<p>So my guidance counselor told me to take the SAT or the ACT but don't do both. However, I decided to sign up for both in October since I feel like they aren't too similar so I can have a difference in score but is this true? Currently I'm on my 5th practice test for the SAT. I've managed to improve my score 300 points, half of which is in reading. I have never taken an ACT practice test and I'm a little "used" to the SAT critical reading and math problems. Do you think I should buy the red book and take ACT practice test? </p>
<p>I know it wasn't a smart idea to take them both in October leaving no room to study and I heard the ACT is a measurement of "achievement." But I would say my main question would be, does studying for the SAT help for the ACT as well or do they require two different study methods? (I mean science is a lot of reading as well and as far as time management I'm doing fairly well.) Thanks CCers! </p>
<p>Studying for the SAT definitely does help prepare you for the ACT. There is a lot of overlap between the tests. But the ACT also has some significant differences: time is a lot tighter, the style of the reading passages and questions is a little different, there is some additional content on the Math section, etc. I think the problem that you face is that the tests are 2 weeks apart. If you can take the SAT and then do some hard core practice for the ACT, then there is really no downside to doing it. But I would not start doing ACT stuff before the SAT because then you risk overwhelming yourself with the two different styles/time constraints/content bases and potentially hurting your SAT score. And one more thing…you could also do the SAT in October and then just continue with some more practice and take it again in November. This way you can superscore the different section scores (most colleges will do this) - that might work to your advantage more than switching back and forth between the tests in such a short time.</p>
<p>@reasonsat Thanks for the tips! I think I’ll just start studying a lot after the October SAT’s. I’m applying to UC’s and CSU’s so no superscoring is involved. I would take the SAT once again in November but I’m taking my subject tests in November as well. I’ve improved a lot in my first two practice tests then it stayed the same for the next two. Now I’m on my fifth and it’s still alright. I’m mainly having problems with vocabulary but other than that I think I should be fine.</p>
<p>I guess in the two week timeframe I have between the SAT and ACT I’ll try to take 3 practice tests. I’m just trying to balance out my schedule with college applications as well. Thanks for the help though! :)</p>