SAT or ACT: Which test is right for you?
Kristen Moon is the Founder and CEO of Moon Prep, where she leads a team providing personalized guidance to students navigating the college and medical school admissions process. She also founded Rising Researchers, a program that offers hands-on research opportunities and mentorship to help students succeed in competitive academic environments. A published author, Kristen has been featured in outlets including U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Investopedia, MassMutual, Apple News, and Inc.
Standardized testing can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of the college process—but with the right strategy and timing, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re unsure which test to take, start with a practice test for both. It’s the best way to see which format and question style feels more natural. Each test plays to slightly different strengths, which is important to consider if you’re a student entering a medical track or other high-commitment program.
SAT or ACT: What are the differences?
The SAT tends to favor deep analytical reading and has more algebra-heavy math. The ACT moves faster and includes a science section, testing interpretation more than actual science knowledge. It is important to note that the ACT has undergone some changes as well, which might help sway your decision.
It is important to always consider your strengths. Are you strong in science or fast reading? ACT might be for you. Do you prefer a little more time and data analysis? SAT may be the better fit.
When should you start test prep?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for test prep, but a general guideline can help students plan effectively. Freshman year is the time to build strong foundational math and reading skills, read regularly, and take a simple diagnostic test just to become familiar with the SAT or ACT format.
During sophomore year, students should take full-length practice tests for both the SAT and ACT, decide which exam suits them best, and begin light preparation (about one to two hours per week), which may even position some to take their first official test by the end of the year.
Junior year is when preparation becomes more serious: students should begin focused studying six to twelve months before their first exam, plan to take the official test in the fall or spring of junior year, and expect to retake it once or twice to achieve their highest score.
Students considering the BS/MD path should ideally complete all testing by August, before senior year, to leave room for the extensive essays and applications ahead. Traditional college applicants should aim to finish by early fall of their senior year for the same reason.
Should you get a tutor or take a class?
In general, students should limit themselves to taking the SAT or ACT no more than 2 or 3 times, since additional attempts rarely yield significant score increases and can add unnecessary stress. Choosing between a tutor and a prep class depends on learning style: highly self-motivated students may succeed with books and online tools, those who struggle with structure might benefit from a class, and students who need help in specific areas may find targeted tutoring most effective.
What about test-optional schools?
Although test-optional policies may seem appealing, they are not a viable route for BS/MD or DO applicants, and many competitive colleges are reinstating testing requirements, so it’s important to check the expectations for every school on your list. Ultimately, test prep is a marathon, not a sprint—starting early, staying consistent, and viewing your test scores as just one part of your college story will help you navigate the process with confidence.
