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Testing Timeline for Class of 2024

This time of year, I always get calls from high schoolers and their parents asking about the correct testing timeline.  It’s understandable why I get a lot of calls this week: the PSAT results were released last week, and the December SAT scores came out on Friday.  It’s also understandable because this is a complex question!  Students and their families need to decide whether they should take the SAT or ACT, when they should take the tests, and when and how they should study.  Plus, in this time of “test-optional” confusion, it’s valid to wonder whether you even need to take a test at all.  I’ll do my best to answer all these questions in this post.

One more thing – I’ll tailor this post to the Class of 2024, who should be current juniors.  If you’re a sophomore, check out my post specifically for the Class of 2025.

I just got my PSAT Scores.  What do they mean?

The PSAT is a test offered by the CollegeBoard that will never become a part of your college applications.  Think of it as the official practice test.  You can use the results to predict how you will do later on the SAT.  Of course there is a lot of variance, but most of my students can improve their baseline PSAT scores by about 150-250 points by participating in my test prep program for about 6 months.

 

Most colleges are test-optional now.  Do I even need to take a test?

That’s the biggest question of the year, and anyone who tells you they know for sure is probably overconfident.  Covid put the college admissions system into flux, and the dust just hasn’t settled yet.  About 80% of colleges are truly test-optional, which means you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.  So, as much as it breaks this test-prep teacher’s heart to say it, the answer is you definitely have the option to skip the test.  Just make sure all the colleges on your list are truly test-optional by checking with their admissions office.

It’s now time to consider the SAT and the ACT as opportunities rather than requirements.  These opportunities aren’t for everyone, and it’s ok if that includes you or your student.  However, if you have the potential to do very well on a test and the motivation to study, there are some significant opportunities.   An impressive SAT or ACT score can help you get into a more selective college than you would based on gpa and extracurricular activities only.  High test scores can also mean more merit aid, especially if you shop around and are willing to attend a school where you are an especially strong candidate.  At some colleges, SAT scores in the mid-1300s or ACT scores of 28+ can make a 6-figure difference over four years.  That’s one heck of an opportunity.

 

So I might take the test.  Which one should I take?

The two big names in college application testing are SAT and ACT.  These two companies are a little like Coke and Pepsi, meaning they have a lot more commonalities than differences.  However, don’t call the CollegeBoard (the maker of the SAT) and ask to sign up for an ACT.  That would be like calling a Pepsi factory and ordering a case of Coke!

Both of these tests are (mostly) multiple-choice exams that cover reading, writing, and math.  The SAT has a handful of non-multiple-choice questions and a math section where you can’t use your calculator.  The ACT has a general science section and is considered the more “speeded” of the two tests.  Because of this, if you qualify for extended time on a test, the ACT is almost always the better choice.  Its speeded nature makes the extra time a bigger advantage.  If you don’t qualify for extra time but are someone who prefers to think things through carefully, your personality is better suited for the SAT.  However, the only way to really tell which test is the better one for you is to try them both and compare your scores.  (I do offer free diagnostic testing for both the SAT and ACT, which you can learn more about here.  You can also get a copy of The SAT & ACT Combo Test for a quicker experience.)

Even after deciding which test they prefer, some students end up changing plans.  Sometimes they select the SAT only to learn their high school scheduled a school-day administration of the ACT and is requiring all their juniors to attend.  Sometimes they’ve selected the ACT, but then a coach from a college that’s recruiting them requests an SAT score. Sometimes they plan on the March SAT but aren’t feeling well that morning, so they stay in bed and register for the April ACT.  Switching from the SAT to the ACT or vice versa after you’ve started to prep really isn’t a big deal.  After all, they are both (mostly) multiple-choice tests on reading, writing, and math.  You’ll find that studying for one test will naturally increase your score on the other.  However, if you are switching from the SAT to the ACT, make sure to take a timed practice test, so you’re not caught off guard by the faster pace.

 

I’ve decided to take the SAT.  When should I take it?

As I write this article in December of 2022, the next opportunity to take the SAT will be in March of 2023. You should sign up for this test and can do so at this link.  Most high school juniors take their first SAT in March, so you’ll be right on time.  You can see your scores by logging in to that same link two weeks after taking the test.  (The scores are usually released on the second Friday after the test.)

It’s also true that most students will take the test more than once.  This is because all colleges will consider the highest score you get, so there’s no risk to taking the test a second or third time.  Most colleges go a step further and take your highest math score and your highest reading & writing score, even if they’re not from the same test day.  This is known as a superscore.  So, if you can improve even one of the two subscores, it’s worth your time to try the test again.  Your opportunities to try the test again will be in May, June, August, and October.  Don’t register for the next test until you see your scores from the March test, but do make sure you leave yourself the opportunity to take it two more times.

When you’re a senior in high school, there’s a good chance you will want to have at least some of your college applications submitted for the Early Decision or Early Action deadlines.  These vary by college, but are usually on November 1st or soon thereafter.  So, plan to be completely done with your testing by October of your senior year.  The Regular Decision deadline is in January for most colleges, so you can still take the SAT in November or December if you plan to apply regular decision.

I hope it doesn’t come to this, but I’ve had some students apply to college in November and then send updated scores after taking the December SAT or even after the March SAT.  You shouldn’t plan on doing this, but it’s an option if you run into an unexpected time crunch.

To Recap, if you are a current junior and you plan to take the SAT:

  • Register for the March 2023 SAT using this link.
  • Plan to take the SAT two more times.  Your options are May, June, August, and October.
  • Set a goal, and keep studying and taking practice tests until you reach it.

I’ve decided to take the ACT.  When should I take it?

Your next opportunity to take the ACT will be in February of 2023.  I recommend you register for that test now and start studying right away.  Use this link to register.  Just like the SAT, you will be able to access your scores on the ACT website two weeks later.

Make sure to leave yourself time to take the ACT two more times after your first try.  Your opportunities will be in April, June, July, September, and October of 2023.

Just like the SAT, you can take the ACT as many times as you need, and colleges will focus on your highest score only.  Because the ACT reports 4 test scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science) as compared to the SAT’s two test scores (Verbal and Math), superscoring is a bigger advantage on the ACT.  Unfortunately, a smaller proportion of colleges will accept a superscore for the ACT than will for the SAT.  (The Florida Bright Futures scholarship program is based on the ACT superscore.  If you live in Florida, this is great news!)  So, do your research and decide if you need to set a goal for a specific composite score or for a superscore based on your particular situation.

 

I want to apply to some really competitive colleges. What’s the best plan for that?

If you want to go to one of the 50 hardest colleges to get into, then you’ll need to give yourself every advantage you can.  In addition to having a stellar GPA, highly rigorous classes, and demonstrated leadership abilities and intellectual curiosity, you might want to add a super impressive test score to the mix.  Please keep in mind that there are never any guarantees when applying to schools like “the ivies.”  Harvard rejects students with 4.0’s and 1600’s all the time!  Also, keep in mind that a student with a 1500 SAT or 34 ACT can be just as attractive as one with a perfect score.  These highly selective colleges are looking for specific things, but perfection isn’t one of them.  However, high schools are definitely trending toward grade inflation.  That means your amazing GPA will look even better with some additional evidence that you are a true smartypants.  So, if you have your sights set on one of the hardest schools to get into, I recommend trying both the SAT and ACT.  This will give you the best odds that you can hit a score high enough to impress these picky admissions offices.

If you are currently a junior, you plan on applying to super-selective schools, and you haven’t started testing yet, then you have some work to do.  Sign up for both the February ACT and March SAT, and start studying right away.  Find a tutor or class, such as the TP4S combo classes, that can help you prepare for both at the same time.  After you get your results from both tests, use the results to help you make a plan to maximize your superscore.  The best way to tell if your score is high enough to send to a particular college is to ask an admissions officer at that college.  If they won’t tell you, then do some research as to the typical scores of the students who were accepted last year.

 

In conclusion…

College admission testing is not a one-size-fits-all experience.  You can take the SAT, ACT, both, or neither.  I’ve had students get into fabulous schools (even “the ivies”) and others get amazing scholarships because of the opportunities that these tests can bring.  I’ve also had students find their confidence and use these tests to build reading, writing, math, test-taking, and study skills that will serve them well when they get to college.  I know there are lots of students who never called me because they selected the test optional route, and yet are having amazing futures.  One thing I’ve never had is a student who really wanted to go to college and couldn’t get in anywhere.  You might get into your dream school, or you might not.  Either way, remind yourself there are hundreds of fantastic colleges that have space for you.

You have a lot of options and can follow a testing plan that’s just right for you.  However, making a plan when there are so many options is confusing!  Use the information in this article and the timeline graphic to work out a plan for yourself, but don’t sweat it if life happens and your plans need to change.  Because of all these options, you can be flexible when you need to be.  Just keep in mind that having a plan and being flexible is very different from not having a plan at all.  If you don’t have a plan, you will let time pass without taking any action, and that might lead to missed opportunities.  Instead, decide what you want, decide how you’re going to get it, and go do this thing!  High school will be over before you know it, and the opportunities that come next will depend on the choices you make today.