<p>I have a rising junior who wants to get a head start on prepping for the PSAT/SAT/ACT because he is not a great standardized test taker. He is stronger in math than in verbal if you go by his grades in school. We live on the East Coast so SATs are emphasized.</p>
<p>Would anyone recommend studying for the ACT vs the SAT first? He can't prep for both at once-- with other activities and keeping up his grades he really needs to choose one focus. And there is so little knowledge of ACT around here that I can't find a good sounding board irl.</p>
<p>Focus on preparing for the PSAT/SAT - the PSAT in October is the one that will count for National Merit. Check out the "Xiggi method" stickied at the top of this forum. Have him read The New York Times, the Economist, etc to build reading comprehension and vocabulary. When he gets the PSAT scores back, you can then determine if he should continue with the SAT, or might do better on the ACT format. Both will be offered several times in the spring. Also consider whether any of his colleges require SAT Subject Tests - you may want to schedule those in May or June.</p>
<p>And the SAT is not more prestigious than the ACT. For example, Yale will accept the ACT instead of the SAT plus SAT subject tests.</p>
<p>Agree with the advice given by fireflyscout.</p>
<p>The ACT might be easier for him, since it's a more "balanced" test. While the SAT places a greater emphasis on verbal/reading skills (2 sections out of the 3 are reading/writing), the ACT consists of 4 sections: English, reading, math, and science (plus an optional writing section, which may or may not be required by the colleges he is considering)</p>
<p>Here is why he should start with the ACT. The ACT has score choice. This means that if he takes the ACT five times and scores 25, 27, 29, 30, 33 (act is scored 1-36), then he gets to send only the score of 33. If he takes the SAT five times and 3 SAT subject tests, then college board will send all five scores AND the subject tests. If he applies to a school that requires subject tests and either SAT or ACT he will not be able to "hide" his SAT scores. For example, say his SAT scores ranged from 1600-1800 and subject tests were 700 each. If he started with the ACT he would send the score of 33 and the 3 subject tests. If he had started with SAT he would have to send the scores from 1600-1800 and the subject tests. Most people would rather not send a SAT score of 1600/2400 if they have an ACT of 33. There's no disadvantage to him starting with the ACT, but there is a potential disadvantage to him starting with the SAT. All colleges take the ACT and I think all say they give it equal weight to the SAT. Also, many colleges do not require subject tests if you take the ACT.</p>