First things first: choose one — SAT or ACT. Colleges don’t require both and have no bias toward one test over the other. Taking both won’t help, but can certainly harm because to do very well on either, preparation is key. Prepping properly for one test is hard enough; preparing to maximise the score for both tests will take away precious time that should be devoted to course work, extracurricular involvement, sleep and life — all priorities for a high school upperclassman!

So What’s the Difference?

Again, both exams are accepted by all universities that require standardised tests, are treated equally, and are used to award merit-based scholarships. Since the SAT changed in 2016, the material tested by both tests are more similar than ever. They both have optional essays, math sections, reading comprehension sections and grammar sections. The ACT has a discrete science section but the SAT tests scientific concepts across its two sections (verbal and math). The ACT science section tests logical scientific thinking, versus scientific concepts, but if a student is averse to science the ACT may not be the best fit.

In our analysis, the key differences are in maths and timing. The ACT tests more complex advanced maths, and tests the concepts in greater depth than the SAT. A strong maths student may find him or herself a better fit for the ACT maths. Then there’s the timing — the number one reason students do NOT choose the ACT! It gives less time per question than the SAT, and has more questions overall. On the SAT you are given an extra 23 seconds per maths problem and 22 seconds extra per reading problem, as opposed to the ACT.

If you are able to maintain concentration for longer stretches of time AND work quickly, you have an advantage on the ACT and it might just be the test for you. If you have pacing issues (for example, you don’t finish your tests in school…), get anxious or stressed out in exams and/or need frequent breaks, the SAT might be the better test for you.

There’s only one way

Do a test-based assessment— a practice test in each, proctored under exam-like conditions. Grade them both and convert one to the other using the Concordance Table that colleges use (google SAT ACT Concordance Table).

Your main priority is to pick the test that you do better at naturally and focus intensely on maximising your score in that one test.

My last piece of advice: take add math and prep early because CSEC maths does not cover all of the concepts tested by the ACT and SAT. If it’s too late for you to take add maths, start prepping extra early for the math, start general prep early too! Nothing is more stressful than having to learn and master concepts in a short period of time on these high-stakes tests.Starting prep early could be a multi million dollar decision when it comes to the return in terms of college scholarships. No matter how many clubs you are in, how many other classes you go to, or what else you do in life, starting with an investment of just 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening on ACT or SAT review, and perhaps an hour in structured prep per week (or every other week) nine months before you plan to sit the test could be the best investment you ever make!

Nicole McLaren Campbell is the founder and CEO of Aim Educational Services, an independent college admissions counsellor, and public speaker. Contact her at nicole@aimeduservices.com .