Your junior year will likely be the most demanding and important one of your high school career. The reason: College readiness will necessitate your near-constant attention.
A considerable part of the college application hinges on your ACT or SAT score, so contemplating your test-prep goals as junior year starts is a great idea. If you hope to get ahead of the game, review the rough timeline below, which can guide you in creating your own plans.
[Read: Decide When to Take the SAT, ACT.]
Fall. By the time your junior year of high school begins — which typically takes place in late August or early September — you should have some idea of what the next several months will entail for you. For example, you should know whether you will take the ACT, the SAT or both tests. If you began preparing over the summer, you should also know whether you will first sit for these exams in November or December.
When deciding on a test date, consider both your academic and personal commitments. Some students may be tempted to register for the December ACT or SAT because it is farther in the future and, as such, leaves more time for studying.
However, final exams and projects scheduled for December, combined with family plans for the holidays that begin in late November, can result in it being a hectic month for students. Reasonably weigh all of your obligations before you choose a test date.
High school juniors are also encouraged to take the PSAT, which is offered in October. This is especially true if you did not take the PSAT as a sophomore, or if you are pursuing a National Merit scholarship.
The PSAT is the best method for students to gauge their strengths and weaknesses in order to map out their personalized study plans for the SAT. As such, September should be dedicated to light PSAT studying so students are comfortable come early October.
[Read: 3 Reasons to Register for the Earliest SAT, ACT Exams.]
Winter break. It is imperative to make efficient use of your time as a junior. Fight the urge to lounge for all of winter break — instead, keep honing your standardized testing skills.
If you have received your score from a previous ACT or SAT by this point, set aside free time during winter break to evaluate your performance and, if necessary, tweak your study plan. PSAT score reports are released in December, so juniors who sat for the PSAT should also plan to assess their results during this time.
If you do not know your most recent ACT or SAT score, continue with the study plan you designed during the summer or fall months. You can also use this time to register for a spring test session, whether you know with certainty or simply suspect that your previous performance was not what you hoped for. Remember that in many cases, each testing session breeds familiarity and improved performance.
[ Read: 3 Circumstance When You Should Retake the SAT. ]
Spring. For students who feel they must retake the ACT or SAT, this second attempt should take place during the spring. As is recommended with the fall term, students should consider all upcoming obligations before deciding on an exam date.
The spring can sometimes be overwhelming due to end-of-term assessments like Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams, as well as college tours and other types of commitments.
In addition to the regular ACT or SAT, students may be required to sit for SAT subject tests. Since college application requirements vary widely between institutions, students are urged to find out what their schools require before selecting these subject tests.
Consider any ongoing ACT or SAT studies when you choose a test date for SAT subject tests, if applicable, as well as your coursework — if one of your junior year classes is relevant to the exam, a later test date may be advantageous.
College-bound students often attribute their success to having a polished and well-thought-out study plan. By following a junior year test-prep timeline, you can learn to manage your time effectively and efficiently.
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How High School Juniors Can Set ACT, SAT Goals originally appeared on usnews.com
