<p>I'm a sophomore in high school and I have always heard you take the ACT/SAT when your a junior. What would you guys suggest I take first and when? I want to take it when I'm ready. I had a mediocre freshman year (3.1 GPA), but I am having a better sophomore year. I have all A's and B's and I am in all honors classes except math. I was in honors math last year and got a 72 both semesters. I also got a 3 on the AP Human Geo exam and I am currently in AP World History. I work hard for my grades and I'm not gifted. I'm also not the best standarized test taker, I always scored "average" when I was younger. I took the PSAT and I'm not sure how I did yet. I want to go to colleges such as NYU, USC, Northwestern, Kenyon, Reed etc. I want to take the test which is right for me. I am a good writer, but not great when it's timed writing. I want to be a print journalist, but I like to take my time on things and think. Dramatic writing and drama are my other interests. I am very good at Social Studies and Language Arts. I'm not a science or math person. I got a B in Honors Bio and I have an A now in Honors Chem. I think it's because of the teacher. I have failed some of the tests, but she does a lot of extra credit. I usually get B's on the science tests.</p>
<p>Math is my week spot. I actually failed a math standarized test in 6th grade and failed math once in 5th grade. I was a C student in elm. school and started getting honor roll in middle school. I did get B's in 6th and 7th grade in math, but got a 96 in 8th grade which brought me into honors math. I did bad last year because it went too fast and I had a terrible teacher. There were 10 kids who failed the entire year. I'm in CP now and I have an A. I'm better in Algebra then Geometry/Trig. I'm really good at Stats and got 100's on all the tests on that. </p>
<p>I usually do really good at the reading portion in Language Arts. I do weaker in the grammar part, but not as bad as math. My current LA teacher loves grammar and I am learning a lot. I have a 96 in the class. I would ok in science, but the best in Social Studies. I may want to take the subject test for World History, or I may just wait and take it for US History. I got a PSAT Kaplan book, but I really never used it. </p>
<p>What test do you suggest I take? I prob. want to take both, but should I wait until my junior year? When should I start getting prep tests? Which company has the best books? When should I take prep classes? Do I take the class my school offers for one or two days? Is there any place that has good prep classes, but is not terribly expensive? I know I won't get a 2400 on the SAT, but my goal is the 1800's or 1900's. I have an older brother, but he wants to go to culinary school. My parents don't know much about it. Thanks!</p>
<p>The sooner the better really. I think it’d be a good idea to start taking those prep classes and taking tons of practice tests this summer. Then, take the test early your junior year. If you do bad, no problem! Work harder and take it again in spring of your junior year. Mess up again and you still have fall/winter of your senior year. 3 times is enough.</p>
<p>I suggest taking the ACT in February. I prefer taking them at this time because I’ve had time to study over winter break and second semester is just starting so my workload is pretty light. I would schedule it around the time you have most time to devote to studying.</p>
<p>If I take the SAT in October and the ACT in February would that be fine? I really want to take it more then once, so I can get better scores. Do people take it again during their seniors year or maybe in June?</p>
<p>It’s best to hold off till the spring of your junior year if possible. I believe that none of the schools you’re considering REQUIRE SAT II subjects tests so that actually gives you a little more flexibility (you may still want to take some to round out your application, though). You want to have as much school under your belt as possible. You might consider taking the SAT in January or March of your junior year, the ACT (and absolutely take it WITH writing since many schools require it) in either February or April, and doing your Subject Tests in May or June. You can also take the SAT for a second time in either May or June if you choose. That leaves you with plenty of time to take either the SAT or ACT once again the fall of your senior year if you feel you need to.</p>
<p>You want to avoid doing any serious prep until a few months before you take the test. You don’t want to exhaust the best materials so far ahead of test day. What you can do though, is read anything and everything starting now. Reading is by far the best prep for the reading portions. You can also start on vocabulary now - you’ll have learned a heck of a lot of words by next year! Most people here will tell you not to waste money on prep classes. I’m an advocate of hiring a tutor for a few sessions to get specific questions answered (for you, this might just be math stuff). The best prep materials are from the College Board and the ACT organization, so definitely get those, and the Princeton Review is also good for strategy. A lot of people also like Gruber’s for the math, so that might be good for you. Good luck!</p>
<p>idk. but i took the ACT for the first time in feb of junior year, and SAT for the first time in march of junior year, and then the SATII’s in may, june, october, then will take the SAT again in december of senior year</p>
<p>Thanks! I am going to send a PM to swans, but I think I will wait until the spring of my junior year. I have a feeling I will do better with the ACT.</p>