<p>i'm planning on taking the sat/act this coming fall, and i'm not exactly sure how to study.</p>
<p>would it be harmful to my scores if i study both sat and act at the same time? since the two tests are a bit different... or should i study for one test at a time?</p>
<p>If I were you, I would study for the SAT first and foremost. The SAT has the trickier format and nuances of the two, and experience with the SAT is extremely helpful in getting a high score. Moreover, the critical thinking skills you develop for the SAT carry over to the ACT better than the other way around. It is easiest to learn to think speedily at a slightly lower level on the fly than to do more critical analysis at a slightly lax pace (well, I wouldn’t say that the SAT is a slow pace, since you have to think on your feet; just not as rushed as ACT). </p>
<p>If you feel you have time to study for both, go ahead. One thing that I would recommend is practicing the SAT essay section instead of the ACT one, since the format is similar but timing is harder on the SAT. But if there is one section to study, it is the ACT science. I got lucky when I took it, but I realize it’s a problem area for many, and it should serve you well to study for it just in case.</p>