How Important Are SAT & ACT Scores? - And the Differences Between Them
Everything you need to know!
📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 @ 6:30PM
How much do SAT and ACT scores still matter in college admissions?
With colleges taking very different approaches to testing — from test-optional policies to reinstated testing requirements — it can be difficult for students and families to know what to do. Should you still take the SAT or ACT? Which test is the better fit? And when does submitting a score help your application?
Join us for a free 60-minute webinar led by one of our experienced college admissions experts to understand the role SAT and ACT scores play in today’s admissions landscape — and how to make smart testing decisions with confidence.
What You'll Discover:
Why SAT & ACT Scores Still Matter: Understand the role test scores can play in college admissions and scholarships, including why scores may still strengthen an application even at some test-optional colleges.
The Key Differences Between the SAT and ACT: Learn how the SAT and ACT differ in format, timing, content, and scoring, and how to determine which test may better suit your strengths and goals.
What’s Changed with the ACT: Explore the key changes to the enhanced ACT, including its shorter format, optional Science section, and how these updates may affect your testing strategy.
A Roadmap for Testing Success: Learn when to begin preparing, when to take your first official test, and how to build in enough time for retesting before senior-year applications.
Understanding Test-Optional Policies: Learn what test-optional really means, which colleges have returned to testing requirements, and why testing can still be an important part of your college admissions plan.
When Should You Submit Your Scores? Understand how a college’s score ranges, your overall application profile, and your intended major can help guide the decision of whether to submit or withhold your SAT or ACT scores.
Whether you’re just beginning to think about college testing or already deciding how test scores will fit into your application strategy, this webinar will give students and families the clarity they need to make informed testing decisions.
Secure your spot today and build a testing plan that supports your college goals.
About Our Presenter
Kathy Hart
Educational Consultant | JRA Educational Consulting
Since 2013, Kathy Hart has been an invaluable asset to our educational team at Score At The Top Learning Center and School in Palm Beach Gardens, first serving as an expert teacher and tutor specializing in high school English and test preparation for the ACT and SAT. In her vital role as educational consultant, Kathy guides students through the various aspects of the college planning and application process, from consulting on high school course selection and extracurricular activities to preparing students for effective college visits and interviews. That inspirational guidance takes her students through the more subjective elements of the application process, too: developing creative essay ideas, drafting essays, and improving student writing. The end product of the collaboration: applications and essays that make her students stand out! She also regularly attends conferences and visits colleges to stay abreast of the most recent admissions trends.
"The experience my son has experienced at Score at the Top has been amazing. Every time we reached out they were there to give us wise counsel. I truly believe my son (and myself) would have completely stumbled if it wasn't for the guidance and support we received from Score at the Top. We were treated like family. Any issues, questions, support or comfort that we needed to keep my son on the right path was provided for us with actual care and concern from our counselor at Score at the Top. This wonderful counselor that has worked with my son has become his mentor. All the teachers that tutored my son were beyond anything we could have hoped for. Score at The Top is the best!"
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"Score At The Top is a great group of educators dedicated to brining out the best in each student. They are laser focused and incredibly experienced. I would not hesitate to recommend."
-Jeremy Fair
"Our experience with Score at the Top was great! My daughter's tutor was Tom, and he did a great job helping my daughter with her technical skills. They worked on an array of problems so that she was very prepared for anything that came at her on the test. Beyond the academics and strategies, he was a great person who helped encourage my daughter and build her confidence for the test. Her score on the last test improved substantially, and the scholarships that she will receive as a result of her scores will pay for the tutoring more than 10 fold. I would highly recommend paying for the private lessons."
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