What should be an ideal schedule for a Sophomore to take SAT, ACT and subject tests?
Take the act/ sat once as a soph/ early junior. Take the subject tests after you finish the class that you’re taking it on. Take the act and sat after you see your results from the first time and have studied for a while.
Personally, I see no validity to taking the SAT/ACT as a sophomore. Hypothetically, If you took in the Fall and Spring of your junior year and Fall of your senior year, you will have had 3 tries. I seriously doubt that a 4th time would result in significantly further improvement.
Taking Subjects Tests as a sophomore (or a freshman) is absolutely fine if you have completed (or will soon complete) the subject in question.
So first SAT/ACT in fall of junior year? Math SAT right after finishing pre calculus in Sophmore year or summer after Sophomore year?
That’s my suggestion. Of course, I would also suggest some practice tests first.
If you take pre-calc as a sophomore, take the M2 subject test in May or June of sophomore year. If you’re taking precalc over the summer, take the subject test in the fall.
My D is also a sophomore. She’s taking pre-Calc right now so will take the Math2 test in June. She’ll combine studying (if I can get her to) for the PSAT and SAT and take both in the fall. She’ll likely take the ACT over the winter.
Makes sense. Thank you.
If your child is sharp and you think they can excel on either test as a sophomore, go for it.
Junior year is tough and getting the ACT or SAT over is a great benefit. My son did well on the ACT in May after Sophomore year and was done. Huge peace of mind and freed up a lot of time.
He is but he never did any preparation so hoping he can practice a little during summer vacations. His 7thgrade JHCTY’s SAT was 1800 and sophmore practice PSAT score is 225 without any practice but one can’t get that lucky every time.
Should he take Math 1 or 2?
Math 2 after pre calc.
Math 1 later or just Math 2?
Just Math 2.
Math 1 is not necessary and does not count as the second Subject test for schools requiring 2 subject tests.
Prep for the SAT/PSAT this summer. With a 225, he clearly likes the new SAT. Focus on that and take it in the fall off junior year. If he does well, forget the ACT.
I’m with skieurope… Don’t take it Sophomore year. Take a lot of practice tests. Take the real thing when you are really ready.
What about WHAP?
If you are typically a very high scorer, I would recommend SAT in March of junior year, ACT in April of junior year, and SAT subject test(s) in June of junior year. As mentioned above, Sat Subject tests should be taken just at the finish of the corresponding courses, so one or more of the Subject tests would be taken before junior year. I advise taking ACT and SAT in junior year, not sophomore year, because kids who take the PSAT in both sophomore and junior years tend to score higher in their junior year. This is the schedule that my sons used successfully. Those who participate in academic or sports teams that have special events in the spring have to make sure that there won’t be a conflict.