The redesigned SAT is a gamble—it’s unclear how smooth the roll out will be, considering how much the College Board currently has on its plate. The ACT, on the other hand, has barely changed. For a test this important to the application process, stick with the one that’s been heavily tested and thoroughly examined both by the tests’ writers and by test prep experts. For 2016, the first year of the redesigned SAT, it is safer to try the ACT. Once the dust has settled next year, the SAT will be on surer footing.

1. Be sure that you check with the colleges you plan to apply to. All colleges in the United States accept either SAT or ACT. However, certain scholarships or programs abroad will recommend a specific test. There also might be benefits at a school to taking one test rather than the other, such as waiving the need to take a Subject Test or opting out of the essay portion of the exam. Check with your individual colleges or talk to your college counselor. Also note, these policies are subject to change.
2. Another exception applies to students with accommodations for a learning difference. Securing accommodations is different for each test. You may get extra time on both tests. You may only get extra time on the SAT but not the ACT, or vice versa. Having the extra time you need to show your talents is essential. If you get an accommodation on one test and not the other, go with the test that gave you the accommodation you need. The key take away: apply as early as possible for your accommodation to both tests. Once you have the decisions from the SAT and ACT boards, you can make an educated decision that’s right for you.
3. The final exception applies to students who live in a state where the local school board requires that you take either the SAT or ACT as part of your annual school testing. Generally, we recommend that if you are good at the test required in your state, stick with it so you get a free test date and you only have to prepare for one test. However, if you have the time and aren’t 100% comfortable with your state test, feel free to take the state exam and take the other test on a Saturday with the rest of the country. There is no rule that just because your state requires the SAT you can’t also take the ACT, or vice versa.