<p>My first kid did significantly better on the SAT. He prepped better for it, and after prepping for the PSAT, he was already familiar with the types of questions. He had to switch gears for the ACT, and the “time pressure” made it more difficult for him. After prepping for the SAT, I wonder if a kid might “over-read” ACT questions, looking for a “trick” that’s not there.
I chose to focus on the PSAT/SAT only, though we’ve lived in ACT dominant states. Kid #2 was happy with first SAT and done with testing. If kids #3, 4+ are unhappy with SAT score, then I’d try ACT again. IMO it is easier to prep for the SAT–maybe I’m just used to it. Students should still consider taking both–one test session or the other just might be a better/luckier day.</p>