by Meggan Mattson & Mike Deutsch
For most high school juniors, the spring and summer months are all about testing. Whether it’s the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, AP testing, or SAT II subject tests, juniors are spending a fair amount of time preparing for and taking tests between April and September.
Many students ask if they should take the ACT or the SAT for college admission. Today, every college/university will accept either entrance exam and have no preference as to which one you take.
Many students choose to take both tests at least once, though. Some students find they score higher on one test versus the other, as they are set up differently. The ACT tests in English, math, reading, and science (reasoning), with an optional writing portion. The SAT tests in critical reading, math, and writing. If you score higher on one initially, turn your focus to that test solely. And, make sure you take your entrance exams by June at the latest so you have time to retake them the following fall if needed.
Advanced Placement (AP) testing takes place throughout the first two weeks of May. Students can choose to take the AP exams even if they did not complete a specific AP course in the subject area.
If you score well on these exams, you may be offered college credit for one or more classes at your college of choice. This can give you an advantage when you begin your freshman year of college: you may be able to register for classes earlier, you might not need to take as many classes to graduate, and/or you may be able to eliminate some of the general education required classes from your schedule. Check out the CollegeBoard website for this year’s testing dates.
SAT II subject tests are required for admission by some colleges and universities. Make sure you look into exact requirements for the colleges to which you will be applying, as some specify which subject tests you should take. If SAT II tests are required by your college of choice, most of the tests are offered the same days as the SAT and students can take up to three in one single day. Register on CollegeBoard’s website for these tests as well.
These are high-stakes tests which can cause anxiety for many students. The biggest stress-factors tend to be timing of the tests and preparedness by the student. To help feel as comfortable and confident as possible on testing day, take practice exams, look over the TYPES of questions that will be asked on the exam, practice timing yourself, and make sure you have all required supplies the night before (#2 pencils, blue/black-ink pens, erasers, approved calculators, extra batteries for your calculator, watch without an alarm, comfortable clothes, etc.). Take some deep breaths and try to relax…it is only a test. ☺
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html
https://sat.collegeboard.org/register
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/ap-calendar
https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-subject-test-dates
Meggan Mattson and Mike Deutsch, both former high school counselors, created College Fit Counseling, LLC to help students and families navigate the college search and selection process. They assist with all pieces of the process: from creating a college list of “good fit” schools, through college applications and essays, and into applying for financial aid and scholarships. Visit our website at www.collegefitcounseling.com for more information on services offered. Or, contact us at meggan@collegefitcounseling.com or 773-807-4079 with further questions and to see how we can help you.
For most high school juniors, the spring and summer months are all about testing. Whether it’s the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, AP testing, or SAT II subject tests, juniors are spending a fair amount of time preparing for and taking tests between April and September.
Many students ask if they should take the ACT or the SAT for college admission. Today, every college/university will accept either entrance exam and have no preference as to which one you take.
Many students choose to take both tests at least once, though. Some students find they score higher on one test versus the other, as they are set up differently. The ACT tests in English, math, reading, and science (reasoning), with an optional writing portion. The SAT tests in critical reading, math, and writing. If you score higher on one initially, turn your focus to that test solely. And, make sure you take your entrance exams by June at the latest so you have time to retake them the following fall if needed.
Advanced Placement (AP) testing takes place throughout the first two weeks of May. Students can choose to take the AP exams even if they did not complete a specific AP course in the subject area.
If you score well on these exams, you may be offered college credit for one or more classes at your college of choice. This can give you an advantage when you begin your freshman year of college: you may be able to register for classes earlier, you might not need to take as many classes to graduate, and/or you may be able to eliminate some of the general education required classes from your schedule. Check out the CollegeBoard website for this year’s testing dates.
SAT II subject tests are required for admission by some colleges and universities. Make sure you look into exact requirements for the colleges to which you will be applying, as some specify which subject tests you should take. If SAT II tests are required by your college of choice, most of the tests are offered the same days as the SAT and students can take up to three in one single day. Register on CollegeBoard’s website for these tests as well.
These are high-stakes tests which can cause anxiety for many students. The biggest stress-factors tend to be timing of the tests and preparedness by the student. To help feel as comfortable and confident as possible on testing day, take practice exams, look over the TYPES of questions that will be asked on the exam, practice timing yourself, and make sure you have all required supplies the night before (#2 pencils, blue/black-ink pens, erasers, approved calculators, extra batteries for your calculator, watch without an alarm, comfortable clothes, etc.). Take some deep breaths and try to relax…it is only a test. ☺
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html
https://sat.collegeboard.org/register
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/ap-calendar
https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-subject-test-dates
Meggan Mattson and Mike Deutsch, both former high school counselors, created College Fit Counseling, LLC to help students and families navigate the college search and selection process. They assist with all pieces of the process: from creating a college list of “good fit” schools, through college applications and essays, and into applying for financial aid and scholarships. Visit our website at www.collegefitcounseling.com for more information on services offered. Or, contact us at meggan@collegefitcounseling.com or 773-807-4079 with further questions and to see how we can help you.
