Which Test Should My Student Take — ACT or SAT?

• Both tests are accepted by every U.S. college and university.
There’s no admission advantage to taking one over the other. The key is finding which test best fits a student’s strengths, pacing style, and comfort level.


• The SAT favors reasoning and problem-solving.
The SAT includes multi-step questions that test logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and math application skills. It’s ideal for students who perform well on complex, data-driven problems and like having slightly more time per question.

• The ACT favors speed and recall.
The ACT moves faster, with more straightforward questions but tighter time limits. It’s ideal for students who read and process information quickly and prefer more direct question formats.

• HELP uses diagnostics to identify the best fit.
Through HELP’s partnership with Naviance, every student takes both ACT and SAT diagnostic exams. Results are analyzed to identify the stronger test fit, helping students focus their prep efforts and maximize their score potential.

• HELP uses diagnostics to identify the best fit.
Through HELP’s partnership with Naviance, every student takes both ACT and SAT diagnostic exams. Results are analyzed to identify the stronger test fit, helping students focus their prep efforts and maximize their score potential.

When Should Students Begin Test Prep?

As early as possible — it’s a skill, not a cram.

Just like athletics, students don’t wait until senior year to start training. Standardized testing is a performance skill that improves over time with exposure, discipline, and strategy.

Start early — 6th or 7th grade is ideal.

Early preparation builds familiarity with question types, test structure, and pacing long before the pressure of high school exams begins. By starting early, students learn how to manage time, reduce anxiety, and develop the stamina needed for multi-hour exams.

Test familiarity = confidence.

Early prep helps students strengthen foundational math, reading, and grammar skills that carry over to classroom performance. It also builds long-term academic endurance so test days feel routine — not stressful.

Early starters perform stronger on the PSAT.

Students who begin learning test strategy and timing before high school transition smoothly into PSAT readiness. By the time they reach 10th grade, they already understand the structure, pacing, and expectations that lead to higher confidence and stronger scores.

HELP’s programs support every stage.

From foundational skill-building in middle school through college entrance testing in high school, HELP’s progressive structure allows students to grow academically while mastering each level of the ACT, SAT, and PSAT.

HELP provides flexible timelines.

HELP’s 3-, 6-, and 12-month test prep programs are designed to fit each student’s academic schedule, extracurricular load, and testing goals.

After their 1st Practice Test:

• Students will be emailed HELP’s ACT & SAT self-study prep guide to review test results and scores with parents

• Students will have access to HELP’s ACT & SAT platform to self-study and practice until December 14 th

• The platform includes an individual study guide based on the students’ diagnostic results, 6 full practice tests, and over 1,500 practice questions