--- title: "Why STEM Students Should Take the SAT and ACT | Elite Prep" description: "For high school students aspiring to pursue careers in engineering and science…" url: "https://eliteprep.com/blog/why-high-school-students-planning-to-study-engineering-and-science-in-college-should-take-the-sat-and-act/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1133836105-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" datePublished: "2025-03-07T14:01:31.000Z" source: "eliteprep build" --- [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) [College Application](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-application/) [Colleges & Universities](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/colleges-universities/) [ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/act/) [SAT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/sat/) [Engineering](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/engineering/) [STEM](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/stem/) # Why High School Students Planning to Study Engineering and Science in College Should Take the SAT and ACT March 7, 2025 4 min read [Explore Digital SAT® Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/sat-prep/) ![Two students in safety glasses work on notes and a metal robot beside a laptop in a classroom lab.](https://eliteprep.com/media/iStock-1133836105-webp-w800.webp) For high school students aspiring to pursue careers in engineering and science, taking standardized college admission tests like the SAT or ACT can be a crucial step in preparing for the challenges of higher education. While some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, standardized tests remain a significant factor in college admissions, particularly for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. These exams not only help students demonstrate their academic abilities but also provide them with opportunities for scholarships, competitive program placements, and future career success. Here’s why students planning to study engineering and science should strongly consider taking the SAT and ACT. ## **1. Demonstrating Strong Math and Analytical Skills** Engineering and science programs place a heavy emphasis on mathematical and analytical skills. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT evaluate these skills through rigorous math sections that include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and, in the case of the ACT, some pre-calculus. By scoring well on these tests, students can showcase their ability to **handle complex problem-solving and logical reasoning,** which are essential for success in STEM majors. College admissions officers use these scores as a standardized measure to compare students from different educational backgrounds. **High school curricula and grading systems can vary widely, making it difficult for colleges to assess a student’s true academic potential.** A strong SAT or ACT math score provides concrete evidence of a student’s ability to succeed in advanced math and science courses. ## **2. Strengthening College Applications and Increasing Competitiveness** Even in the age of test-optional admissions, standardized test scores remain an important differentiator for students applying to competitive engineering and science programs. Many colleges and universities, especially those with highly competitive engineering and science programs, still [require or recommend standardized test scores](https://eliteprep.com/blog/list-of-colleges-and-universities-that-require-standardized-tests-updated-august-2024/). - Several STEM-focused universities, such as MIT, Caltech, Georgia Tech, and Purdue University, require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as a part of the college application. - Many other prestigious universities–including Brown University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, and Yale University–require standardized tests from applicants as well. Taking the SAT or ACT ensures that students meet the admission requirements for a broader range of programs. **Choosing not to take these tests could limit college options, especially for students aiming for top-tier engineering or science institutions**. In addition, some colleges may **use standardized test scores to place students in appropriate math and science courses**, helping them bypass introductory classes and move directly into more advanced coursework. (See for example, [Cal State University Long Beach](https://www.csulb.edu/mathematics-statistics/mathematics-placement/course-recommendation-guide), [Miami University (Ohio)](https://miamioh.edu/cas/departments/mathematics/academics/placement-testing.html), [Old Dominion University](https://www.odu.edu/academics/academic-records/score-analysis/sat-act), [Purdue University](https://www.math.purdue.edu/academic/undergrad/for_advisors), [Seattle University](https://www.seattleu.edu/science-engineering/academic-departments/department-of-mathematics/math-placement/), [University of South Florida](https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/documents/math-chem-guide.pdf), [University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee](https://miamioh.edu/cas/departments/mathematics/academics/placement-testing.html)), [U.S. Air Force ROTC](https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/requirements/), and [Virginia Commonwealth University](https://math.vcu.edu/programs/undergraduate/courses/math-placement/).) ## **3. Unlocking Scholarship Opportunities** Beyond admissions, standardized test scores play a significant role in **determining eligibility for scholarships and financial aid.** Many universities and private organizations offer merit-based scholarships that require SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process. (See for example, [National Merit Scholarships](https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=1745), [Ohio State University](https://undergrad.osu.edu/cost-and-aid/merit-based-scholarships), [Texas Tech University](https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php), [University of Iowa](https://fas.ucsd.edu/types/scholarships/entering-freshmen.html), [University of Texas (Arlington)](https://www.uta.edu/administration/fao/scholarships/presidential-scholar), and [Utah State University](https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/requirements/).) For students pursuing engineering and science degrees—fields that often require costly lab courses, specialized materials, and advanced technology—securing financial assistance can help reduce the burden of tuition and other educational expenses. High SAT or ACT scores can make students eligible for generous scholarships, allowing them to focus more on their studies and less on financial concerns. ## **4. Preparing for Future Standardized Tests in STEM Fields** Taking the SAT or ACT also helps students **build the test-taking skills they will need for future standardized exams.** Many engineering and science careers require additional testing, such as: - The [**Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam**](https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/), a requirement for becoming a licensed engineer. - The [**Graduate Record Examination (GRE)**](https://www.ets.org/gre.html), which is often required for admission to graduate programs in science and engineering. - The [**Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)**](https://students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/taking-mcat-exam), which does not contain a math test but requires mathematical calculations and reasoning in the context of the sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) - **Professional certification exams**, such as those required for specialized fields like data science, cybersecurity, or environmental engineering. By taking standardized college admission tests, students gain experience with time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving under pressure—skills that will serve them well in both academics and professional licensing exams. ## **Final Thoughts** For students planning to pursue careers in engineering and science, taking standardized college admission tests like the SAT and ACT is not only a smart decision but also increasingly a requirement. These exams serve as a valuable tool for demonstrating math and analytical skills, strengthening college applications, securing scholarships, and meeting the requirements of competitive STEM programs. Additionally, they help students prepare for future standardized tests that are often required in engineering and science careers. Even with test-optional policies becoming more common, strong standardized test scores provide an advantage that can open doors to top universities and scholarship opportunities. For any student serious about a future in engineering or science, investing time in preparing for and taking these exams can pay off significantly in their academic and professional journey. *Elite Prep offers a [**test prep program**](https://eliteprep.com/programs/#test-prep) for the new digital SAT with multiple **full-length online practice tests** and **lessons and practice problems covering all of the topics and skills you need** to achieve an outstanding score.* *Contact [**your local Elite Prep office**](https://eliteprep.com/locations/) to speak with one of our counselors and discuss how Elite Prep will help you achieve your target score!* [Back to top](https://eliteprep.com/blog/why-high-school-students-planning-to-study-engineering-and-science-in-college-should-take-the-sat-and-act/#top) ## Free Tools for This Topic - [SAT score percentiles](https://eliteprep.com/sat-percentiles/) - [SAT & ACT superscore calculator](https://eliteprep.com/superscore-calculator/) - [ACT score percentiles](https://eliteprep.com/act-percentiles/) ## More on This Topic [All posts in Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) ![Split image: a university campanile tower among trees, and hands typing on a laptop with multiple-choice A B C D answer bubbles overlaid.](https://media.eliteprep.com/UC-SAT-Faculty-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Could the SAT and ACT Return to UC Admissions? What High School Sophomores Need to Know](https://eliteprep.com/blog/could-the-sat-and-act-return-to-uc-admissions/) For the past several years, the University of California has operated under a test-blind admissions policy… May 29, 2026 ![Red brick collegiate Gothic university building with twin towers and an arched entrance at dusk, seen across an empty crosswalk.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-594949892-webp-w400.webp) [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) ### [More Colleges Are Requiring Standardized Tests – What This Means for Students Applying to Test-optional Schools](https://eliteprep.com/blog/more-colleges-are-requiring-standardized-tests/) High school students applying to colleges that require the SAT or ACT scores are also likely to apply to colleges that are test-optional. February 27, 2025 ![A campus bell tower rising above trees and buildings, with a bay and hills in the distance at sunset](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1169502265%2B%281%29-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [The University of California Under Pressure — Why the SAT/ACT May Be Coming Back, and How You Can Be Ready](https://eliteprep.com/blog/the-university-of-california-under-pressure/) The University of California (UC) currently follows a test-free admissions policy—SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all in undergraduate admissions… May 1, 2025 ![Circular logos for Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, MIT, University of Georgia, Georgetown, Purdue, and Georgia Tech over a tablet](https://media.eliteprep.com/Dartmouth%2BBrownetc%2BSAT%2BRequired%2BLogos-webp-w400.webp) [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) [Resources](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/resources/) ### [The End of Test-Optional Policies in College Admission?](https://eliteprep.com/blog/2024/14/the-end-of-test-optional-policies-in-college-admission/) What do Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, MIT, the University of Georgia, Georgetown, Purdue, and Georgia Tech have in common? 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