Students and parents alike often have this question. While there are a number of potential answers on the subject, the best answer is usually “both.” The reason to take both is there is fairly low cost for a very high potential reward.

Cost of the tests
The SAT and ACT cost about $50 to register for. The student only spends about 5 hours in total taking the exams, or about one half of one day.

Studying for the tests
Most experts believe that the best way to study for both of these tests is to practice taking them. As such, it can be very beneficial to sit for as many standardized tests as possible in order to improve an ultimate score. Of course, no student should be asked to sit for the exams each time either one is given. However, sitting multiple times for both will typically result in the highest score possible from one particular student.

Benefits of taking both tests
Most schools accept either test or both tests on an admissions application. If a student performed better on one than the other, then the student can use only one test on the application. If a student did the same on both tests, then both scores can be used. Using both scores is a way to show the score was not simply a “fluke.” This is particularly important if a student has scored in the highest percentile. Achieving this score more than once is truly proving a high ability.

Point of the SAT
The SAT was designed in 1920. It is intended to measure a student’s aptitude and abilities, not necessarily a student’s knowledge. The SAT is said to require only pre-high school level schooling. However, it should be noted that students typically perform better at advanced ages and school levels. The test was initially designed for rigorous schools, like Ivy League colleges, to get an understanding of how well a student may perform in a typical freshman college course. It was a way to eliminate the gray areas surrounding high school grades as each high school had a different grading process.

Point of the ACT
The ACT was designed later in the Midwest as a comparable testing form to the SAT. The ACT, unlike the SAT, is meant to measure learned knowledge more. Instead of testing reasoning or aptitude, the ACT presents test questions similar to what a student would see on daily English, science or math exams. Most students find the ACT easier to take. However, since both tests are scaled in comparison to other test-takers, students typically perform fairly equal on the two tests.

If you have to choose one
If you are only going to take one test, then consider which colleges you will be applying to. Students applying to coastal colleges should typically take the SAT. Students applying to Midwest schools may be better off taking the ACT. If you have to take one or the other, the SAT is generally a better option because it is easier to compare than the ACT since more students tend to take the SAT each year.