SATS High School Timeline
FRESHMAN
– Create a high school plan. Make sure you are aware of the college course requirements and enroll in the appropriate classes from the start. Familiarize yourself with the levels of coursework available at your school.
– Take challenging classes.
– Aim for at least five academic classes each semester. These typically include English, math, science, social studies, foreign languages, and the arts. Consider enrolling in honors and advanced courses to push your limits.
– Learn about SAT Subject Tests.
– While most students take these tests in their junior year, some subjects like World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, and Physics are better taken soon after the related classes.
– Read and write extensively.
– Expand beyond school assignments by reading books and magazines, maintaining a journal, or blogging. This practice enhances writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.
SOPHOMORE
– Explore the Advanced Placement Program (AP).
– Engage in college-level courses that might earn you college credit with the right grades, as over 3,000 colleges grant credits based on AP Exam results.
– Inquire if the PSAT/NMSQT is available for 10th-graders.
– This test is generally offered in 11th grade but often available in 10th grade as well. Taking it now provides a score report that can help you improve next year.
– Consider taking SAT Subject Tests.
– Are you enrolled in relevant courses? For certain subjects, it’s wise to take the tests at the end of the year while the material is fresh.
– Keep participating in school activities or volunteering.
– Extracurriculars help develop time-management skills, broaden your experiences, and discover your passions.
JUNIOR
– Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
– Sign up for the test, which takes place in October. It is an excellent way to prepare for the SAT.
– Plan for spring testing.
– You can take the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests in one sitting. Be strategic about your testing schedule if you plan to take both.
– Prepare for the SAT. Use the SAT Practice section to access free practice questions and a complete official practice test. Consider signing up for The Official SAT Question of the Day for daily practice. Use the access code from your PSAT/NMSQT score report to log into My College Quickstart, which provides personalized study planning based on your results.
– Prepare for SAT Subject Tests. Visit the SAT Subject Tests Practice section for free practice questions and explanations for all tests.
– Take the SAT.
– Send your scores to colleges and scholarship programs.
– If you have specific schools in mind, consider sending your scores in the spring of your junior year, as colleges may see early score submissions as a sign of interest, which could lead to opportunities for scholarships or campus visits.
SENIOR
– Consider retaking the SAT.
– If you plan to take the SAT again, the start of senior year is ideal, as studies show that second attempts often yield higher scores.
– Work on improving your performance. Use My SAT Online Score Report to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
– Check out SAT Skills Insight to understand essential skills you need to develop further.
– Visit the SAT Practice section and sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day on Twitter for consistent practice.
– Take SAT Subject Tests.
– These tests assess your knowledge in specific subjects, and if you continue studying and retake the exam, you should see an improvement in your score.
– Send scores to colleges and scholarship programs.
– Many colleges have deadlines in December or January of your senior year, so if you haven’t sent your scores or wish to send more, now is the time.
ACT/SAT Prep Resources
The ACT website offers the following assistance:
– Fee based:
ACT Online Prep (Software) – The sole test preparation program designed exclusively by ACT development professionals! www.actstudent.org/onlineprep/
The Real ACT Prep Guide (Book) – The official preparation guide, containing five actual retired ACT tests, each with an optional Writing Test. www.actstudent.org/testprep/book.htm
– Free:
ACT Question of the Day – A new ACT test practice question posted daily. www.act.org/qotd/
Preparing for the ACT – A free student preparation booklet accessible from most high schools and colleges, including test information, practice tests, scoring keys, and a writing prompt.
www.act.org/aap/pdf/Preparing-for-the-ACT.pdf (PDF; 64 pages, 2MB)
www.act.org/aap/pdf/Preparing-for-the-ACT-Spanish.pdf (PDF; 72 pages, 2.1MB)
Practice Test Questions – www.actstudent.org/sampletest/
Test Tips – www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/
Test Descriptions – www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/
The SAT website recommends the following options:
The SAT provides free practice opportunities, including The Official SAT Question of the Day, Sample Practice Questions, and Practice Tests and tutorials from Khan Academy, allowing students to take an official SAT test or watch video tutorials.
There are also two paid options: The Official SAT Study Guide with DVD, which includes 11 official tests, and The Official SAT Online Course, a software package featuring 10 online tests, 18 interactive lessons, and personalized essay scoring. (www.sat.collegeboard.org/practice/)
Local and national businesses offer PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation, as well as classes available through school districts and community colleges. Independent preparation is also possible with books, flashcards, and DVDs from publishers like The Princeton Review and Barron’s available for purchase.
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