Let’s get this out of the way: There is no question in our expert opinion that it is important to take the SAT or the ACT: no ifs, ands, or buts. While we know test optional is optional for many colleges and universities, it is important to realize you must put your best foot forward and give colleges as much information as possible about you, and the best way to do that is to take either the SAT or ACT (or both). 

However, the default option is to take either the SAT or ACT, not necessarily both. However, there are a few cases when it makes sense to take both the SAT and ACT. There is no denying most students will do better on one test over the other.

We will break through the noise and help you understand how to prepare for SAT and ACT tests — both — no matter which test you plan to take, whether you want to learn how to prepare for the SAT examination or the ACT. 

Should You Take Both Tests?

Figure out early during your junior year which test is better for you and then focus on that one. Do not ping-pong back and forth between tests. As with multitasking, it does not make sense to split your attention. Instead, it is better to focus on one or the other. 

Not sure which test will be best for you? Take a practice ACT or SAT with our partner, Compass Prep, to determine your strongest option. 

How to Prepare for SAT and ACT Tests

Let’s walk through how to prepare for the SAT and ACT tests, including which test might be right for your student. 

Should you take one test — or both?

This is a great question, and it is fascinating to talk to our students during the high school to college transition. Of the students who have taken both, some feel extremely comfortable with one and not the other, and some are fairly indifferent on which one is best. Some students prefer the ACT, some prefer the SAT, and some take both tests and like them equally. 

So, here is our expert take: It is a personal decision. However, there are differences between each test, which we will walk through below and give suggestions on which one (or both) you should take. Also, we are bolding this because it is important: Colleges do not have a preference for one test over the other. Keep reading for more information and how to approach this topic.

Understand the Differences Between SAT and ACT Tests

It is easiest to showcase the differences with a table, so here are the differences, including test structure, length, etc.

Understanding the differences and your preferences can help you make a decision about the best test for your strengths. 

In short, you likely want to choose the SAT if you prefer having more time per question, have a strong algebra background, and prefer a digital format. On the other hand, you may want to choose the ACT if you are a STEM student or excel in science, want the option to take a paper test, are strong in geometry/trigonometry, and work well under timed structures.

Consider Your Field of Study/Program

Look at the percentile ranks of the program and/or school you are considering. 

Once you check the percentile ranges for the school or program you are considering, if the middle 50% ranges for ACT and SAT scores are within about ten percentile points of each other, there is no real advantage to taking a second test just to try to game the system.

These types of programs often have higher or separate admission standards, making it especially important to compare SAT vs. ACT middle 50% ranges before deciding whether a second test is worthwhile:

• Engineering
• Computer science
• Nursing
• Business (especially direct-admit programs)
• Architecture
• Pre-med/biological sciences
• Pre-pharmacy
• Pre-veterinary medicine
• Finance
• Accounting
• Data science
• Honors programs
• Performing arts 
• Aviation
• Physical therapy (direct-entry programs)

Learn more about how to pick a major in college.

Find a Test Date in Advance

It is important to look up test dates in advance. In other words, it is not a good idea to say to yourself, “Hmm, I wonder if I should take the ACT or SAT next month?” You want to give yourself between three to six months dedicated to learning how to prepare for the SAT and ACT.

If your school offers testing in school, mark the test date on your phone (or on your calendar, if you prefer to see information on a real calendar) way in advance. 

The SAT and ACT both have tests on generally the same dates every year. For example, in 2026, the national test dates are as follows:

2026 ACT test dates:

• February 14, 2026 (January 9 registration deadline)
• April 11, 2026 (March 6 registration deadline)
• June 13, 2026 (May 8 registration deadline)
• July 11, 2026 (June 5 registration deadline) 

2026 SAT test dates:

• March 14, 2026 (February 27 registration deadline)
• May 2, 2026 (April 17 registration deadline)
• June 6, 2026 (May 22 registration deadline)

Got your date in your sights? Great! You are on schedule, as long as it corresponds with the admissions cycle.

Check Middle-Range Scores

We like to encourage students to look at the middle-range scores at their target institutions. What does that mean? It means looking up the ACT/SAT scores of the colleges listed on their sites and then figuring out what score you must have in order to get into a particular college or university. In other words, set a goal that falls within those ranges. For example, if you find out a school has a median 660 reading/writing score and 670 math, you know what you need to target.

Prepare for the Test

You can take self-paced courses online, through your high school or a local community college, through private tutoring, or using SAT and ACT study test prep books. There are so many options, and you should definitely take advantage of them. If you can increase your SAT or ACT score, it is more than worth it to spend the money to take the class. Teachers who teach the classes will help you learn the strategy involved with taking the test, including pacing, which is a huge part of taking the test. (Part of understanding test strategy involves intuitively understanding when you need to move on to the next question.)

In some ways, it is difficult to prepare for a test in which you do not know what to expect, and no matter what, there is no “how to prepare for SAT day before” here. You need to have a lengthy planning runway.

Take the First Test

Take the first test and evaluate how it went. If you got a perfect or near-perfect score, it is likely you will not need to take the test again. For example, if you get a 36 ACT score, you are done.

However, if your test is not within the range of your target middle-range score, you have two choices: take the first test again at a later date or take the other test. For example, if you are shooting for a 26 ACT and end up with a 24, you may want to consider taking it again to get a 26 or taking the SAT to shoot for a 1240. 

Here is a look at the ACT to SAT test score conversions:

Talk with Our Team

Our team will help you decide which test makes sense for your situation, or whether we recommend that you take both as part of your comprehensive college strategy. We will evaluate your academic abilities, your interests, your target colleges (and more!) to help you make the right targeted decision as part of a comprehensive college plan — and help you avoid college application mistakes, develop an extracurricular list, how to tour colleges, how to narrow down your college list, and admission interview tips. Reach out to us at Campus to Career Crossroads. We have helped advise hundreds of students to achieve their college goals.

Set Another Date

If you talk to our team and determine you want to take the other test, set a date for the other exam about a month after you take the original test. You can use the college prep information you used for the first test — all of that isn’t in vain! Luckily, you can usually tackle one test or the other fairly quickly after the first!

Consider the Bad Day/Good Day Scenario and Difficulty of Raising Scores

It is important to remember that it is possible you might just have a good day with one test and a bad day with the other — the test itself may not have anything to do with it. Remember, you may only want to use this strategy if you have an excess of time to study; the time you spend trying to chase a perfect score may not be worthwhile. Check with our experts to learn more.

It is also important to remember it is difficult to raise your score infinitely. Once you have improved your score once or twice, you have probably gone as far as you can. We understand it can be frustrating for a score to stay the same. However, again, if you have taken the ACT twice but cannot break out of a certain science score, it might make sense to switch to the SAT! 

Choose the Right Option for You

It is also important to keep many things in check. Yes, the ACT or SAT is important, but it is not the only thing that shows what you can accomplish as a student and what makes you the ideal candidate for a particular college. Colleges and universities consider many factors besides just your test scores. 

They are looking for the fantastic, bright individual that you are, and there are many ways to communicate that. You are not a test score. You are incredible, and we will work with you to help you put your best foot forward through your application and admissions plan. We will answer the questions you need to know (Early Action vs. Early Decision, how to even start the college search process, how to make the college decision, which AP courses to take, and what admission officers look for, and more!).

FAQs

What is the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT?

We highly recommend taking a prep course, but do not be afraid to study on your own. Start by taking timed practice tests for both to determine which test suits you better and identify your weak areas. It will help you identify the test that makes sense for you. One should stand out more than another. Set a study schedule months in advance, dedicating regular times toward studying rather than cramming the night before. Simulate test conditions, and review where you are not understanding particular concepts or strategies.

Should I take both the SAT and ACT?

It depends on your unique situation and goals regarding how to prepare for SAT and ACT test. Reach out to us at Campus to Career Crossroads to help identify whether it makes sense to take one test or both tests. Sometimes, it does not make sense to split your attention. Instead, it is better to focus on one or the other. However, in some situations, it makes sense to take both. We will help you understand what makes sense for you.

How long should I study for the SAT or ACT?

It is a good idea to approach the SAT and ACT months in advance, rather than weeks or days in advance. You will feel more confident identifying how to approach the test, what to expect, and how to get the right answers after you have prepped for a long time. A prep class can help you identify these tactics.