Start free
SATAbout the SATDecision & Planning

Decision & Planning

Decide the SAT smartly — SAT versus ACT, whether the test is right for you, and when to start preparing — so you commit with a clear plan instead of second-guessing.

3 articlesUpdated weekly
When to start SAT prep: about three to four months before your first test date.
Most read

When to Start SAT Prep: Timing, Test Dates, and a Sample Plan

~3 min read
When to start SAT prep: about three to four months before your first test date.
Decision & Planning~3 min read

When to Start SAT Prep: Timing, Test Dates, and a Sample Plan

A practical guide to when to start SAT prep: the three-to-four-month rule, an ideal timeline by grade, how many months you need, and how to line it up with test dates.

Jun 26, 2026
Who should take the SAT: most college-bound students, with a few exceptions.
Decision & Planning~4 min read

Who Should Take the SAT? Test-Optional Rules and Who Still Needs Scores

A clear answer to who should take the SAT in 2026-2027: which selective colleges require scores again, why scores still help at test-optional schools, and who can skip it.

Jun 26, 2026
SAT vs ACT in 2026: a side-by-side comparison of the two college admissions tests.
Decision & Planning~4 min read

SAT vs ACT in 2026: Key Differences and How to Choose

A current, side-by-side comparison of the Digital SAT and the Enhanced ACT: format, length, scoring, the optional Science section, and how to pick the right test.

Jun 26, 2026