- In order to gauge pupils’ readiness for college, the SAT was initially introduced in 1926. The Scholastic Aptitude Test was its initial name; the SAT took its place as the official designation in 1993.
- In order to compete with the SAT, the ACT was created in 1959. The programme was first known as the American College Testing programme, but in 1996 the name was abbreviated to ACT.
- Standardized examinations other than the SAT and ACT are also used for college admissions. Other examinations are also accepted by many colleges, including the TOEFL for non-native English speakers and subject-specific assessments like the AP exams.
- Colleges take into account a variety of factors when deciding which applicants to accept, in addition to the SAT and ACT. Numerous institutions take into account additional elements as well, including a student’s grades, extracurricular activities, and essays.
- The SAT and ACT are not 100% accurate predictors of success in college. There is just a slender association between SAT/ACT scores and college grades, according to studies.
In general, the SAT and ACT are significant exams, but they are not the only criteria for admission to colleges. Students should not place undue attention on their test results because they are only one component of the puzzle.