Why You Should Consider Taking the ACT/SAT This Summer

Having a solid ACT or SAT score will open a lot of doors for you. Colleges that once seemed out of your grasp may welcome you with open arms. However, a poor score could have the complete opposite effect. 

When discussing with education professionals such as college acceptance boards, it is recommended that most high school students take the ACT or SAT standardized exam by the spring of their junior year. I would take it one step further. Please take it in the spring, and then take it in the summer as well. And there are numerous reasons why you should consider this strategy!

The Content Is Still Fresh in Your Mind
A student should know their score on the ACT or SAT, usually in about a month. (There are times when it may take just a little longer, but nothing too dramatic.) If you take the exam in the spring, you will know which sections you did the best and which ones you need to study more by the time the summer exam date comes around. This means that you can do some focused studying on the subject matter you need help with. There is an excellent chance your score will rise just from this strategy alone. If you want to take it one step further, iAchieve offers ACT/SAT practice exams, test prep packages, and one-on-one tutoring that will increase your score even more. 

Eliminate the Summer Learning Loss
Research shows that summer learning loss for students is a real thing. If students go without studying for a few months, they regress in their skills. If you are preparing for a standardized exam during the summer, you will be studying and continually learning. When your senior year starts up, you will be well prepared to take up where you left off without the need to go back and refresh your mind on some subjects. 

It Gives You Something to Do During the Summer Months
Let’s face it, during the summer; high school students can sort of lose their way. Before they know it, they have slept the summer away or binged enough shows off of Netflix to last a lifetime. By preparing for the SAT/ACT during the summer, you will have a purpose and a goal to achieve.  

Mail Out College Applications at the End of Summer
By the end of the summer, you should have your ACT/SAT score in hand. By this time as well, you should have an idea about your top three college choices. It would be the perfect time to complete college applications, cross your fingers, and see if you can get accepted shortly to your top college choice. Being able to accomplish all of this before the beginning of your senior year will help alleviate any stress that may build up during these nerve-racking times. 

Take It Step By Step
By taking the standardized exam during the summer of your junior year, you can categorize each step that needs to be taken before you begin college in another year. Getting ready to figure out which higher learning option you are choosing can be stressful, but by not tackling everything at once, you should handle it much better!

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