From time to time, ACT and SAT test-takers may find themselves facing an unpleasant decision of whether to sit for a scheduled exam or postpone it. This is a choice that must be evaluated thoroughly and carefully.
First and foremost, students and parents should know that rescheduling incurs a fee. The College Board charges a $29.00 “change fee” for moving an SAT test date. Similarly, it costs $30.00 to change an ACT test date. However, the change fee proves to be a small price when delaying results in a score increase.
[Read: How to Choose Between a Summer or Fall ACT, SAT Test Date.]
Many students have entertained the thought of rescheduling their SAT or ACT exam date in order to earn a higher score. Here are three indicators that delaying your test date could be beneficial to you.
An unforeseen commitment will dramatically affect your study schedule. Even when you create a seemingly ironclad study schedule, unforeseen and unavoidable obligations may arise. Personal matters, such as a serious illness, or academic matters, such as college interviews, can consume time that you planned to invest in test preparation.
If your study schedule has been or will be interrupted due to an inevitable commitment, moving your exam date may be the right choice. Maintaining a consistent and thorough study regimen is key to optimum standardized test performance. Therefore, consider rescheduling your exam date to a time when you anticipate fewer commitments.
Recent practice tests suggest that you are under prepared. If you recently took several ACT or SAT practice tests and earned a result well below your target score, think about rescheduling your exam date. A lower-than-expected score often indicates that a student is under prepared, in terms of either test-taking skills or content knowledge.
[Read: How High School Juniors Can Set ACT, SAT Goals.]
A point to be stressed here is that one low score is not a strong enough indicator of a need to postpone testing. A single poor performance could be attributed to distraction, lack of sleep or a variety of other causes. However, when you receive two or more low scores on practice tests, and all other factors have been accounted for, then it is reasonable to assume that you simply need more time to prepare.
As you assess your level of SAT or ACT readiness, also disregard the results of any practice tests you have taken more than a few months prior. Your most recent practice test scores are the most accurate predictors of your performance on test day.
You will use the extra time to obtain help for specific issues. It may be smart to change exam dates if you will capitalize on the extra time before the later test. How you spend the extra time will, of course, depend on what your weaknesses are.
Students who are weaker in the area of content knowledge could use the time to pursue a prep course or private instruction. Those who struggle more with issues like testing anxiety could seek professional counseling or practice relaxation techniques.
[Read: When Re-Taking the SAT Makes Sense.]
Bear in mind that if you do move your exam date, you must use the additional time wisely and in a way that directly addresses the issue. Delaying your test without taking the appropriate course of action is likely to produce the same undesired results.
If any of these three situations applies to you, you should consider postponing your scheduled ACT or SAT. Before selecting a new test date, however, weigh other important factors, such as college application deadlines and anticipated school workload.
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3 Signs You Should Delay an ACT, SAT Test Date originally appeared on usnews.com
