Should Student-Athletes Take the SAT or ACT?

Part of the college admissions process is figuring out if you want to take the SAT or ACT, the most commonly used standardized tests for high schoolers. Some colleges have stopped using the SAT and ACT in admissions, but you should still consider whether taking the tests is right for you. 

Does the NCAA require me to take the SAT or ACT? 

No. The NCAA eliminated the need for a standardized test score as of 2023. Instead, the NCAA requires a 2.3 grade point average or better in a specific set of 16 courses. This means that if you’re interested in being a college athlete, you should consider these requirements when scheduling your classes.

For Division 1: 

• Four years of English 

• Three years of math (Algebra I or higher)

• Two years of science (including one year of lab, if offered) 

• One year of extra English, math or science

• Two years of social science 

• Four years of other (world language, comparative religion, philosophy or more study in English, math, science or social science)

For Division 2, the minimum GPA is 2.2 and the courses required are slightly different: 

• Four years of English 

• Two years of math (Algebra I or higher)

• Two years of science (including one year of lab, if offered) 

• Three years of extra English, math or science

• Two years of social science 

• Four years of other (world language, comparative religion, philosophy or more study in English, math, science or social science) 

Why should I take the SAT or ACT?

Though the SAT and ACT aren’t necessary for NCAA eligibility, you should still consider taking the tests. Many schools still do require standardized tests for admission. 

Also, some scholarships require a test score to apply. The prestigious National Merit Scholar program, for example, is based on a student’s score on the PSAT, a test that prepares high school juniors for the SAT and ACT. Additionally, having test scores gives you a more complete profile as college coaches recruit you. 

ACT vs SAT: Which is the right test for you?

Colleges accept both the ACT and the SAT equally, so neither one is "better" to take universally. However, there are a few differences between the SAT and the ACT that are worth noting. 

The ACT has a dedicated science section, while the SAT does not (it instead includes a little science in the reading and math sections). Therefore, a student who has a strong science background should consider taking the ACT. The ACT also allows students to utilize a calculator on all math questions, while the SAT restricts calculator use for some sections. 

The SAT does provide students with more time per question than the ACT though, and it is a shorter overall test. The SAT lasts around 2 hours and 14 minutes, while the ACT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes or 3 hours and 35 minutes (depending on an optional essay). 

Students who prefer a faster-paced test or having their calculator may want to take the ACT, while students who would prefer to have more time for each question and a shorter overall test may want to take the SAT. Generally, students should take a practice test for each before deciding.

What is a good SAT or ACT score?

The average SAT or ACT score for students admitted varies across different colleges. 

For the SAT, the 2023 national average was 1024 out of 1600 for a composite score. The score is broken down into ERW – evidence-based reading and writing – and math scores. The two scores are added up to give you your composite score. For example, if you scored a 680 on ERW and a 510 on math, your composite score would be 1190. 

With the ACT, the national average in 2023 was 19.5, with 36 being the perfect score. The ACT also breaks down into individual scores in English, mathematics, reading and science. For the ACT, the component scores are averaged to give the total score, rounded to the nearest whole number. A 22 for English, 24 on math, 18 on reading and 20 on science would result in a 21 for the ACT.

Conclusion

The ACT and SAT can help you have a more well-rounded profile and many schools still do require students to take the tests. Talk to your guidance counselor and college coaches about the specific requirements for each school on your list to determine which test would be right for you.

NCSA is here to help you on your journey to becoming a college athlete. Keep reading our site for more resources, and create a free profile. 

Want to go a step further? IMG Academy's boarding school offers world-class education for student-athletes looking to excel on and off the field. Learn more here.