
| Number of Questions (Core) | 98 | 131 questions (without Science) |
| Test Format | Digital only | Paper, online at test center, or on your own device (BYOD) |
| Sections | 2 sections: Reading & Writing (32 min each); Math (35 min each) | English (35 min, 50 questions); Math (50 min, 45 questions); Reading (40 min, 36 questions); Science (40 min, optional) |
| Optional Sections | None | Science and Writing sections optional |
| Scoring | 400–1600 | 1–36 composite (each section 1–36) |
| Availability Per Year | 8 times (March, May, June, August, September, October, November, December) | 7 times per year (September, October, December, February, April, June, July) |
Test Costs: Plan Ahead
The SAT costs $68 in the United States, with an additional $38 late registration fee. The ACT costs $68 without writing and $90 with writing, with additional fees for late registration.
If you’re planning to test more than once (which is smart), factor in these costs. Many students take the test 2-3 times to get their best score.
Which Test Should You Take?
Consider the ACT if:
- You prefer spending a bit more time on each question
- You’re interested in a school that values the ACT
- You want flexibility in choosing whether to include the Science section
- You prefer having multiple test format options (paper, online, or BYOD)
Consider the SAT if:
- You prefer shorter, more adaptive tests
- You’re stronger in reading comprehension and writing
- Most of your target schools have historically favored the SAT
- You want a fully digital, consistent testing experience
Consider Taking Both if:
- Your target schools recommend having both
- You don’t perform well on one format after a genuine attempt
- You’re applying to highly selective schools where every advantage counts
Consider Neither if:
- All your target schools are test-blind or test-optional, AND your GPA and activities are strong
- You’re confident in your application without scores
- Test prep would significantly compromise your academics or wellbeing
The Bottom Line
The decision to test depends on your specific situation. Start by researching your target schools’ policies—this is non-negotiable. Then honestly assess whether you have the time and energy to prepare well without sacrificing other important parts of your application.
The good news? The ACT is now more manageable, the SAT remains streamlined and digital, and colleges themselves seem to be settling into clearer policies (even if those policies vary by school). Most college counselors and college admissions insiders are keenly monitoring how these policies evolve, but the consensus is that test requirements will likely remain mixed across higher education for the foreseeable future.
Whatever you decide, don’t let standardized tests overshadow your GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities. Tests matter, but they’re rarely the deciding factor in admission decisions.
One response to “Should I Take the SAT, ACT, Both, or Neither?”
[…] If you last looked into this topic before 2025, most of what you knew is now outdated on the ACT side specifically. Both tests are fully digital-capable, both are shorter than their pre-2023 versions, and the ACT now offers more flexibility in which sections you take. For a deeper dive into whether you should test at all given current test-optional policies, see our companion post, Should I Take the SAT, ACT, Both, or Neither? […]