When should I take the SAT/ACT?

<p>Hey everybody, I am junior in high school and I just want some advice. I am scheduled to take the ACT December 10. I have never taken it before, I bought the Kaplan Act 2005 Edition so I can study. I know I should have started studying earlier but here is my thing. If I study really hard by myslef, and take the practice tests , then when I take the real test and if my scores aren't good then I will go Princeton Review.
Now my family is not rich, so money is a problem. But my parents are willing to pay for me to go. So after taking the Princeton Review with more knowledge I would take the ACT in February. Thats only if I don't do good on the December 10 ACT.
The second problem I have is that I don't know when to take the SAT. I took it 10th grade year dind't study one bit received an 1170, I just wanted to see how the test was. But now I really need to do well, I was planning to do the same method with the SAT that I am doing with the ACT,study alot and then If I don't do good go to Princeton Review.
I received a letter Princeton Review today saying that my school has partnered with them for students in my school to take the same classes and everying, but only pay $499 for the April or May test. I was really happy becasue my parents can't afford to pay $1000.</p>

<p>Now I am wondering whether I should study from january until April, and go to the cheaper princeton review or should I stick with my old method. The only problem I have with the cheaper Princeton review is that I will taking the SAT in April, and I was planning to take it in January. I'm not really confident with these tests, and I dont want it to be senior year and me still taking the SAT. So what should I do? I have already registered for ACT so I am definely taking it December. I hope to get 26 or higher so I know there is room for inprovement. HELP ME, please and pray to GOD for me.</p>