I’m really hoping to do well on standardized testing to improve my chances to getting into competitive engineering programs. Should i take both standardized tests?
I recommend it. Some people do better on one over the other.
Take both because you could do really bad on one and great on another. I figured out that I generally score way better on the ACT than SAT (like way better). Then I used just my ACT scores on my applications!
Take a practice version of both (with simulated test conditions) at the very least so that you know whether you excel at one vs. the other. Keep in mind that repeated test taking doesn’t necessarily look good to an ADCOM. Err on the conservative side - and know that if you don’t have a good reason to take both tests (i.e. you know you’ll do significantly better for real on one vs. the other) then you probably should focus on your stronger test and knock that one out of the ballpark. Then take the time you would have spent doing extra prep for that other test and bolster your application with stronger academic marks or more difficult classes in Math and Science, or with a significant EC or two that will demonstrate and confirm your interest in engineering.
Good luck!