The SAT and ACT are both college admission tests. Most colleges accept the results of both the SAT and the ACT.

The ACT  is an achievement test that measures what a student has learned in school, while the SAT is an aptitude test that predicts how well a student will do in college.  The ACT covers English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing test, while the SAT includes Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and a mandatory Writing section.

Most students feel that the ACT questions are clearer and more straightforward. Although most high school students take the SAT test, the ACT is being taken by more students every year as an alternative to the SAT.

Some school counselors may suggest that students take both tests, but we believe that if you are better at curriculum-based tests than at critical thinking skills tests, then the ACT may be better for you. Of course, you need to make sure that the schools you intend to apply to do not have a test preference or requirement.

To decide which test is better for you, you can go to your school's student counselor office to obtain free sample tests for the ACT and SAT, which are in packets published by the test makers. From your understanding of the format, content, and structure of the tests, as well as your sample test results, you can determine which test you should take.