Junior year starts, and suddenly everyone is talking about college and university and what you think you might be when you grow up. It can feel like a lot all at once. On top of your classes, extracurriculars like sports and theater, and spending time with friends and family, it can be difficult to know what other tasks you might need to complete outside of the classroom to prepare for your future.

The short answer: Yes! (But you should only take each once, at least to start…)

The slightly longer answer: Colleges accept either test. They do not prefer one over the other, and you should send whichever one is stronger for you. So, the real question isn’t whether you can take both, but whether you should. 

Preparing for the SAT or ACT might seem like something you’re supposed to do, but it’s also important to understand why, when, and how you should prepare for these tests. If you haven’t started studying, don’t worry. We are here to help you understand why prepping for the SAT or ACT is important, when you or your student should start studying, and how they can create a study plan that works for them.

Everyone has an opinion about which test you should take. Your best friend says the ACT is easier. Your cousin swears the SAT is what Ivy League schools want to see. Your school counselor tells you to pick the one you prefer and go for it (and they aren’t wrong… but keep reading to find out why and how).

And you, most likely, don’t want to take either one.