Hello everyone. How are you all today? Hope everyone is well. I am a rising ninth grade and will be entering high school in the fall. I was wondering when I should start studying for the new SAT and the ACT. Is there a best time to start? I would like to take both or one of the tests in 11th grade.
Thanks for your help and have a good day!
I would start studying the summer before Junior year. Take the SAT and ACT once, see which test you do better on and then concentrate on that one test. Try to finish your testing by the end of Junior year so you have time during the summer of your Senior year to work on essays and possibly study for SAT 2 subject tests if needed. Also if you are still not satisfied with your ACT/SAT scores, you have Fall of Senior year to take them again.
If you have specific SAT 2 subject tests you plan to take, it is always better to take these exams after you finish the corresponding class example: Take AP US History Junior year, then take the subject test that June.
Thanks for your help! I like the answer a lot!
Just clarifying what @Gumbymom said, when she says to take a SAT and ACT once to see which one you do better on, she means a practice test, not the real thing. You only want to take a real SAT or ACT if you have practiced a lot and know that you will get near the score you want. Also, for SAT 2, try to plan out what tests you think you might take. I say this because if you apply to Georgetown University, then you will need three SAT 2 tests, so it is a good idea to know now that you might have to end up taking a third test.
Some skills like Critical Reading take years to build. For CR, read a wide variety of materials for pleasure, starting now.
Thanks for your answers, you guys!