The complete decision guide for test selection
This question paralyzes students and parents every junior year. You know testing matters for college admissions, but you're not sure which test to focus on. Meanwhile, your friends are taking both tests multiple times, and you're wondering if you're behind.
Here's the truth: Most students perform better on one test than the other. The key is figuring out which one matches your strengths, then focusing your prep time there.
Reality check: Every four-year college in the US accepts both SAT and ACT scores. There's no such thing as an "SAT school" or "ACT school" anymore.
SAT Historical
More popular on coasts
ACT Historical
More popular in Midwest/South
Today
Geographic preferences disappeared
Over 1,800 colleges are now test-optional
• Scores are optional for admission consideration
• You can still submit scores if they strengthen your application
• Other factors matter more: GPA, course rigor, essays, activities
Strategic insight: Even at test-optional schools, strong scores can help with merit scholarships and competitive program admission.
Fewer questions, more time to think through complex problems
More questions, less time per question overall
Time pressure reality: ACT gives you less time per question overall.
You're a slow, careful reader who likes to analyze text deeply
You enjoy finding evidence to support answers
You prefer longer passages with fewer questions per passage
You like explaining your reasoning step by step
You're comfortable without a calculator for some problems
You prefer word problems that require setting up equations
You like geometry and algebra-heavy questions
You work well with limited, focused content rather than broad coverage
You prefer depth over breadth in studying
You like to think through complex problems rather than work quickly
You perform well when given more time per question
You're strategic about managing time and question difficulty
You're a fast reader who can quickly identify main ideas
You're good at data interpretation (charts, graphs, experiments)
You prefer shorter passages with more questions
You like science concepts and experimental design
You want calculator access for all math questions
You're strong in trigonometry and advanced concepts
You prefer straightforward math questions without tricky wording
You like broader content coverage rather than deep focus
You work well under time pressure and can think quickly
You prefer breadth over depth in content coverage
You're good at rapid pattern recognition
You don't second-guess yourself much on multiple choice questions
• Official SAT practice test (from College Board)
• Official ACT practice test (from ACT.org)
• Quiet testing environment with timer
• Answer sheets and #2 pencils
The deciding factor: If one test score is 50+ points higher (SAT) or 2+ points higher (ACT), that's your test.
Take official practice tests of both under real conditions
Use conversion charts to compare performance
Assess which test matches your academic strengths
Consider available time and resources for preparation
Commit to focused preparation on your chosen test
You consistently run out of time on SAT sections
You prefer rapid-fire questions over deep analysis
You're strong in science and data interpretation
You want broader math content including trigonometry
You consistently run out of time on ACT sections
You prefer careful analysis over quick recognition
Science passages feel overwhelming or irrelevant
You're stronger in algebra/geometry than advanced math
• Scores plateau despite continued preparation
• Consistent timing issues that don't improve
• Realization that content style doesn't match your strengths
• Practice on other test shows significantly better results
• Multiple test dates with no improvement
• Extreme anxiety about specific test format
• Much stronger performance on practice tests for other exam
• Prep feels unproductive despite good effort
• Allow 2-3 months for prep on new test
• Don't switch close to application deadlines
• Consider whether time is better spent on other application components
• Plan testing dates carefully around school and activity schedules
Test scores significantly below your target schools' averages
Other application components are very strong (GPA, activities, essays)
Test anxiety severely impacts your performance
Limited time/resources for test prep
Scores are at or above school averages
Scores strengthen your application for merit aid consideration
You're applying to highly competitive programs within colleges
Schools strongly recommend test scores despite being test-optional
Most students perform significantly better on one test than the other. The difference isn't usually small - it's often 50-100 SAT points or 2-4 ACT points, which can be the difference between getting into your target school or not.
Remember: The "best" test for you is the one where you can achieve your highest score with focused preparation. Don't get caught up in what your friends are doing - make the strategic choice that maximizes your college admissions success.
Most important insight: Students who choose strategically and prepare focused perform better than those who try to do everything at once. Make your choice and commit to excellence.
CollegeCompass provides personalized test selection guidance, practice test analysis, and strategic prep planning based on your unique strengths.
Get expert help choosing between SAT and ACT, then execute a focused preparation plan for maximum score improvement.