“Should my student take the ACT or the SAT?”
“Should my student take the ACT or the SAT?”
The answer, as with many things in college admissions, is: it depends.
What’s the Difference Between the ACT and the SAT?
At a high level, both tests measure college readiness in reading and math. But the format is not identical.
The SAT is now a digital test made up of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. It lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, with a 10-minute break in the middle. Each section is divided into two modules, and the second module changes in difficulty based on how a student performs on the first.
The ACT, by contrast, gives students more flexibility in how they test. Students can choose to take the ACT on paper or online, and they may also choose whether to add the optional science and optional writing sections (while I suggest that students take the science section, the writing section is really not necessary for 99% of students). ACT also separates English into its own section, which can make the test feel different for students who are stronger in grammar and editing.
Which Students Often Prefer the SAT?
In general, the SAT may be a better fit for students who:
Prefer a fully digital testing experience
Like the idea of a shorter overall test
Feel comfortable with adaptive testing
Prefer a two-part structure instead of moving through more separate sections
Because the SAT is digital and adaptive, some students find it more streamlined and less draining than older versions of the exam. That said, other students dislike adaptive testing and would rather know the structure stays fixed from start to finish.
Which Students Often Prefer the ACT?
The ACT may appeal more to students who:
Prefer the option of paper or online
Like having a separate English section
Want the option to include Science
Feel more comfortable with a more traditional, non-adaptive testing structure
Some students also simply feel more at home with the style of ACT questions. This is why I almost never recommend choosing a test based on reputation or what friends are doing. The better question is: Which format allows your student to show their strengths most clearly?
Do Students Need to Take Both the ACT and the SAT?
No, students do not need to take official ACT and SAT exams. However, for most students, the best approach is to take a diagnostic, full-length, practice test of each, compare the results, and then focus preparation on the one that feels stronger and more natural. Preparing seriously for both at the same time can spread energy thin and create unnecessary stress.
Once we have the diagnostic results, I encourage families to think strategically:
Which test produced the stronger starting score?
Which one felt more manageable?
Which test format played more naturally to the student’s strengths?
The answers to these questions help us decide which test the student should focus on and what testing schedule makes the most sense for them.
When Should Students Start?
Earlier than many families think.
A student does not need to have everything figured out in sophomore year, but waiting until late senior fall is rarely ideal. Starting in junior year usually gives students time to:
Try both tests if needed
Decide which one fits better
Prep with intention
Retest if necessary
Have scores available for applications and scholarships
In the end, there isn’t a universal “right” answer to what test your student should take. There is only the test that makes the most sense for your student.
As always, if you have questions about testing timelines, score strategy, or whether your student should begin with the ACT or the SAT, reach out. These decisions are nuanced, and you do not have to navigate them alone.
