<p>While I know it is best to take both, I ran past the deadline for registration, and consequently I'll have to pay a late fee resulting in only being able to take one test. I took both of the practice tests earlier this year and I scored a 1690 on the PSAT and a 21 on the PLAN test; I was led to believe that my PSAT score was better and therefore I'm leaning towards taking the SAT, though I'd like to know what the members of the forum recommend. </p>
<p>Also, how different is the PSAT from the SAT? I only ask because I don't remember writing an essay when I took the PSAT, yet I have a writing section score nevertheless.</p>
<p>I recommend that instead of making your decision from your PSAT and PLAN scores, you should take both the SAT Diagnostic Test and the ACT Diagnostic Test. You can get the tests by checking out the books from your local library. Or I’m sure you’ll probably find free Diagnostic Tests of both online. :)</p>
<p>Take both tests. You still have plenty of time. Register for the next available test date for each. BUT, try to focus on only preparing for one - I would recommend the SAT based on the information you provided (but as sparky said taking an actual ACT and SAT and comparing isn’t a bad idea). </p>
<p>If you’re preparing for the SAT, make sure you learn all the SAT specific strategies, and do practice problems 20 to 30 minutes each day.</p>
<p>PSAT is basically the same exact thing as SAT in terms of difficulty of questions. The PSAT, though, only has 5 sections in total (2 math, 2 reading, 1 writing and no essay). Based on the PSAT, you could predict similar results for the SAT if taken during the same time.</p>
<p>Well it depends largely on where you are interested in attending geographically. The SAT is geared more towards measuring general logic and reasoning, whereas ACT is knowledge base.</p>
<p>Schools east of the Mississippi (like Harvard, University of Chicago, Miami U, etc). Also, schools on the West Coast (Stanford, Berkeley) prefer the SAT. Schools west of the Mississippi (but not California) generally prefer the ACT (like University of Colorado, Rice, etc.) and before taking up ACT/SAT exam take a look at [Average</a> SAT/ACT scores required by individual colleges](<a href=“http://www.hotcoursesusa.com/]Average”>http://www.hotcoursesusa.com/).</p>
<p>I’m taking both, but either is better than neither :)</p>
<p>^Those colleges do not have a preference for either test; essentially no college does anymore. The exception is the Cal Poly’s, colleges where the SAT has traditionally been the test taken by most high school students in the state, which a few years ago went to stating a preference for the ACT. So which you take does not depend on geographical area.</p>
<p>Also, it is not “best” to take both. It is best to take one and get the score you believe you need for applying to the colleges to which you want to apply; if you don’t get that score, then consider taking the other test. Thus OP, choose whichever you want to do first. From what you provide it is impossible to predict on which you might do better.</p>