Many students tend to get nervous when terms like the SAT and ACT come up. All too often high school students over analyze how much of an impact these test scores will have on their chances of getting into their dream college.

While scoring well on the ACT and SAT tests is ideal, there are many myths floating around the subject that could cause more harm than good for students. Knowing the reality of standardized tests is crucial for students to make the right decisions and approach the ACT and SAT properly.

Myth #1: You Don’t Have to Take Both Tests

Not all colleges and universities ask for the same test scores. There are some that only care about the ACT scores, while others want to see the scores from the SAT subject tests. However, it is in a student’s best interest to put equal effort into studying, preparing and taking both tests.

Because the testing score requirements vary so much from school to school, it is better to play it on the safe side and have both sets of scores to provide.

Students planning on applying to several schools will definitely benefit from such a decision.

Never assume that one test is necessarily better or more important than the other. That is for the colleges and universities to decide.

Myth #2: Only the Best Colleges Require the SAT

For some reason, many argue that the SAT test is more important or highly regarded by college admissions officials compared to the ACT.

This could not be further from the truth. Being accepted into a college that only requires the ACT does not mean it is any less of a quality educational institution than a school that requires the SAT and not the ACT.

READ MORE:  Click below for next two myths.