When Is the Perfect Time to First Take the ACT/SAT Exam?

Since your ACT/SAT standardized exam score plays such a huge factor in getting accepted into the college you want, it is essential that you get a jump on the competition and nail down your high score as quickly as possible. After all, what good is submitting an application to your dream school if you still don’t know what your final score is on these tests? You would just be wasting your time if you submitted everything and left the place for your score blank. Here are a few tips on how to get your high score accomplished as promptly and efficiently as possible.

Take These Exams Early and, If Needed, Often

It is the perfect time to take the ACT/SAT or both during the spring of your junior year in high school. The SAT is available to take in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. The ACT is offered February, April, June, July, September, October, and December.

It would be nice to know how well you scored right as you were entering into the summer right before your senior year so then you can either make plans to take it again and try for a higher score or move on to filling out college applications.

Prepare Ahead of Time First

Before you show up on exam day ready to go, there are things you need to do first to prepare yourself for the ACT/SAT. This is not just an ordinary test. It could impact your entire life, so don’t treat it lightly. Here are a few suggestions you should take advantage of. The ACT/SAT will take up both your time and money, so coming out strong and nailing down your score the first time should be something to shoot for.

Study ahead of time. Not just weeks, but months, so you can prepare properly.
Study in groups. You may have weaknesses in certain subjects that your friends can eventually make into strengths when studying together.
Invest in test prep. We at iAchieve offer both ACT and SAT test prep that will have you ready for what to expect from these exams.
Take the practice test. Again, iAchieve will simulate what you can expect on the actual exam day and have you take the practice test at a designated location.
Have your family join in. By having everyone work together to get you that perfect score, you are more likely to succeed. Plus, if you score high enough, your parents will enjoy the possible scholarship that comes with it.

Take Both Exams Weeks Apart

You might still be on the fence over which test to take, the ACT or the SAT. Even though we have covered the differences between the two in previous articles, nothing will show you the dissimilarities like taking both of the exams and then seeing what your score is on each. Rather than taking both tests at different times during the year, try to take them within weeks of each other so you only have to prepare once. If you took both the ACT and the SAT months apart, that means you will have to study for them at two separate times. If you can manage to take them as close to one another as possible, it will drastically cut down on the amount of studying you have to do in the long run.

Stick with the Plan

Have you ever heard of the saying that if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail? This perhaps is never more true than preparing for the ACT/SAT. This is one of the first steps to getting into your college of choice, so buckle down and attack it smartly.

Learn More About Preparing For the ACT/SAT Test

The Main Differences Between the ACT and SAT Math Sections

10 Ways to Best Prepare for the ACT and SAT