Standardized testing has become one of the most confusing parts of the college admissions process in recent years. Between test-optional policies, changing test formats, and the choice between the SAT and ACT, many families aren’t sure where to start.
The good news is that testing does not have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan in place, students can approach the SAT or ACT strategically, avoid unnecessary stress, and make the most of their time.
At Advantage College Planning, we help families think through testing timelines and strategy as an important part of the overall college planning process.
While we do not provide test preparation, we regularly help students determine when to test, which exam to prioritize, and how testing fits into their broader college application timeline.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to build a standardized testing plan, including:
Whether students need to take both the SAT and ACT
How to decide which test is the better fit
How many times students should plan to test
Other important testing considerations
Do Students Need to Take Both the SAT and ACT?
Short answer: No.
Most students do not need to take both tests multiple times.
Colleges accept both the SAT and the ACT, and they truly have no preference for which test a student submits. Admissions offices simply want to see the strongest score a student can achieve.
There also isn’t any added benefit to submitting scores from both tests. In fact, spending many valuable hours preparing for multiple SAT and ACT sittings is rarely the best use of a student's time.
Here’s what we typically recommend:
Take a practice test: Taking a full-length diagnostic practice test of both the ACT and SAT is the best place to start. While students don’t need to prep for this practice test, they should take it seriously and try to emulate testing-conditions as closely as possible.
Compare scores: See how you did and identify which format feels like a better fit. Sometimes, a better fit looks like a higher score. Some students will outperform on one test. Their choice is usually pretty easy! For students who score in a similar range on both tests, which test felt better? Or which test did you hate the least?
Focus preparation and testing on that exam
Preparing for two different tests simultaneously can divide a student’s time and attention. Because the SAT and ACT emphasize slightly different skills and pacing, focusing on one test typically leads to stronger results.
SAT vs ACT: Which Test Is Better?
Neither test is objectively better. The right test is simply the one that plays to a student’s strengths and testing style.
Both exams have undergone significant updates in recent years, so understanding the differences can help students decide which test is a better fit.
The SAT (Digital SAT)
The SAT includes two sections:
Reading & Writing
Math
Key characteristics include:
Adaptive format: Questions become harder or easier depending on how students perform earlier in the section
Shorter test length: About 2 hours and 14 minutes
More time per question compared to the ACT
Students who prefer the SAT often say they appreciate:
A slightly slower pace
Fewer questions overall
The digital interface and tools
The SAT may be a good fit for students who like having more time to think through questions.
The ACT
The ACT includes four sections:
English
Math
Reading
Science (This section is optional in 2026, but we still recommend taking it!)
The ACT also includes an optional writing section that most students will not take. Few colleges require this section.
Key characteristics include:
Linear Format: The questions are the same for every student taking that version of the exam.
Slightly longer test length: About 2 hours and 55 minutes (without the optional writing section that most students won’t take)
More questions and faster pacing
A dedicated science reasoning section
Less time per question than the SAT
Students who prefer the ACT often say they like:
The straightforward question style
The ability to move through questions quickly
The more predictable structure
The ACT can be a good fit for students who are fast readers and comfortable working under time pressure.
How Many Times Should Students Take the SAT or ACT?
Taking the SAT or ACT more than once is normal and often beneficial because:
Students become more familiar with the test format
Many colleges superscore, combining the best section scores across multiple test dates
Scores often improve slightly with experience and test prep
A typical testing timeline looks like this:
Junior Year
First official test: winter or spring of junior year
Second test: spring or early summer if needed
Summer / Early Fall of Senior Year
Final opportunity to test before many college application deadlines
Students rarely need to test more than 3 times unless they are targeting a very specific score goal.
Testing too frequently can lead to burnout and diminishing returns.
Other Testing Considerations
Building a standardized testing plan involves more than simply choosing test dates.
Here are a few additional factors families should keep in mind.
Test-Optional Policies
Many colleges remain test-optional, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores.
For some students, submitting strong scores can strengthen an application. For others, it may make sense to apply without testing.
Testing Timelines
Students should aim to complete most of their testing by the end of junior year whenever possible. This leaves room to focus on other parts of the college application process during senior fall, including essays and applications.
Students should also think about their own commitments and schedules when planning their test dates. Students with fall-specific activities (like a sport or marching band) may prefer to wait until the spring.
Likewise, students with fuller spring schedules (including those taking several AP exams in May) might want to test in the fall, without the added pressure of a busy spring.
Preparation Matters
Students who prepare intentionally typically see stronger results.
Preparation may include:
Practice tests
Self-guided study using online resources
Working with a test preparation tutor or program
Again, while we do not provide test prep, we regularly help students decide when to start preparing and when to schedule testing.
Score Goals
Testing should always be tied to a student’s college list.
A strong score for one college may be very different from a competitive score at another. Understanding score ranges at prospective colleges can help students determine whether additional testing is worth the time and energy.
Final Thoughts
Standardized testing doesn’t need to dominate the college planning process, but having a thoughtful testing plan can reduce stress and help students perform their best.
Most students will find success by:
Taking practice versions of both tests
Choosing the exam that fits them best
Testing 2-3 times at strategic points in junior year and early senior year
Aligning testing with their college goals
At Advantage College Planning, we work with families to build clear timelines and testing strategies as part of a comprehensive college planning process.
If you’d like help building a personalized testing plan or college admissions timeline, reach out to see how we can help support your family.