SAT or ACT?

Easy answer: Both, or neither!

Students often ask if they should take the SAT or the ACT. The answer is, they should take both tests one time, then take the test they are most comfortable with a second time.

The tests are slightly different, and one test will stand out for every student. I counsel students to take each test one time. Then prep for the test they prefer — either private one-on-one tutoring, private group tutoring, or free online prep. Free SAT tutoring online is hands down better than free ACT tutoring. SAT’s free online Kahn Academy is excellent for students who are self-starters, and learn well on their own.

Students who have conducted effective prep should expect a 5 - 10% increase in their score on their second attempt. Generally, students who test a third time do no better than the second time, and so I do not recommend a third sitting.

All colleges accept both SAT and ACT, and an increasing number of colleges do not require standardized test scores at all. If a strong student tests poorly, a “test optional” college can be a good option.

Early Decision Applications Continue to Increase

The number of students applying to college Early Decision continues to grow sharply. Last year, 29 percent of high-achieveing, high-income students applied to college Early Decision, while 16 percent of high-achieving low-income students did so.

Early Decision applications have increased over the last several years because most highly selective private colleges and universities accept a higher percentage of ED applicants than regular decision applicants. For example, many of the most competitive institutions admit more than half of their freshman class ED. 
Early Decision applicants are required to attend if accepted Early Admission.

The downside is that ED is binding, meaning that those accepted ED are required to attend.

Early Decision is a smart choice for students who are certain of their first-choice college, and are able to attend no matter the amount of financial aid offered by the college. On the other hand, ED is not a good choice for students who are not sure where they want to attend college, and want or need to compare financial aid offers from colleges that accept them.