<p>I'm about to be a sophomore in high school and I want to start preparing for the SAT/ACT this summer. </p>
<p>I did some multiple choice questions from both tests and seem to be inclined towards the ACT. However, I have heard the ACT is all about timing and I'm horrible with timing on tests and often need extra time on pretty much every test I take.</p>
<p>I'm sure if I study for the SAT I would get better at those type of questions but what's really making me prefer the ACT is the no penalty for guessing and easier questions. I also feel like I have a better chance of getting a perfect score on the ACT. (I'm aiming for a near perfect score on either).</p>
<p>So my questions are basically:
Should I prepare for both tests or choose one and prepare really well for one if I want a close to perfect score?
Which one do you think I should take? (feel free to provide your own experience)</p>
<p>The best advice I can give is to take practice tests of both, and then see which your are stronger on. You have to take the full practice tests in order to properly gauge how well you will do. You may think you won’t do well on the ACT due to timing, but it is definitely possible that you will.</p>
<p>Definitely practice for both. If you do equally well in both practice, you may actually try both. It would only help your chance. Since you are a rising sophomore, you have plenty of time to prepare. You should start building up your vocab instead of doing heavy duty practice test. Just try a few casual practice this summer and leave more practice for next year. Particularly, both tests will change in a year or two.</p>
<p>Does the test really change within 2 years?</p>
<p>Yes. SAT is planning to change next year. ACT will be changed too as they are adding computer test.</p>
<p>Yes. SAT is planning to change next year. ACT will be changed too as they are adding computer test.</p>
<p>Next year meaning in 2014 or starting Sep 2013?</p>
<p>^ Don’t have a firm answer for that. The CB has recalled the latest edition of blue book, so we are expecting something soon but likely in 2014 as they will have to release the information months before administering the test in new format.</p>
<p>@billchso - do you have a source for the change being in 2014?</p>
<p>@OP I’d say take a few diagnostic tests for each one (real tests preferably), then take whichever one you perform more strongly on or feel better about.</p>