SAT or ACT? Deciding which test is right for your student - Kevin's Newsletter


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Kevin A. Doty

I teach students to be amazing learners.

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SAT or ACT - Deciding which test is right for your student.

Testing season is ramping up for high school juniors. Many students have already taken the PSAT in the fall and are planning to take their first official test; some even this next week. But which test - SAT or ACT - should your student focus on?

In this article, I will outline the differences between the SAT and ACT and how to help you you some specific guidelines to help your student choose which test is best for them.

What’s the difference between the SAT and ACT?

Broadly, here’s how I characterize the SAT versus the ACT.

The SAT tends to be a slower test, ‘a walk in the park’ kind of test. You have to keep moving but there is time to think and consider on several of the questions. However, the way the SAT makes their questions “difficult” is that they tend to be tricky. The SAT is always asking questions, especially math questions, in weird ways that you would never see in a regular class. This can make questions intimidating, even though the actual things you need to know or do are straightforward.

The SAT tends to favor students who may need extra thinking time and are nervous about finishing tests in the time allowed. SAT problems are kind of like puzzles with a bit of math or grammar thrown in.

The ACT, on the other hand, is a fast test...

More to Read on my Blog

🗞️ For some related articles to SAT and ACT test prep check out these articles:

Upcoming Testing Deadlines ⏰

If your student is planning to test in 2025, here are a few upcoming test dates and registration deadlines:

SAT Dates and deadlines

May 3, 2025 SAT (Registration deadline April 18, Late registration April 22)

June 7, 2025 SAT (Registration deadline May 22, Late registration May 27)

ACT Dates and deadlines

June 14, 2025 ACT (Late registration by May 26)

Add these dates to your calendar - test dates and locations often fill up early. For the most convenient location, you want to ensure that you register as early as possible.


Does your student plan to take an SAT or ACT this spring? Click the button below to take my Test Prep Readiness Quiz and find out the areas your student should focus on in their preparation.

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Kevin A. Doty

Hi! I am a private tutor who helps students learn test taking skills on the way to being better learners. I have helped students master the SAT, the ACT, calculus, chemistry and physics as well as a host of other subjects.I use what my parents have called "my ridiculous over-education" and over 8000 hours of one-on-one professional tutoring experience to make your student a better learner.You can find me on socials @kadotytutors or on my website at www.kevinadoty.com

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