Everything you need to know about choosing the right test, preparing effectively, and achieving your target score.
Understanding the differences and finding the right test for you
Both tests are widely accepted by colleges, but they have distinct differences. The ACT tends to be more straightforward with direct reading passages and consistent scoring, while the SAT provides more time per question but can have more ambiguous passages and answer choices.
We help you decide through diagnostic testing. After your child takes practice tests for both exams, we analyze their performance and recommend the test where they'll reach their target score most efficiently. If performance is similar on both, we generally recommend starting with ACT prep because:
That said, every student is different, and our diagnostic process ensures you choose the right test for your child's strengths.
No. All U.S. colleges accept both SAT and ACT equally. There's no admissions advantage to either test. Choose based on which test format suits your strengths better.
Yes. Some students do take both and submit the higher score, but most take diagnostic tests at the beginning and focus their prep on the one they perform better on.
Take full-length practice tests for both under timed conditions. Compare your scores and which test felt more comfortable. We offer diagnostic testing and consultation to help you decide.
If math is your superpower and you want it to count for more, the SAT's 50% math weighting works in your favor. However, we see many strong math students actually prefer the ACT—here's why: Since they don't need to focus heavily on the math component (it's straightforward for them), they can dedicate their prep time to English (reading and grammar). If they're also strong in English, their prep becomes much shorter—just practicing with different test papers and getting comfortable with the timing. The ACT's balanced scoring means math excellence still helps significantly while requiring less focused study.
What's changed with the Digital SAT and Enhanced ACT
The Digital SAT, introduced in 2024, has significant differences from the traditional paper test:
Adaptive Testing:
The Digital SAT adjusts difficulty based on your performance in the first module of each section. Perform well, and you'll see harder questions worth more points. We teach strategies to recognize and adapt to this format.
Shorter Test, Less Time Per Section:
While the overall test is shorter, sections move faster. Time management becomes even more critical.
New Tools & Interface:
Our Digital SAT Prep Includes:
The Enhanced ACT refers to the updated 2025 ACT format with significant structural changes that make the test shorter and more flexible.
What's New:
Our Enhanced ACT Prep:
Students who complete Algebra 2 and have strong foundational skills tend to excel on the Enhanced ACT, as math comprises only 25% of the composite score, and the reading/grammar sections align well with high school English curriculum.
The Science section doesn't test memorized facts—it tests reading charts and graphs, which is a highly learnable skill. Plus, it's now optional! Most students improve their Science scores significantly with proper prep.
Optimal timing for test prep success
Ideal timeline: Spring of sophomore year (10th grade)
This gives your child time to:
Minimum requirements:
Late start? We also work with juniors and seniors who need accelerated timelines. Our intensive bootcamps can help students make significant gains in shorter periods.
That advice is valid if you're not in Algebra 2 during sophomore year. However, if you are taking Algebra 2 in sophomore year, starting ACT prep then creates a double win: the training helps with both your ACT preparation and your school grades. You're learning the same concepts simultaneously, reinforcing each other. In fact, the majority of our students achieve a 34+ before entering junior year, giving them one less thing to stress about during their busiest academic year.
How we help students succeed and what to expect
We offer complete flexibility and help you make the best strategic decision.
Our Process:
Our Philosophy:
Different students have different strengths. Some excel with the ACT's fast pace and straightforward passages. Others prefer the SAT's extra time per question. Our goal is efficiency—we want your child to reach their target score in the shortest time possible so they can focus on school, extracurriculars, and enjoying their high school experience while building a strong college resume.
Strategic Pivot Option:
Many students start with ACT prep (which covers more advanced math and faster pacing) and can easily pivot to the SAT if needed. The reverse requires more effort, which is why we often recommend starting with the ACT when diagnostic scores are similar.
Yes! Practice tests are the cornerstone of our program.
We also simulate test day conditions so students are fully prepared for the actual testing environment, timing pressure, and stamina requirements.
It depends on your starting point and target score, but here's what our data shows:
The honest answer: Some students need very minimal preparation if they're already strong test-takers. Others need foundational work before intensive test prep. We assess your child's needs upfront and create a realistic timeline for reaching their target score.
Most students take the test 3 times to achieve their best score, which is why starting in sophomore spring gives you the time and flexibility to reach your goals without added stress.
This is exactly what our bootcamps and intensive modules are designed for!
Most students need 2-3 attempts to reach their target score, and that's completely normal. If your child has already taken an official test, we:
Students who enroll in bootcamps:
While we don't offer a specific point guarantee—because improvement depends on multiple factors including student effort, attendance, homework completion, and test-day conditions—our track record demonstrates consistent, significant results:
What drives these results? Consistent attendance, completing assigned practice work, and implementing instructor feedback. Students who fully engage with our program consistently reach their target scores and see significant improvements.
Quick gains with our 3-week summer intensives and Year-Round Bootcamps
Score improvement depends on your starting point and target score:
This bootcamp is ideal for students who:
Our bootcamps are designed for students who:
If you're new to the test or need foundational content review, we recommend our ACT-SAT Foundational Course instead.
We recommend completing the bootcamp either leading up to your test date or no later than 2-3 weeks before your official test. This timing allows you to:
Popular timing: Many students take our summer bootcamp in July/early August to prepare for July-September test dates.
Schedule a free consultation with our test prep experts. We'll assess your needs, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan to help you achieve your target score.
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