That answer varies according to your situation, but here's our ideal scenario.

We like for students to begin in the summer before junior year.  The summer is a nice time to get some of the work done, when students typically don't have as many obligations. But don't panic if you're starting later!  Just don't wait to contact us a week before the test.

To begin, we have them try a practice ACT and if they did not take the PSAT, a practice SAT.  That gives us a baseline and a lot of information about what we need to work on.  Students who start near their goal scores won't need as much work as those starting farther from their goal.  Most students see us 10-15 sessions before taking the test, but that number will vary based on your specific circumstances.

As for when to take the test, that varies, too.  If you begin over the summer, some students will be ready to try it early in the fall (August/September).  Others will need a longer runway, aiming to test in December or February.  In every case, we would aim to have students done by the end of junior year if at all possible.  

In most cases, we strongly recommend choosing one test and sticking with it.  The current SAT and ACT are more different now than ever.  While the content of the two tests mostly overlaps, the format, the most commonly tested concepts, and the time limits are all different.  It's also possible for students to have different accommodations on the two tests.

With all of that, it's hard to switch between the two.  Your student will feel more confident if they are experts with one test, rather than just familiar with both.

While it's not a terrible thing to do, we don't generally recommend that for a few reasons.

First, doing anything important unprepared is very stressful.  Your student is not going to do their best, and a low score can be very discouraging.

Second, it's a waste of money to sign up for tests that you almost certainly won't be using for admissions.

Finally, if you have an anxious student, this scenario might be terrifying.  Preparation is the enemy of anxiety, and taking the test cold may push all the wrong buttons.

You're better off taking practice tests at home and saving the real thing for when they're actually ready to take it.

No.  Schools do not differentiate between the tests, and you should be able to submit either test for consideration.

That question really has two answers: the statistical answer and the subjective answer.

Let's start with the stats.  The average SAT score is 1000 and the average ACT score is 19.  Let that sink in.  You might be shocked that average is that "low."  I'm assuming - since you're visiting this site! - that you've had college on your radar for a while.  You and your friends talk about scores and percentiles at selective colleges.  Let me assure you that scores like 1500 (SAT) and 33 (ACT) are MUCH less common than you think.  For the record, those are both 98th percentile, meaning only 2% of students score that high.  So keep things in perspective!

The subjective answer to the "good score" question is entirely about the typical scores at the colleges you're considering.  If you're applying to the Ivies, then yes, those ultra high scores are the norm.  But the vast majority of schools are not looking for that type of student.  Check out your colleges' score ranges for a more realistic take.  Just remember that those ranges are inflated right now because of COVID.  Many people didn't submit, but those that did had high scores.  So take that score range with a grain of salt and assume if you're slightly lower than the published range, you are likely still in the running!

A superscore takes your student's best subtest scores across multiple administrations and combines them to make the best possible composite score.  

However, not all schools accept superscores.  Some still require scores to be from one administration.  Check the policies of schools on your list.

Probably not.  As of early 2024, only a handful of schools require ACT Writing.  The most well known of those is West Point.

There are also a few schools that recommend ACT Writing, including Colorado School of Mines and Morehouse College.

Check the colleges on your radar for more information, but the odds are high that the essay won't be necessary.

There could, however, be reasons to do it even if it's not required.  If your student is an exceptional writer, then this might be a place to shine!

It all depends on your students goals.  If he/she is planning to apply to colleges that accept most applicants, testing may not be necessary for admission.  However, testing may be required for course placement, and some schools offer scholarships based on scores.  Just do your homework to see if skipping the test makes sense.

For students applying to selective colleges, testing is going to give you a leg up over students not submitting scores.  Colleges are quite secretive about what types of students are admitted without scores.  Unless you're in a special category - think athletes or children of donors - you should assume you will only benefit from submitting scores, even if you don't think they're high enough.  Colleges will assume that if you choose not to submit scores, your scores are low, even if they're really not low!  Before choosing not to submit, be sure you understand what is truly a "low" score.  It's probably not what you think.

This rumor has been around for years, but it's definitely not true.  The test makers know the difficulty of a test before administering it, and the scoring scale adapts to that difficulty level. 

Practically, that means that you can make more mistakes to hit a certain score on a hard test, but fewer mistakes for the same score on an easy one.  Even if could know a test was "easy" before taking it, it isn't an advantage.  It just means you have less wiggle room for making mistakes.

The SAT has no limit on the number of tests; the ACT has a limit of 12 tests.  Your student will have ample attempts either way.

However, most students max out at three attempts.  The first attempt is almost never the best one, so we tell students to think of it as an "official" practice test.  Round two is the more serious attempt, and many students will be done after it.  Some opt for a third try, with a focus on improving one or two sections.  

There may be good reasons to go for more (i.e. scholarships), but don't plan on needing that many!

Since the SAT and ACT are two different companies, the application process is different.  The basics are that many schools will submit accommodations requests to the College Board for all students who receive school accommodations prior to the PSAT.  Students typically don't have to initiate the process.

On the other hand, the ACT requires students to register for a test date before submitting accommodations applications.  When you register, there will be a place to indicate you intend to apply.  You should follow up with your school to ensure they send any needed documentation to ACT.  

You can find more accommodations information here.  (add link)

These are the most commonly requested accommodations for our students.  Remember that an accommodation has to directly associate with your student's diagnosis.  

• Extended time (150% or 200%)
• Multiday testing
• Small group or private testing
• Reader or audio recording of test
• Extra or extended breaks
• Large print test booklet

While these are the most common, you can ask for other things as appropriate.

Be aware that private schools will often refuse to provide in-school testing accommodations (your student may be limited to only 150% time).  You may be able to find an alternate testing site, but start that process early.

In general, no.  I know it can feel like starting very early is an advantage, but it will work against some students.  

The test is designed for second semester juniors, so younger kids will likely feel out of their depth.  This is especially true for math, unless your student is on a very advanced track.  If you student is weak in math, then having them try the test too soon could be discouraging.

Further, starting very early communicates to your student that a) this test is life-or-death level important and b) you are going to need tons of work to be ready.  The first is just not true, and the second is likely not true.  Trust me, your student doesn't need that level of stress.  Just wait until the summer before junior year to get started.  

What we do recommend is building your student's vocabulary and reading skills early.  Those are hard to improve in the short term, so you do want to challenge your student earlier in high school.  You can find a recommended reading list here (add link).

Don't panic if you're starting late!  Though, you should start as soon as possible.  Summer prep can go a long way.  There are also summer test dates to consider, and most colleges will consider scores from tests through October of senior year.  Some will go as late as December of senior year.

For twins, we can certainly do some sessions with both.  There are general concepts they will both need to know.  But, we do recommend doing some sessions individually, since it's unlikely their strengths and weaknesses will completely match.