Also ask: Which should I take, the SAT or ACT? This guide walks you through acronyms, practice tests, score goals, and schedules, so you can choose the test that fits you and start prep with confidence. For a full comparison of format, timing, and how to pick what's right for you, read our SAT vs. ACT guide.
Step 1: know the acronyms
You don't need to take every test; you just need the right one at the right time.
- PSAT (Preliminary SAT): Think of this as the JV SAT. There are multiple iterations of the PSAT that begin as early as 8th grade. The most important is the PSAT/NMSQT, which can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- SAT (Digital SAT):The current digital, adaptive version. This is the only available version of the SAT. There hasn't been a paper SAT since 2024. It's logic-heavy, features shorter reading passages, and has a built-in Desmos calculator. It contains two Reading and Writing and two Math modules, with the difficulty of the second module adjusting based on your performance in the first module.
- PreACT:Think of this as your ACT dress rehearsal. There are two PreACTs, one for 8th and 9th graders and one that is designed for 10th graders. They both mimic the ACT's structure and timing but with slightly easier content. They provide a predicted ACT score and a career interest report.
- ACT: The fast-paced alternative to the SAT. It consists of multiple-choice sections (English, Math, and Reading), with optional Science and Writing sections.
Step 2: use the PSAT or PreACT as your launchpad
The first step is understanding what your school offers. Many schools offer the PSAT or the PreACT in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade. These are great ways to start getting familiar with the format and experience of the SAT and ACT.
The PSAT has an extra layer of the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of junior year. A high PSAT score can qualify a student for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to massive tuition breaks and prestige.
We recommend taking as many tests as your school offers to not only get comfortable with the format, but to identify areas of improvement before taking the SAT and ACT later in sophomore–senior year.
To dive into more specifics of the structure of the PSAT/NMSQT, read our complete PSAT prep guide.
Step 3: choose your path (SAT vs. ACT)
Even though you probably took either the PreACT or PSAT, even if your school doesn't offer both the SAT and ACT, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider both.
Colleges treat these tests exactly the same, so your only job is to pick the one where you shine. Your decision should be based purely on which test best highlights your personal strengths.
How to decide? To make the best decision, it is recommended to take a full-length practice test for both on a platform like Acely to see which format feels more natural for you. After you take both practice tests, compare your scores accurately by converting your scores using our ACT vs SAT score conversion chart.
To understand the differences in content and structure and decide which test is right for you, read our SAT vs. ACT guide.
Step 4: set your goal score
While most students take their first official test in their junior year, many also start their sophomore year to leave plenty of time for retakes and score optimization (superscoring) during their junior and senior years if needed.
- Research the “Middle 50%”: Look at the colleges on your list. What scores did their last admitted class get? Aim for the top end of that range.
- The “Stop” Rule:If you're already hitting 1500–1550 on the SAT or 34–36 on the ACT, it might be time to stop. Getting those extra points can be really difficult, and it may be better to spend your time working on your essays or extracurriculars.
- Know Your Superscore: Many schools combine your best section scores from different test dates. This takes the pressure off getting a perfect score in one sitting.
Check out the links below for setting a goal score for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT.
Step 5: high-performing study plans
Success isn't about how long you study; it's about how consistently you study.
- 3–6 months before:Take a diagnostic test. Find your baseline and start relearning those concepts you've forgotten.
- 1–3 months before: Mastery phase. Start timing yourself strictly and review every single mistake until you can explain why the right answer is right.
Check out the links below for complete 1-month and 3-month PSAT, SAT, and ACT study plans.
| PSAT | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Month PSAT Sprint | 1-Month SAT Sprint | 1-Month ACT Sprint |
| 3-Month PSAT Plan | 3-Month SAT Plan | 3-Month ACT Plan |
Step 6: balancing life and prep
You're busy. We get it. Here's how to fit prep into a challenging schedule:
- Micro-Studying: Got 20 minutes before soccer practice? Knock out 10 practice questions. Those small pockets of time add up.
- Passive Prep:Read more! Reading articles or books trains your brain to recognize correct grammar and vocabulary, making the Reading & Writing section feel like second nature.
- Strategic Prioritization:It's okay to take a temporary break from a club or activity for a few months to focus on your score. It's temporary, and your goals are worth it.
Ready to find your starting line?
Stop guessing and start practicing. Get your baseline score today and see exactly where you stand.
FAQs
Most students find the "sweet spot" starts in the sophomore year or the summer before junior year. Starting early allows you to use the PSAT as a baseline and gives you enough of a "runway" to take the actual test at least twice if needed without the stress of senior year deadlines.
No. This is a common myth. In college admissions, the SAT and ACT are treated with equal weight. Your only goal is to choose the test that highlights your personal academic strengths.
The best way to decide is to take one full-length practice exam for each. Generally, students who prefer the digital SAT enjoy having more time per question. Students who prefer the ACT usually have fast reading speeds and don't mind the quick-fire pace of the sections.
The SAT is module-adaptive, meaning how you perform on the first module of Reading & Writing or Math determines the difficulty of the second module. The ACT is not adaptive; every student sees the same level of difficulty throughout the entire test.
Superscoring is when a college takes your highest section scores across multiple test dates to create a new, higher total score. For example, if you get a higher Math score in March and a higher Reading & Writing score in May, a school that superscores will combine those two results for your final application.
If you are close to your goal score and just need to refine your strategy, a 1-month sprint is perfect. However, if you need to learn new math concepts or significantly boost your Reading & Writing score, we recommend a 3-month study plan to avoid burnout and ensure consistency.
Yes! While the score isn't sent to colleges, it is your first real encounter with standardized tests. For juniors, it is also the only way to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to significant financial aid and prestige.