I recommend that you sample both tests in the spring of your junior year. By taking each one, you’ll be able to figure out which one is naturally easier for you. Based on the results, you can then choose to specialize in that test if you decide to. If you have a heavy AP course load, I’d recommend targeting a March or April test date. For the subsequent tests, I’d recommend scheduling one for early in the fall of your Senior year. If you find that the results were satisfactory, you can use those scores for Early Decision or Early Action schools. At the same time, you’ll still have the space to study again and retake the test in late Fall before the Regular Decision deadlines in late November/December come into play.

For reference, here’s what the test providers say for their recommendations. Before you read, keep in mind that they have a vested interest in getting you to take the test more often since it results in more income for them. That said, I’ve read their posts and found that their recommendations are not over the top. The ACT explicitly recommends an additional time in the fall of your junior year, which makes sense given that there’s no ACT equivalent to the PSAT, so most students don’t otherwise have exposure to the testing format.

• https://blog.collegeboard.org/when-should-you-take-the-sat#:~:text=We%20recommend%20taking%20the%20SAT,some%20take%20it%20more%20times.
• https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/when-to-take-the-act.html

Here’s the upcoming test dates for the SAT:

*Students who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day.

**Late registration is available worldwide. Additional fees apply.

Here’s the upcoming test dates for the ACT: