test prep
ACT/SAT
WHEN SHOULD I
TAKE THE ACT/SAT?
By Megan Dorsey
Even with the upcoming changes to the SAT,
the answer to “when should I take the ACT/
SAT” remains the same: sometime during
junior year. Here’s why:
COMPLETE TESTING AS A JUNIOR
Your goal should be to complete all admissions testing prior to
senior year. If you can take (and retake) the ACT or SAT and any
Subject Tests during your junior year then you are free to devote
100% of your attention to college applications as a senior.
FIND THE BEST TIME FOR YOU
Now that we’ve narrowed the testing window down to sometime
junior year, you need to find the time that is best for you. There
are two major factors to consider:
• When will you have the most time to focus and prepare?
• When will you be most motivated?
TIME
For most students, junior year of high school is the most academically challenging. There may be times during the school
year when you are so bogged down with school that you don’t
have much time or energy left for anything else. Take these times
off your potential testing calendar.
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MOTIVATION
You may not be able to wait until you feel perfectly ready, but you
will study and test better when motivated. Studying because you
have to or because mom says to isn’t usually motivated studying.
My best students come to class with a purpose– “my goal is to get
into Notre Dame and I want to improve my ACT by 4
points” or “the coach said I need a few more points then he will
offer me a place on the team (and full scholarship!)” or “I need to
study before competition season begins.”
ALLOW TIME TO RETAKE
As you plan your first attempt at the test, understand that most
students take the ACT or SAT more than once. You should factor
in time to retake the test.
WHAT’S MISSING?
I’ve outlined the key factors for planning to take the ACT and
SAT. Notice what I didn’t mention? I didn’t suggest you give
any thought to what you might learn in school this year. Why?
Because a couple more months in English and math isn’t going
to make much difference. The material covered on both the ACT
and SAT has a basis in the concepts taught in school (grammar,
algebra, vocabulary, geometry, etc.), but five more months in
Ms. Binkley’s Algebra II class is unlikely to help your scores.
You would be better off finding a quality test prep program and
spending four to ten weeks specifically reviewing for the exam.
Also try to avoid peak times for any sports or activities. Trying to
prepare for a major test at the same time you are spending nights
and weekends practicing for marching band, the big theater
production, the national qualifier debate tournament, or the
basketball playoffs isn’t your best option.
THE DECISION IS YOURS
The ACT is given six times a year: September, October,
December, February, April, and June. The SAT is given seven
times a year: October, November, December, January, March,
May, and June. I’ve crossed out those last test dates because
starting in March of 2016 the SAT is changing and you don’t want
to take the redesigned SAT this spring while the College Board is
still figuring itself out.
Megan Dorsey is a college
admissions expert and savvy SAT
prep instructor who has helped
thousands of students prepare for
college admission. For more info
visit CollegePrepResults.com
Spring 2016
Once you eliminate conflicts and find a time when you are
motivated and ready to study, the choice of test date is yours.
There is no easier or harder test. Make a plan and go for it!
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