You usually do not need both the SAT and the ACT. Pick the exam where a timed official practice test scores higher, then spend your hours there. Taking both is extra cost and extra prep unless you have a specific reason—already-high scores, a required school that you have not diagnosed yet, or a recruiter who asked for one you have not taken.
The default plan: one test
Sit a timed enhanced ACT practice test and a timed digital SAT practice test on separate days. Convert with ACT to SAT concordance. If one exam is clearly ahead, that is your test. If they are within a hair, pick the one that felt less miserable on pacing. Then build a single study plan—see how to study for the ACT.
When taking both can make sense
- Diagnostics are a dead heat and you have months, not weeks. Even then, prep one fully before dabbling in the second.
- You already have a strong SAT and a short ACT window might produce an even stronger concordance—or the reverse.
- A coach, scholarship, or state program asks for a specific test you have not taken. NCAA eligibility itself no longer requires scores; campus rules might. See NCAA ACT scores.
- State testing already gave you one exam and you want to see if the other is a hidden strength. Keep the extra prep light until a diagnostic proves it.
When taking both is a bad trade
If you have 40 study hours, splitting 20/20 almost always loses to 40 on one test. The enhanced ACT and digital SAT share some skills but not timing, Science, adaptive modules, or question style. Comparison of the current formats: enhanced ACT vs digital SAT.
If you do take both, sequence them
Finish one exam's prep and official sitting, then switch. Do not alternate SAT math and ACT English in the same week. Leave at least a couple of months between serious prep blocks. Sending both later is optional; send only the stronger concordance unless a school asks for everything.
The bottom line
One well-prepped score beats two mediocre ones. Diagnose both, commit to one, and only add the second test if you have time leftover and a real reason.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.