How to Make Smart, Low-Stress Testing Decisions for College Admissions
By North Shore College Consulting Counselors
With nearly 16 years of experience guiding families through the college admissions process
Standardized testing often causes more anxiety than clarity.
Families are told scores matter — and then told they don’t.
Students are encouraged to test early — and then to retest endlessly.
Test-optional policies add flexibility, but also confusion.
This guide explains:
How colleges actually view ACT and SAT scores
How to decide which test to take
When retesting helps — and when it doesn’t
How testing fits into a broader admissions strategy
The goal is not perfection.
It’s informed decision-making.
How Colleges View ACT and SAT Scores Today
Most colleges accept both the ACT and SAT equally.
Admissions offices do not prefer one test over the other.
What matters more than the test itself is:
How the score fits within the context of the student’s academic record
Whether the score supports the overall strength of the application
How the student performs relative to the college’s typical admitted range
Test scores are one piece of a much larger picture.
ACT vs SAT: How to Choose
The best test for a student is usually the one that aligns with their strengths.
General differences:
ACT: Faster pace, broader content, includes science reasoning
SAT: Fewer questions, more time per question, stronger focus on evidence-based reading and math
Students often benefit from:
Taking a practice version of both
Comparing comfort, pacing, and performance
Choosing one test to focus on intentionally
Switching tests repeatedly without strategy rarely helps.
How Many Times Should a Student Test?
There is no universal number — but there is a strategic approach.
Retesting makes sense when:
A student has a clear preparation plan
There is evidence that scores can improve
The score meaningfully affects competitiveness
Retesting often adds stress when:
Preparation hasn’t changed
Scores are already within range
Testing becomes the focus instead of academics or activities
More testing does not automatically improve outcomes.
Understanding Test-Optional Policies
Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant.
At test-optional schools:
Strong scores can still help
Weak scores can usually be withheld
Context matters
The decision to submit scores should be:
College-specific
Data-informed
Aligned with the rest of the application
Blanket rules rarely work well.
Timing: When Testing Decisions Matter Most
Testing strategy typically unfolds across:
Late sophomore year (initial exposure)
Junior year (primary testing window)
Early senior year (final decisions)
February of junior year is often a key moment to:
Decide whether to continue testing
Set realistic goals
Shift focus if needed
Testing should support the process — not dominate it.
How Testing Fits Into the Bigger Picture
Strong applications are not built on scores alone.
Colleges also evaluate:
Course rigor and grades
Extracurricular depth
Letters of recommendation
Essays and overall fit
Testing is one data point — not a definition of potential.
Students perform best when testing is treated as information, not identity.
A Healthier Way to Approach Testing
The healthiest testing strategies are:
Intentional
Time-limited
Context-aware
Students do not need perfect scores to be competitive.
They need scores that make sense within their broader profile.
If testing decisions feel overwhelming or unclear, thoughtful guidance can help families decide when to push forward — and when to stop.
If you’d like help building a calm, strategic testing plan that fits your student’s goals, we’re happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT, SAT, and Testing Strategy
Do colleges prefer the ACT or the SAT?
No. Colleges that accept standardized testing view the ACT and SAT equally. Admissions offices do not favor one test over the other. What matters is how a score fits within the context of a student’s academic record.
How should a student decide which test to take?
Students benefit from taking a practice version of both tests and comparing comfort, pacing, and performance. The best choice is usually the test that aligns most naturally with the student’s strengths.
How many times should a student take the ACT or SAT?
There is no single “right” number. Retesting is worthwhile when preparation is intentional and meaningful improvement is likely. Taking a test repeatedly without a clear plan can increase stress without improving outcomes.
Does test-optional mean test scores don’t matter?
No. Test-optional means students are not required to submit scores, but strong scores can still strengthen an application. Decisions about submitting scores should be made on a college-by-college basis.
When should students stop retesting?
Students should consider stopping when:
Scores are within or near a college’s typical admitted range
Preparation methods are no longer producing improvement
Testing begins to detract from academics or extracurricular depth
When do testing decisions matter most in the admissions process?
Testing strategy typically unfolds during junior year. February of junior year is often a key moment to decide whether continued testing makes sense or whether it’s time to shift focus elsewhere.
How important are test scores compared to other parts of the application?
Test scores are one part of a holistic review. Colleges also evaluate course rigor, grades, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, essays, and overall fit. Strong applications are built on balance, not just scores.