The answer is a resounding, "No!" All colleges, even the Ivy Leagues, accept either one.
So, what's the difference between the two?
Here's the breakdown:
The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a REASONING test, which promotes the student's ability to deduce or use logic based on previous or "base-core" knowledge. It consists of a Math, Critical Reading and mandatory Writing exam. Penalties are given for wrong answers, but no points are deducted if an answer is left blank. Also, the math section includes grid-ins. A competitive score for most colleges is between 550 - 650 for each section. A perfect score is 2400.
The ACT (American College Testing) includes English, Math, Reading and Science tests, with an OPTIONAL writing test. All tests are CURRICULUM based, which means they reflect what most students are or have taken in high school. There is no penalty given for guessing; scores are solely based on the number of correct answers. All questions are multiple choice, and the Science section includes only 2 - 3 questions of Physics, with the other 37 based on Biology, Earth Science, and Chemistry. Most colleges will look for a composite score of 26 and above, with 36 being the top score.
It is recommended that Juniors begin taking either of these tests during the Spring of their junior year. I recommend that Junior students take BOTH. This way, if they score higher on one over the other, it is more to their benefit. Seniors should have taken at least ONE of these by the time they enter their senior year, as 4 year colleges require it and they will only have until the December test dates to try again in increasing their score.
Note, however, that some private and selective colleges REQUIRE students take the SAT Subject Tests, as well. This is in addition to either the SAT or the ACT. For more info on any of this, please contact Ms Rodriguez in the Counseling Center, and check out this link to find out more...