Most students take the ACT or SAT two to three times before applying to colleges. The first test sets your baseline and informs what areas you need to study. After using practice tests or engaging a test tutor, the second test assesses your progress. The final test is the culmination of all your preparation for a peak score that will be included in your college applications.
Which test should you take?
All universities who require test scores will accept the SAT or the ACT with equal consideration. There is no advantage of one over the other from the universities’ perspective, and there is no need to submit scores from both.
SAT: The Scoop
In 2024, the SAT moved to an online testing platform called dSAT or digital SAT. The dSAT has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The total duration of the test is two hours and 14 minutes, with a 10 minute break between sections. Scores are released approximately two weeks after the test is administered. You can find out more about test dates, locations, and accommodations here.
ACT: The Scoop
In April 2025, the ACT also moved to a digital platform called Enhanced ACT. In addition, the Science and Writing portions of the original exam are now optional. The ACT takes from two hours and 20 minutes to three hours and 35 minutes to complete, depending on which sections are included. For more information on the changes to the new ACT, check out this webinar on the new Enhanced ACT.
How Do I Know Which Test Will Work Best For Me?
Most students take the SAT at least once during junior year through their high school. We recommend students also take the ACT once to see which test they prefer. To compare the scores from the SAT to the ACT, you can use this conversion chart. Some students score comparatively better on one exam over the other, so they can then hone in on preparing for their higher scored test. For other students, there is not a marked difference between their scores, and they can continue to pursue whichever test they prefer.
How DO I Prepare For The SAT and ACT?
There are a number of free resources for SAT and ACT preparation for students who are willing to spend the time studying on their own. College Board offers full length practice tests here. In addition, College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to offer practice tests coupled with individualized training videos based on problems answered incorrectly.
Beyond Education also offers individual test prep tutoring. For more information on our test prep offerings, please email beyondeducate.co.
When Should I Start Preparing for the SAT and ACT?
Advantages of starting test prep early include:
2. Readiness to take the SAT or ACT in the fall, which leads to more opportunities to re-take into the following winter and spring if needed
3. Ability to pivot from self-directed studying to tutor-led test prep if needed
What About "Test Optional" Schools?
1. Some colleges may say they’re test optional, but they’re not really. “Test blind” schools like the UC schools and some others are the only ones that are truly test optional, meaning the SAT/ACT is not considered in any part of the application. But some highly competitive STEM programs or business schools might say they’re test optional, but really they want to see a strong math test score.
2. Even if the university is test optional, they may have scholarships or honors college programs where a test score is required.
3. Many private scholarships ask for an SAT or ACT test score.
Ultimately, planning on applying to only “test optional” schools is not a sure bet.