SAT or ACT?

When deciding which test is best for your child, there are several considerations:

SAT

Choose the SAT if you need breathing room: The Digital SAT gives you significantly more time per question across all sections. It is a test of logic and precision, not speed.
Choose the SAT if you excel at Algebra: Algebra dominates the SAT. Furthermore, you have access to the powerful built in Desmos graphing calculator for the entire math section, and you are provided a formula cheat sheet.
Choose the SAT if you prefer short paragraphs: The SAT features micro-passages (25-150 words) with exactly one question each. You must be able to switch topics rapidly, shifting from a poem to a science paragraph back-to-back.

ACT

Choose the ACT if you are a fast reader: The ACT is a race against the clock. You have to move quickly and trust your first instincts, as you get much less time per question.
Choose the ACT if you prefer Geometry or Trigonometry: The ACT spreads its questions across a wider variety of math fields, including matrices and logarithms. However, you must memorize all formulas, and you only get 60 seconds per question.
Choose the ACT if you like traditional essays: The ACT uses long, multi paragraph passages (650-750 words) followed by a block of 9-10 questions. If you like getting absorbed in a story or essay before answering questions, the ACT is a better fit.

Other differences:

—The ACT has an optional Science section; the SAT does not. However, most universities are treating the ACT Science section as optional (even for Florida Bright Futures eligibility), but students entering STEM programs in some out-of-state schools may be required to submit their Science scores. The ACT Science section does not test textbook facts (like the parts of a cell). Instead, it tests your ability to quickly read graphs, analyze conflicting viewpoints, and interpret data trends under intense time pressure. Students should contact their college counselors at school for specific guidance as to whether they should prepare for and take the ACT Science section.

—Most colleges allow "super scoring" within each exam (combining a student's highest section scores from multiple different test dates to create the highest possible combined score).

The Bottom Line: Colleges are accepting both exams equally; thus, our 20+ years of experience in college prep testing is that students take each exam at least once, so they can effectively evaluate which is best for each individual student. These are not IQ tests! Most students are clearly better in one or the other. We recommend each student take a diagnostic test of each type; many free versions are available-on the internet.