Mapping out a testing schedule for high school juniors can sometimes seem as tricky as trying to interpret a John Madden’s play-by-play football telestrator. Arrows point in all directions with circles and lines thrown in for good measure, and when completed, students are supposed to be able to know how to follow a logical testing timeline. Instead, they can be overwhelmed, or worse, even more confused than when they started. Hopefully, the following questions and answers will make testing more clear and allow for students and their parents to come up with a testing strategy that fits them.

Where do we start?

Most high schools will offer the PSAT and/or ACT Explore in the fall of each year to sophomores and juniors, and in some cases, to freshmen. The PSAT is developed by College Board and stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. It is a practice test that prepares students for the SAT. The ACT Explore is a practice test developed by the ACT Organization, and it prepares students for the ACT. Each high school has its own policies and decides which practice test it will use.

 

What are the benefits of taking the PSAT?

The PSAT determines National Merit Scholarship (NMSQT). PSAT scores are private and do not go to colleges; however, all juniors who take this test are eligible for National Merit Scholarship money. If their Selection Index (Critical Reasoning score + Math score + Writing score) adds up to a certain score (different for each state), then they should receive a letter in the spring congratulating them on reaching National Merit Commended Student (the top 5% in the state). In September of their senior year, if their Selection Index places them in the top ½ of 1% in their state, then they will become National Merit Semi-Finalists. After completing an extensive application, they will find out in the spring of their senior year if they made it to Finalist status. As long as they have strong grades and strength of curriculum, they should receive this honor. Becoming a National Merit Finalist does not always lead to scholarship money; however, it should open doors. And even if the student’s score does not qualify him or her for scholarship, at least they realize the benefit of practice.

 

What tests do colleges prefer to see?

Colleges will allow the students to submit either their SAT and/or ACT scores. And, most colleges would like to see all of the test scores taken when evaluating the students’ applications. They will use the highest scores, even if the highest were achieved on different test dates. The SAT is divided into three categories—the Critical Reasoning, the Math, and the Writing. The ACT is divided into English, Math, Reading, and Science, with a Writing optional sub test. I recommend that students take the Writing test on the ACT to cover all bases. Keep in mind that colleges realize most students will not score their best in each of these areas during the same test sitting. Thus, both College Board and ACT recommend that students take their tests several times. A good example: my daughter took the SAT in March of her junior year and had her highest Math score. She took it again in May and earned her highest Writing score. Then she took it again in October of her senior year and received her highest Critical reasoning score. Although her colleges saw all of her scores, they used her highest individual scores, which put her in better standing.

 

What would be a typical SAT testing schedule?

Obviously, students do not want to make taking standardized tests into an extra-curricular activity. However, planning ahead will make testing run more smoothly and effectively, and will reduce the stress. Juniors should take either the January OR March SAT for the first time. They will have their PSAT results back in time and can use the College Board website as a valuable resource to help them prepare. I always call these first tests the “guinea pig” tests. Students will be able to get acclimated to the length, format, and location, which in turn will allow them to become more comfortable when they take the test again. The second time students should take the SAT would be in May of their junior year. They will have the results back from the January or March SAT, and for a fee, they can also get the “Questions & Answers” Service from College Board. In June, as juniors are winding up their school year with exams, they may also look into taking the SAT Subject Tests (they can take up to three at a time). The more selective colleges typically would like to see at least two Subject Tests. These tests are an hour in length each and are subject-oriented. Students (this includes sophomores) who have completed an AP or IB course should consider seriously taking the Subject Test(s) in that particular area. Juniors should meet with their counselors to determine which tests are best for them. Students may not take the SAT and SAT Subject Test on the same test date.

 

What would be a typical ACT testing schedule?

For students who would like to focus on the ACT, they can take that test for the first time either in February or April of their junior year. Then, they will have time to study and prepare over the summer and take the ACT again either in September or October of their senior year.

The main point to remember is that setting up a testing schedule will help you to feel more in control. When you feel in control, you will gain confidence. Talk with your school counselor and make sure all of your bases are covered. Good luck! 

For a list of eight helpful tips on testing, click here.

 

Julie Bruner, M.Ed., wrote The College Edge: Getting My Tail Into College & Other Really Important Stuff, a college planner for high school juniors and seniors. A College Counselor for twenty years, she also has a website, www.mycollegelist.net that will help you craft your own college list. Her email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .