Do I need to submit both the SAT and ACT to colleges?

No, absolutely not. U.S. colleges only require one standardized test—either the SAT or the ACT. For Swiss students applying from Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, or abroad, this is good news. You don’t need to double the prep, pressure, or panic.

Most applicants choose the test that feels like a better fit, prep thoroughly, and submit their best score. If you happen to take both and do well on each, some colleges will let you submit both, but it’s not expected or necessary.

Our advice? Take diagnostic tests both early on. Once you identify which one plays to your strengths, go all-in with your prep. That’s smarter and more effective than trying to juggle two entirely different formats. At Cardinal Education, we help Swiss families make that call early so they don’t waste time, money, or energy. U.S. colleges just want one clear signal of readiness, and either test gets the job done.