[81alum]

The Gunn college counselors told us that the ACT is becoming more common for elite students; it is more of an achievement test while the SAT is more of an intelligence test.

Very bright students who have possibly underperformed in classes are better off with the SAT.  Diligent students who are extremely well prepared but who may not be as gifted are better off with the ACT.  Students who are both very bright and well prepared are probably better with the SAT on the theory that their GPA will prove their preparation and the SAT will show their potential.

If the student is going to take several subject tests, however, then do the SAT.  There are a few schools that require subject tests for SAT takers but wave subject tests for ACT takers.

[81alum]

The Gunn college counselors told us that the ACT is becoming more common for elite students; it is more of an achievement test while the SAT is more of an intelligence test.

Very bright students who have possibly underperformed in classes are better off with the SAT.  Diligent students who are extremely well prepared but who may not be as gifted are better off with the ACT.  Students who are both very bright and well prepared are probably better with the SAT on the theory that their GPA will prove their preparation and the SAT will show their potential.

If the student is going to take several subject tests, however, then do the SAT.  There are a few schools that require subject tests for SAT takers but wave subject tests for ACT takers.