One of the biggest questions parents have about test prep is what test their student should take and when to begin to prepare for it.
To optimize scores, students should prepare for and take either the ACT or SAT, not both. Every college in America now accepts both tests.
Most students take the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year, and, if necessary, in the fall of their senior year.
Here are a few important differences between the ACT and SAT:
ACT vs. SAT

ACT Schedule
ACT Test Date | Ideal Time to Start Prep |
---|---|
April 4, 2020 | December/January 2019/20 |
June 13, 2020 | February/March 2020 |
July 18, 2020 | March/April 2020 |
September 12, 2020 | May/June 2020 |
October 24, 2020 | June/July 2020 |
December 12, 2020 | August/September 2020 |
February 6, 2021 | October/November 2020 |
April 17, 2021 | December/January 2020/21 |
June 12, 2021 | February/March 2021 |
July 17, 2021 | March/April 2021 |
Register for the ACT here.
SAT Schedule
SAT Test Date | Ideal Time to Start Prep |
---|---|
March 14, 2020 | November/December 2019 |
May 2, 2020 | January/February 2020 |
June 6, 2020 | February/March 2020 |
August 29, 2020 | May/June 2020 |
October 3, 2020 | June/July 2020 |
November 7, 2020 | July/August 2020 |
December 5, 2020 | August/September 2020 |
March 13, 2021 | November/December 2020 |
May 8, 2021 | January/February 2021 |
June 5, 2021 | February/March 2021 |
Register for the SAT here.