<p>I'm 16, entering my junior year of high school at the end of which I will be graduating. I'm sort of lost in terms of when I should start applying for college and scholarships and stuff. I haven't taken my ACT yet and at school, juniors don't take the ACT until may. do I need an ACT score to apply for college?</p>
<p>DD16 is also a junior. She took the ACT on her own last year. It wasn’t expensive and she did not send her scores anywhere. Here, in Ohio they take PSAT junior year for a shot at NMS</p>
<p>First off, you do need an ACT score to apply to college. I don’t really have experience with graduating early, so I would ask your guidance counselor about admissions. I would assume you applied as if you were a senior, correct me if I’m wrong. Also, you can take the ACT whenever you want. Why do you think you can only take it in may? Just go on their website and look at the dates. Generally one in September, October, and December. Admissions would be due sometime in December, if you are looking into scholarships. My tip for you though would be to go ask your guidance counselor for the help you need. They will probably be the most beneficial in a scenario like this. </p>
<p>If you are planning to graduate this year, you need to consider yourself a senior, not a junior. You should already have taken the ACT. You will have to take it early this fall, and without scores now it will be harder to put together a college list. </p>
<p>But why are you graduating early? To me, that seems like a good idea only if you are exceptionally mature, very certain of your educational path, and anxious to get started. If you are only just beginning to think about college and haven’t done any college testing yet, that doesn’t sound like you. You’ll also be at a disadvantage in admissions since you’ve had less time in high school. Check requirements and application deadlines for colleges you are interested in. Are you ready to get started?</p>
<p>At my school all students graduating early are considered seniors in their junior year. So you need to treat yourself like one and sign up for the act as well as get ready to fill out your applications.</p>
<p>There’s no need to scare OP mathyone. Even during senior year kids still don’t know what’s going on. </p>
<p>I tend to agree with mathyone. It’s not meant to be a scare, but its a legitimate worry. You are very far behind the college process right now, which you should have started at the beginning of the calendar year finding schools and doing SAT/ACT tests. What is the exact reason you are graduating early?</p>
<p>That said, you can certainly start the college process now, but it is going to be a lot. Start making a list of colleges you are interested in based off of quality, interests, major if you know what you want to major in, location, and affordability. That will be a big step. Make sure to have reaches, matches, and safeties. Probably a few extra safeties since you’re graduating early. While you are doing that, immediately take the SAT or ACT, both if you can. Once you get your scores back / know which one you like more, take the preferred one a second time unless you get amazing scores around 33+ or 2200+.</p>
<p>Once you have your list, you’re gonna want to start the applications by September 1st at the latest. So make sure you have a list you know like the back of your hand by then.</p>
<p>Still, make sure you’re ready for this before you get started. It may be best to stay an extra year if you don’t want all this on top of your schoolwork for your final year, which is probably very intense if you’re graduating in 3 years.</p>