When Is the Right Time for Your Client to Switch to the Other Test?
Deciding between the SAT® and ACT® is a big decision for students. But what happens when your client has prepped and prepped but just can’t reach their desired score? Sometimes, our clients simply hit a plateau. When your students get to this point, it’s time to assess whether your client simply needs to adjust their study strategy or if it’s time to switch tests. While sticking with the initial choice is often the best move, there are certain situations where transitioning to the other test can make all the difference.
If you’ve already helped your student choose between the SAT® and ACT®, we hope this post will take things a step further. We’ll break down the key factors that signal it might be time to switch.
Start Here: Consider the Key Differences Between the SAT® and ACT®
Before deciding whether to switch tests, it’s important to revisit the fundamental differences between the two. While both the SAT® and ACT® assess college readiness, they do so in distinct ways:
Pacing and Timing: The ACT® is more fast-paced, requiring students to move quickly through the questions. The SAT® allows more time per question, allowing students to take time to consider their answers.
Test Format: The Digital SAT® is adaptive, adjusting difficulty based on performance, while the ACT® remains a linear, more predictable test.
Math Differences: The SAT® Math module provides a formula sheet and allows calculator use on the entire math section. The ACT® expects students to recall more math formulas and also includes a science section that integrates additional math content (*remember, the science section is now optional).
Science Section: The ACT® has a dedicated Science section, which is now optional, while the SAT® embeds scientific reasoning as well as quantitative and qualitative data analysis throughout the test.
Reading and Question Style: SAT® questions tend to be more complex and require multi-step reasoning, whereas ACT® questions are more direct.
Writing Optional: The new Digital SAT® merges reading and writing skills into one section. The ACT® allows test takers to choose whether or not to take the writing section.
With these key differences in mind, let’s explore when it’s time to switch tests.
Signs It’s Time to Switch from the ACT® to the SAT®
If your student has been preparing for the ACT® but is struggling, here are some signs that switching to the SAT® might be a better option:
Struggles with Time Pressure – ACT is changing to its notoriously fast-paced test, now providing more time per question. However, if your student still consistently runs out of time, they may benefit from the SAT®’s more generous pacing.
Difficulty with Longer Passages — The new Digital SAT® uses short passages throughout its modules and every problem exists independently. The ACT®, on the other hand, still includes lengthier passages in the Reading, English, and Science sections that are typically used across multiple questions. For students struggling with reading comprehension (or attention challenges), the SAT®’s approach may be beneficial.
Better at Data Analysis & Contextual Reading – The new Digital SAT® places a strong emphasis on interpreting charts, graphs, and passages in a data-driven way. If your student enjoys this style of problem-solving, they may perform better on the SAT®.
Upcoming ACT® Changes May Affect Their Strengths – The ACT®’s changes, such as passage-based math questions, could make the test more challenging for students who are already struggling with ACT® Math. If their current ACT® Math performance is weak, the SAT®’s question style may work better.
Many of the SAT®’s current math questions follow predictable forms and structures that students can prepare for.Math Without Reference Sheet is a Struggle – The SAT® includes a formula sheet, whereas the ACT® expects test takers to recall math formulas from memory. If a student finds this challenging, the SAT® may be a better fit.
Signs It’s Time to Switch from the SAT® to the ACT®
If your student has been prepping for the SAT® but isn’t making progress, consider whether the ACT® would be a better fit:
Struggles with Adaptive Testing – The SAT®’s adaptive format can be unpredictable. Some test takers prefer the consistency and predictability of a linear test, where all questions are pre-determined and the level of difficulty predictably increases from beginning to end across all sections.
Strong with Contextual Reading and Efficiency — The ACT®’s longer passages allow students to engage deeply and answer multiple questions from the same text. This benefits those who read efficiently, retain information well, and prefer a structured, predictable format over the SAT®’s fragmented approach.
Excels at Fast-Paced Tests – Students who work more quickly and don’t tend to second-guess themselves may thrive on the ACT®’s quicker pacing.
Better at Straightforward Questions – The ACT®’s questions tend to use more direct, practical language, while the SAT® often requires multi-step reasoning and a strong understanding of domain vocabulary. If a student struggles with SAT® wordiness, the ACT® might be a better fit.
Science is a Strong Skill – If your student has strong science skills, the optional ACT® Science section may be reason enough to switch tests.
Want to Highlight Proficiency in Writing – The ACT®’s Writing section, also optional, is an opportunity for our clients with solid writing skills to showcase their ability. Again, if this skill is an advantage, this may be a good reason to change tests.
How to Make a Smooth Transition
If you and your client determine that switching tests is the right move, here’s how to ensure a smooth transition:
Take a Diagnostic Test – Always start here. Have your student take a full-length practice test for the new exam to confirm that it’s a better fit before making the switch official. A diagnostic test will provide critical insight into whether switching tests is the best option.
Adjust the Study Plan – This starts with the student’s diagnostic test score report; identify the strengths and weaknesses. Shift focus to the new test’s unique format, pacing, and question styles.
Consider Timing and Registration – Make sure the switch aligns with upcoming test dates and that your client has enough prep time.
Address Confidence Levels – Switching can be daunting, so be sure to reassure your clients that this isn’t a defeat or a Hail Mary; they’re not starting over but rather choosing the test that is best suited to their academic skills and plays to their strengths.
For most of our students, sticking with their original test choice and refining their approach is the best strategy. However, in cases where a student is hitting a wall despite strong effort, switching to the other test can be the key to unlocking higher scores.
Recognizing when a test switch is beneficial can help you and your clients make an informed decision that maximizes their strengths and ultimately leads to better results.
Kickstart Your Test-Prep Success in 2025!
At Clear Choice Prep, we’re dedicated to helping your tutoring business thrive with personalized solutions designed to meet every client’s unique needs.
We provide a full range of ACT® and SAT® prep materials, available in both digital and paper-and-pencil formats, equipping you and your tutors with the tools they need to deliver tailored instruction to help your students reach their full academic potential.
Ready to elevate your test-prep services? Schedule a free demo today and see how Clear Choice Prep can create a fully customized, white-label test-prep system for your business. With our support, you can expand your offerings and empower your students to succeed academically.
Are you ready to make 2025 your most impactful year yet?