Most colleges/universities use both the SAT provided by College Board and ACT provided by American Testing Services for admissions decisions. Many of our students find that the ACT exam format is more familiar to them than the SAT and find it an easier test to take than the SAT. Most schools in the country including our local universities (PSU, LHU, PCT) accept either SAT or ACT. 

If a student's ACT score is better than their SAT score, the school will use that for admissions decisions. If the student's ACT score is not better than their SAT, they'll use the SAT score. 

The PSAT/NMSQT is offered as a preliminary SAT as a great way to practice for the SAT. For 11th grade students their score on the PSAT/NMSQT may be tied to scholarship opportunities. 

12th grade students should take the ACT or SAT in time for their scores to arrive at the colleges they plan to apply prior to the colleges' application deadlines. If application timeliness is a concern, review test score reporting/release dates before making ACT and/or SAT registration decisions.

Late registration for the ACT, PSAT/NMSQT and SAT will incur fees. At the time a student registers for the ACT and SAT they should indicate to send their scores to the colleges (and NCAA if needed) that they want to receive their test scores. Sending scores at a later date will incur fees.

College Board SAT Suite of Assessments 

ACT Website