Many students consider the SAT and the ACT. Some take one or the other, some take both (some even take both more than once). Hopefully the information in the table below will help you decide which exam is best for you. Of course, your decision should be made with the entire examination in mind, not just the math sections. You should discuss the decision with your parents and guidance counselor.

In general, the SAT is more "reasoning-based" and the ACT is more "content-based." Many students find the ACT to be more straightforward, with fewer "tricky" problems. Perhaps the best way to decide is to try practice tests for each and see how you do. Some other factors:

• Depending on your math level, you may want to take the ACT later  because it has a wider range of math that you may not encounter in school until later in your Junior year (see below).
• All of your SAT scores for all tests are sent to colleges; whereas with the ACT you can choose which test to send.  On the other hand, most colleges will only "consider" your best SAT scores (your best reading, best math and best writing across all tests).  Therefore many guidance counselors advise students that there really is little downside to taking the SAT multiple times.