The SAT® and ACT® are standardized tests used by most colleges as part of the admissions process. While some schools have adopted test-optional policies (meaning you can choose whether to submit scores), strong test scores still help at most institutions and can qualify you for merit scholarships. For students interested in pre-med, performing well on the SAT® or ACT® is not just about college admission. It builds the test-taking skills and study discipline you will use for the MCAT® several years later. This page covers how the tests work, free preparation resources, and practical strategies for achieving your best score.
SAT vs. ACT: Which Should You Take
Both tests are accepted by virtually all colleges, so the choice depends on which format plays to your strengths. The SAT® consists of Reading and Writing (one combined section) and Math, with a total score range of 400 to 1600. The test is 2 hours and 14 minutes (digital format). The ACT® consists of English, Math, Reading, and Science, with a composite score range of 1 to 36. The test is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus an optional 40-minute writing section). The ACT® Science section does not test science knowledge directly. It tests your ability to interpret data, read graphs, and evaluate experimental designs, skills that are also tested on the MCAT®.
Take a full-length practice test of each (available free from College Board and ACT) and compare your scores. Whichever test yields a stronger relative score (compared to the score distributions) is likely the better choice for you. Some students perform similarly on both and choose based on personal preference. If you are unsure, the SAT® is slightly more common, but neither test has an advantage over the other in college admissions.
Free Preparation Resources (Use These First)
Khan Academy® SAT® Prep (Free): Khan Academy® partnered with the College Board to create a free, personalized SAT® preparation program. After you take a diagnostic test or link your PSAT scores, Khan Academy® creates a customized practice plan targeting your specific weaknesses. This is the single best free resource for SAT® preparation, and it is available to everyone at no cost. See our Khan Academy® guide.
College Board Practice Tests (Free): The College Board publishes full-length SAT® practice tests with answer explanations on their website. Take at least 3 to 4 practice tests under timed conditions during your preparation to build familiarity with the format and pacing.
ACT Free Study Guide (Free): ACT provides a free study guide with practice questions and a full-length practice test on their website. Additional free practice tests are available through various educational organizations and library databases.
Library Resources (Free): Your local library likely has SAT® and ACT® prep books available for free borrowing. Many libraries also provide free access to online test prep platforms through their digital resources.
School-Based Preparation: Some high schools offer free or low-cost SAT®/ACT® preparation courses, workshops, or tutoring. Ask your school counselor what is available. If your school offers the PSAT® (typically in October of 10th and 11th grade), take it, as it provides a diagnostic baseline and qualifies you for National Merit Scholarship consideration.
When and How to Prepare
Most students begin serious test preparation 2 to 4 months before their planned test date. A reasonable study schedule involves 30 to 60 minutes per day, 4 to 5 days per week, for 8 to 12 weeks. Begin with a diagnostic test to identify your baseline score and weaknesses. Focus your study time on your weakest areas rather than practicing what you already do well. Take a full-length practice test every 2 to 3 weeks to measure progress. Review every question you miss and understand why the correct answer is correct.
Plan to take the SAT® or ACT® for the first time in the spring of junior year (March, May, or June). This timing gives you the summer to prepare for a retake if needed, with a second attempt in the fall of senior year (October or November) before application deadlines. Most students see their scores improve between the first and second attempt, as familiarity with the test format reduces anxiety and improves pacing.
Test-Optional Policies
Some colleges have adopted permanent or temporary test-optional policies, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT® or ACT® scores. If your test scores are strong relative to the school’s admitted student profile, submit them. If your scores are below the school’s median and the rest of your application is strong, consider applying test-optional. Research each school’s specific policy (truly test-optional, test-blind, or test-flexible) and make a strategic decision for each school on your list.
For college planning, see our college application guide and choosing a pre-med college. For MCAT® preparation (several years ahead), see our MCAT® prep guide.
Paid Prep Courses: Do You Need One? Commercial test prep courses (online and in-person) can cost $500 to $2,000 or more. These courses provide structure, accountability, and sometimes higher-quality practice materials. However, research consistently shows that the most important factor in test preparation is practice, and the free resources available (Khan Academy®, College Board practice tests, ACT study guides) provide everything you need to prepare effectively. If you have the discipline to follow a self-study plan, you do not need a paid course. If you struggle with self-motivation and benefit from the structure of a class, a paid course may be worth considering, but exhaust the free options first. We do not recommend specific commercial test prep companies and do not place affiliate links. See our Khan Academy® guide for maximizing free preparation.
Test Anxiety: Some students perform poorly on standardized tests not because they lack knowledge but because test anxiety impairs their performance. Symptoms include racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, physical tension, and the feeling of “going blank” during the exam. If you experience test anxiety, the most effective strategies are thorough preparation (anxiety decreases when you feel confident in your knowledge), timed practice under realistic conditions (familiarity with the test format reduces surprise and anxiety), relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, positive visualization) practiced before and during the test, adequate sleep the night before (sleep deprivation worsens anxiety), and if severe, professional support from a school counselor or therapist who specializes in performance anxiety. Test anxiety is common and manageable, and it does not mean you are not capable of strong performance.
Superscoring and Score Choice: Many colleges “superscore” the SAT®, meaning they take your highest section scores from multiple test dates and combine them into a single composite. This means if you score higher on Math in March and higher on Reading/Writing in October, the college uses both high scores. The ACT® also allows superscoring at some institutions. “Score Choice” allows you to choose which test dates’ scores to send to colleges (though some colleges require all scores). Understanding these policies allows you to take the test multiple times strategically, focusing on improving your weaker section on the second attempt. Research each school’s superscoring and score-reporting policies to plan your testing strategy.
References
College Board. “SAT.” College Board, 2025. https://www.collegeboard.org/. Accessed March 2026.
ACT. “The ACT Test.” ACT, 2025. https://www.act.org/. Accessed March 2026.
Khan Academy. “SAT Prep.” Khan Academy, 2025. https://www.khanacademy.org/sat. Accessed March 2026.