Standardized testing can feel like one of the most confusing parts of the college admissions process. The SAT and ACT are two different tests, but both are widely accepted by colleges and universities across the country. So which one should your student take, when should they prepare, and what scores really matter? Let’s break it down.

It was Halloween night, and I was filling out my college applications. I sat at the kitchen table with multiple blue ink pens and a jumbo...