Junior year is the year for standardized tests. While it’s true that many colleges are “test-optional”, meaning students aren’t required to submit standardized test scores in their applications, a good SAT or ACT score will almost certainly increase your chances. Preparing for these tests may seem overwhelming, so here’s a somewhat comprehensive guide.
First of all, you should choose one test and stick with it. Studying for both the SAT and ACT is needlessly stressful , and you’ll be able to maximize your score by dedicating your time to the test you’re better at. Hinsdale South administers the ACT in April, so you’ll have to take that test regardless, but maybe it’s not the one you’re better at.
The SAT and ACT, while similar, require different strategies and skills to maximize performance, so what might be the “easier” test for someone else might be harder for you; I’d recommend taking practice tests before you start studying, then focusing on whichever one you do best on. Remember that colleges don’t prefer one test over another, so it’s really about which one you prefer.
Once you know which test you’re going to take, it’s time to start studying. There are a plethora of online and physical resources claiming to be the best. Khan Academy is particularly good for studying for the SAT (it’s what I used), as they have an official partnership with College Board, so you can be sure their questions are in the same format as the real test. Additional resources like the Princeton Review books and online practice tests can be helpful too, but I would use those as enrichment on top of official practice materials, rather than as a replacement.
As for practice tests, the most reliable resources come from the companies that make the tests themselves. It’s the only way to guarantee the questions are the same format as what you’ll see on test day. For the ACT, practice questions are on their website (www.act.org), and SAT resources are on the College Board website (satsuite.collegeboard.org).
However cheesy it sounds, practice really makes perfect when it comes to test prep. Not only are the skills they assess consistent from test to test, the format of those questions repeat every single time. If you get surprised on test day by something you’ve never seen before, it’s only because you didn’t practice enough (sorry!). The same thing goes for testing strategies and time management; it’s pretty much all about how much you practice.
As for when to take the test, your best bet is to do it as soon as you’re ready. If you’re a sophomore right now, you could even start studying in the summer and take the test fall of your junior year. Yes, you technically have all the way until the beginning of your senior year to take these tests in time for submitting college apps, but trust me when I say you don’t want to wait that long. By spring of junior year, school will be at its most stressful, with finals and AP tests coming up. Why add studying for standardized tests to that dogpile?
There are SATs and ACTs to sign up for each month, with registration on the ACT and College Board websites. Both cost $68 outside of school (the ACT South offers in April is free) but there are fee waivers available for those who qualify.
If this all seems like a lot, that’s okay. Just remember that confidence comes with preparation—starting to prep early will genuinely make you feel better if you’re nervous. Don’t stress too much and good luck!
