SAT or ACT? SAT Subject Tests? AP Exams? 

Now is a great time for high school juniors to create or review their testing plan for college admission.  Assess what you have taken and what's left to take.  Have you taken the SAT? Are you satisfied with the results? Take the time now to consider your options:  

• It might be worth considering and focusing the ACT instead of the SAT if the scores aren't where you want them to be.  Colleges that require test scores for admission will accept either the ACT or SAT without bias for one over the other.  Take a practice test and see how you do to compare performance.  
• Consider your workload and extracurricular activities as you map out a testing plan calendar (go online to find test dates and locations).  Try to pick a timeframe for test prep and test-taking with fewer competing demands.  And remember:  it's important to take the test soon after you complete your focused test prep to maximize your improvement.  As a general rule, most test preparation experts recommend taking the test three times for best score results. 
• Once you create your test prep and testing dates calendar, note the test registration deadlines and register early as some testing locations fill up quickly.
• If you plan to take AP tests or SAT Subject Tests, you'll probably want to avoid any other testing in May and June.
• With new summer tests being offered by both ACT (July) and SAT (August), timing has become more flexible and user-friendly. 
• "    With Early Decision applications on the rise, finishing one's testing by early fall of senior year is important for more students than ever before.
• The best advice we can give you is that it's less stressful to have your testing completed by the time you're working on your college applications with deadlines looming.  Planning now can and will help ease the stress and maximize performance!