Do I take SAT or ACT?

Now that ACT has transitioned to its new digital format, do you choose ACT or SAT? What test is right for you? SAT Reading/Writing and Math in Module 2 are very difficult compared to the College Board practice tests. SAT questions are not as straightforward as ACT questions. SAT questions are puzzles. It's testing if a student can think their way through a puzzle . SAT Math is not like school Math. It's puzzle Math. School Math is the tool for solving the puzzles but you have to learn how to read SAT Math questions. ACT Math is more difficult , having more Pre-Calc and various Math topics that are not present on SAT. ACT Math, however, is more straightforward like school math than SAT. ACT rewards the monster Readers with some Math skill. SAT rewards the Math people who have some reading skill.

New digital format ACT officially launched in September 2025. It is a 2 hour 15 minute test. Science section will be optional (to the relief of many students) and Desmos will be available on ACT as it is on SAT. There will be fewer questions on new ACT in both the English and Math sections than the old ACT so there will be more time per questions in both sections. However, Math on new ACT is more difficult than old ACT so time is still a factor on the Math section. There will be 4 answer choices for each question instead of 5 choices on the old format ACT. New digital ACT and SAT are very different tests.

Which test should you take? My recommendation is to take June or August SAT at the end of sophomore year to get a baseline score and then October SAT to get ready for October PSAT given at school. PSAT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. All Juniors should take it even if they don't think they could qualify for National Merit Scholarships. It's great test taking practice. After October PSAT, and maybe November and December SATs if needed, I switch students over to ACT in January. ACT is given to Juniors at many schools in March. See if you like ACT. Compare your ACT and SAT scores and decide which test you like better. Take June SAT or June ACT once you decide which test is right for you. Good luck!

You'll do great if you put the work in and learn the test patterns!