<p>If I study only for the SAT, can I take the ACT and score reasonably well (33-36?)</p>
<p>Yep. I studied for the SAT for a while, then took the ACT stone-cold (no prep) and got a 32.</p>
<p>There are many similarities, but some differences between the two tests. Studying for one the right way will most likely improve your score in the other, but for optimal results you should of course study for the test that you will be taking. </p>
<p>If you plan on taking both, I generally suggest preparing for the SAT first for 3 to 4 months since that test is a bit more “strategy-centric.” After taking your SAT, 1 month of prep for the ACT is usually sufficient because of the overlap and studying for the ACT is a bit more straightforward.</p>
<p>Taking standardized tests in general is a different skill set from what you learn in school, and preparation for most of them are pretty similar. So if you do a good job on your SAT/ACT prep now, you will receive some benefit when you decide to take your GRE, GMAT, etc. later on.</p>