Same score on ACT and SAT practice test. What to do?

Test Preparation
1

Hello,

So I am a Junior who took an official SAT and ACT practice test and scored about the same(according to an equivalency chart). Both of these practice tests were my first time ever taking the tests.

I scored a 28 on the ACT and a 1320 on the SAT.

I plan on starting prep ASAP, but am stuck on which test to prep for/focus on.

Should I prep for and take both tests? Or should I focus on one?

Thanks in advance!

2

Focus on one. Which one did you like better? Did you run out of time on the ACT?

3

I like the SAT since it has less sections(1 English, 2 Math) and more time. The one thing I’m worried about is college admission requirements. Most colleges that take the SAT also require 2 SAT II’s along with it. While if I just take the ACT, I don’t have to worry about it. Should I maybe take both tests? Like maybe I could study for the ACT in the summer or something and use it as some sort backup?

4

bump

5

obviously, you can. In fact, my DD prep for SAT during the summer, but took the ACT in September (with some practices from cract ), then took the SAT in October. She did much better in ACT.

6

So, new thing. I just figured out that my high school signed me up for the SAT(with essay) on March 1…

Should I take it? Or wait till a later time?

7

You will probably need SAT 2s even if you take the ACT

8

If your school signed you up for the SAT, is it school sponsored? If so you may have to take it. You can self-study with Khan Academy online (free) and would have time to take the March test. You would then have your results back in time for the ACT test if you’re not happy with the score. Good luck!

9

I would go with the ACT. Lots of selective schools require ACT or SAT + subject tests, so it would be better to study for the ACT and get all of those requirements out of the way. I started with a 27 on my first practice test for the ACT and got it up to a 31 with studying, so I’m sure you could get your score pretty high if you are starting with a 28.

10

Would it be worth it to maybe do like some general prep until the month before the SAT/ACT(whichever one I decide to take first). Then for the month leading up to that test, study for it specifically. Then when that test is over, take the second test(studying specifically for it)

For example:

Febuary - April: General SAT/ACT Prep
April - May: Specific SAT Prep
May: Take SAT
May - June: Specific ACT Prep
June: Take ACT

11

As long as you study and put the time in I’m sure you’ll do great! Good luck!

Current senior here. Took both.