We start by determining the right testing strategy.
We consider which test to take, when to take it, and how many attempts make sense. We also consider whether submitting scores will strengthen the student's application based on the colleges they are considering.
Test-optional policies have changed the role standardized testing can play in the college admissions process. For some students, a strong test score can be a valuable addition to their application. For others, their time and effort may be better focused on different areas of the admissions process. Understanding each student's goals, strengths, and college list allows us to develop a testing strategy that makes sense for them.
Is this student better suited to the SAT or the ACT?
Do the schools on their list actually use scores?
What is a realistic target given their baseline?
How many sittings, and when, around their academic calendar?
Two tests, two different demands.
A quick orientation before the diagnostic. The diagnostic confirms which one actually suits this student.
| COMPARE | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Science | No standalone section (science passages embedded in Reading & Writing) | Standalone Science section |
| Math & calculator | Calculator allowed throughout (built-in graphing tool) | Calculator allowed on Math only |
| Format | Section-adaptive (second module adjusts to the first) | Linear — same questions for everyone |
| Scoring | 400–1600 | 1–36 per section; composite average |
| Approximate length | About 2 hours 14 minutes | About 2 hours 55 minutes (without essay) |
| Essay | Not offered | Optional Writing essay |
SAT
- SECTIONS
- Reading & Writing, Math
- SCIENCE
- No standalone section (embedded in Reading & Writing)
- MATH & CALCULATOR
- Calculator allowed throughout
- FORMAT
- Section-adaptive
- SCORING
- 400–1600
- LENGTH
- About 2 hours 14 minutes
- ESSAY
- Not offered
ACT
- SECTIONS
- English, Math, Reading, Science
- SCIENCE
- Standalone Science section
- MATH & CALCULATOR
- Calculator on Math only
- FORMAT
- Linear — same for everyone
- SCORING
- 1–36 per section; composite average
- LENGTH
- About 2 hours 55 minutes (without essay)
- ESSAY
- Optional Writing essay
General guide only. Test formats and policies change over time; we confirm current details and the best fit for your student during the consultation.
Preparation that follows the data.
Diagnostic first
A full-length diagnostic on both tests, scored and analyzed, before any preparation begins.
A written plan
Target score, test dates, sitting schedule, and hours required, matched to the student’s actual calendar.
Individual preparation
One-to-one work with a test preparation specialist, focused on the specific question types costing this student points.
Progress monitoring
Regular scored practice so you can see movement rather than hoping for it.
Sometimes a plateau in test scores is not a testing problem. A student with an unaddressed reading difficulty, a processing-speed issue, or an attention profile that has never been evaluated will not test their way past it with more practice. We have licensed evaluators in-house, and when that is what we are seeing, we say so.
If a student has documented needs, we handle the College Board and ACT accommodation requests — including the documentation each requires, which is specific and frequently the reason requests get denied.
Start with the diagnostic.
SAT/ACT strategy and preparation are educational and performance-based services of SEC Experts HQ | Savannah Educational Consultants, distinct from psychotherapy, medical treatment, diagnosis, crisis services, and legal advice. SEC does not guarantee test scores, admissions, scholarship, or other specific outcomes. Serving Coastal and Southeast Georgia families in person and clients nationwide through online services.
