What test should I take to apply to college?

The SAT, run by the not-for-profit College Board, is the most popular of the two main college entrance exams. In the class of 2023, 1.9 million students took the SAT. The other test is the ACT, run by a for-profit company called ACT Education Corporation.  

Most colleges—even if they’re test optional—consider standardized test scores for admission decisions, course placement, financial aid offers, and other purposes. Sometimes submitting scores is required and sometimes it’s optional. Where required, you only need to submit scores from one test. Check admissions requirements for each college you’re applying to.