WHEN TO TAKE SAT and ACT?

If your school offers an opportunity to take the PSAT (to prepare for the SAT) or PLAN (to prepare for the ACT) as a sophomore, you should definitely participate. Both of these programs offer you great feedback so that you know exactly where you stand at a detailed level. The item by item reports provided by PLAN and PSAT are very helpful. Trust me, is going to help you a lot!

In the fall of your junior year, you should absolutely take the PSAT if you have even the slightest inclination that you might take the SAT. It is only given in October, so be sure to register as soon as you can after school starts. You'll get a very helpful report in December which will guide you in preparing for the SAT.

Some schools offer an opportunity for juniors to take the PLAN. If your school does, take it. If it doesn't and it gives the tests to sophomores, see if you can take it, even if you have to pay for it. Maybe you can take it at a near-by school.

In the spring of your junior year, take either or both tests but only take each test once. I recommend the April ACT and the May SAT. There are lots of good reasons why these are the preferred dates. The overwhelming reason is that you can get a copy of your test questions, an answer key and your answers to every question for these test dates! For an extra $10, both ACT and SAT will provide you with these services. Check your registration bulletins for how to take advantage of these reporting services. They are well worth the money.

Hopefully, you fully prepared yourself for the test when you were a junior, got the score you needed, and can get on with your life. If you need to improve your score, take it again in the fall of your senior year as soon as feasible. Don't take it again just for fun. Don't take it again without some serious preparation. There's ample evidence that indicates preparation will raise your score.

Prepare ! Don't procrastinate ! and keep up with the peace of mind that comes when you plan for the future.

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