Did you take the SAT this past weekend, or do you have your sights set on the ACT on April 13 instead? Is one test better than the other? Should you take both and submit the better score, or submit both scores?

The ACT was historically taken in the Midwest, while students on the East and West coasts preferred the SAT. This is no longer the case today, and students across the country take both exams.

How do they differ? The SAT is comprised of three sections – Mathematics, Critical Reading, and Writing – and is considered an aptitude test for reasoning and analytical abilities. The ACT is considered an achievement test, measuring mastery of subjects that a student has learned in school. The sections of the ACT are English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing component.

How are they scored? Quite differently. The SAT penalizes students for incorrect answers, while the ACT does not, and the SAT is scored from 600 – 2400, versus a range of 1 – 36 for the ACT.

Which do colleges prefer? From an admissions perspective, neither test is preferred. For highly selective universities, you may be asked to submit an SAT score and one or two SAT Subject Tests, or the ACT with Writing. (Note that some universities require one or two SAT Subject Tests in addition to the ACT.) Both tests are accepted by all colleges that have a testing requirement, and applicants are not judged by the test that they submit.

Is one test better than the other for you? Perhaps you feel more comfortable with logic and analysis; if so, then the SAT may be more suited for your testing style. Or maybe you’re better suited to a test that speaks to what you’ve learned in school; in that case, the ACT could be a better fit.

How do you decide which to take? I encourage you to take a practice test online or in a book of both the SAT and ACT, and see how you fare. Did you score much better in one than the other? Did you feel more comfortable with one style? Did one test seem easier? Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if you should take an ACT or SAT exam. If you’ve taken the PSAT, you can consider that a practice SAT. You might also want to take the PLAN (the pre-ACT) if your high school offers it, or simply find and take an old ACT exam.

Can you take both? This is always a possibility – and something that many students do. It’s okay to take both and compare your results, and submit one or both scores to colleges. Whatever you decide, remember that testing again and again is not likely to improve your scores, unless you study hard in between exams. Instead, concentrate on your classes, outside work, extracurricular activities, and college visits.

The best strategy, though, is to determine which test – the ACT or SAT – is the test for you, and then study hard for that test for at least one or two months prior to taking the test.

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