Deciding between the SAT and the ACT is the first major hurdle of the college admissions process. Many students take both, but most will naturally perform better on one over the other. The key is identifying which test aligns with your child's strengths.
This guide breaks down the differences between SAT and ACT tutoring, how the tests compare, and which option is right for your student.
The Difference Between the SAT and ACT
At a high level, the SAT is a test of reasoning and logic, while the ACT is a test of speed and endurance. The SAT gives you more time per question but asks questions in a trickier, more convoluted way. The ACT is straightforward but requires you to move at a blistering pace.
For math specifically, the SAT focuses heavily on algebra, data analysis, and advanced math concepts. It also allows the use of the Desmos graphing calculator for the entire section. The ACT math section covers a wider range of topics, including geometry and trigonometry, but doesn't have the built-in Desmos tool.
How SAT Tutoring Differs from ACT Tutoring
Because the tests are fundamentally different, the tutoring approach must be different as well. SAT tutoring is often about strategy, pattern recognition, and learning how to avoid traps. It requires deep focus on algebraic manipulation and problem-solving skills.
ACT tutoring, on the other hand, is heavily focused on time management. A tutor will help a student figure out how to maximize their score by knowing which questions to skip and which to prioritize. The math content review for the ACT is also broader, covering more distinct topics than the SAT.
Which Test Should Your Child Choose?
The best way to decide is to have your student take a full-length practice test for both the SAT and the ACT. Compare the percentile scores (not the raw scores) to see which one is naturally higher.
Additionally, consider your child's testing style. Do they prefer having more time to think through complex problems? The SAT might be better. Do they work quickly and prefer straightforward questions, even if there are more of them? The ACT could be the winner.
A diagnostic test can save you months of misdirected prep. Don't guess—take a practice test for both and see what the data says.
The Advantage of Focusing on One Test
Once you've chosen a test, stick with it. Prepping for both simultaneously is rarely a good idea. It dilutes the student's effort and forces them to learn two different sets of strategies and test formats.
By focusing solely on the SAT (or the ACT), a student can dive deep into the specific quirks of that exam. For example, mastering the Desmos calculator is a massive advantage on the Digital SAT, but it's irrelevant for the ACT.
Why Math Tutors Recommend the SAT
At Lahage Tutoring, we focus exclusively on the Digital SAT Math section. Why? Because the adaptive format and the integration of Desmos make it a test where strategy and targeted prep can yield incredible results.
The SAT Math section is highly predictable. Once a student learns the patterns and how to leverage the built-in tools, they can see significant score improvements. And with our prep packages starting at $679, that improvement is accessible and highly structured.