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SAT Test Prep and Guideline
Ever wanted to know just when to take the SATs and ACTs? Here’s a quick guideline in preparation for your college applications.
JUNIOR YEAR
PSAT
Cost: $13 (Note: Schools sometimes charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs.)
Scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2009 or Saturday, October 17, 2009
Taking the PSATs will give you a benchmark of your test-taking abilities. It’s also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship (high test scores may enter you into the competition) and is the first step in programs to help Hispanics and African Americans. On the test, choose the box to announce yourself to colleges across the country. This will start the flood of brochures and other college mailings.
The good news? Your scores will not be sent to colleges.
Results are released in December and will allow you time to consider whether or not you will need additional test preparation on your own, in a class or with a tutor.
SAT
Cost: $45 per test
Juniors will typically be taking the SATs in the spring. Here’s the calendar in case you wanted to get into the fall test-taking season.
Tests are scheduled for:
- October 10, 2009
- November 7, 2009
- December 5, 2009
- January 23, 2010
- March 13, 2010
- May 1, 2010
- June 5, 2010
Register online at www.collegeboard.com or by mail with the SAT Registration Booklet from your guidance counselor. Take note of the registration deadlines and additional fees for late registration. You can try to standby for an open seat the day of the exam, but there are no guarantees you’ll be able to sit for the exam on that day.
It’s not unusual to take the test more than once. Using the Score Choice option, you may choose which test scores you want colleges to see. Make sure you choose that option if that’s what you want to do.
If your PSAT score showed you need improvement in some areas, give yourself time to work on that with a test prep book, a class or tutor. The College Board has resources online. Test prep books can be found at your local library, bookstore or online.
SAT Subject Tests
Cost: $20 registration fee plus $9 for each subject test and $20 for each language test
Tests are scheduled for:
- October 10, 2009
- November 7, 2009
- December 5, 2009
- January 23, 2010
- May 1, 2010
- June 5, 2010
Note: Not all dates are offered for each subject. Click here for additional information.
SAT Subject Tests are taken by students who intend to apply to schools requiring 3 or more tests. Just as with the SAT, by choosing the Score Choice option you will be able to pick between scores if you test more than once.
Register online or by mail through SAT Registration Booklet from your guidance counselor.
A few weeks before you take the test, try a diagnostic test in the College Board’s book Real SAT Subject Tests which are sold through Amazon and other booksellers. A prep book on the subject matter or a prep class in popular subjects can be helpful in preparing for the exam. Hiring a tutor can also be helpful.
For more information, you can also refer to the College Board’s Subject Tests Preparation Center by clicking here
Evaluate your test scores and see where you faltered, if any. Consider taking three tests in May and then focus by redoubling your efforts on two of them for the June date or try again in your senior year.
ACT
Cost: $32 without writing and $47 with
Tests are scheduled for:
- September 12, 2009 (only in 50 US States and D.C.)
- October 24, 2009
- December 12, 2009
- February 6, 2010 (no tests scheduled in NY)
- April 10, 2010
- June 12, 2010
Please refer to the ACT website for additional information.
Register online or by mail.
Most students like this test better and find that it’s more straightforward. There’s no penalty for wrong answers and you would be starting with an essay rather than finishing with one. Taking the ACT early let’s you compare your results with the PSAT score and let’s you decide which test to focus on.
You do not have to share your test scores with colleges. You can start taking the test as early as you feel ready.
Prepare for the test using a test prep book or check with your guidance counselor for a sample test. Test tutors and test centers may also be available in your area for a fee.
Your scores will be available online. If you feel that the ACT is your preferred test and want to boost your scores, prepare for it using test prep guides available at bookstores or through your guidance counselor.
If you’re happy with your scores, request that they be sent to your schools of choice. The first four colleges are free and for a small fee, you may include additional schools to the list.
SENIOR YEAR
Retake SATs, SAT Subject Tests or the ACT as needed. This is your last chance to improve those test scores. If you are applying for early decision, you will need to take your tests by October to make the deadlines. November tests should be ok for the regular decision applicants and the December dates may still work for some schools. Just double check your application deadlines before registering for tests to ensure proper test score reporting timelines.
SAT
Cost: $45 per test
Tests are scheduled for:
- October 10, 2009
- November 7, 2009
- December 5, 2009
- January 23, 2010
Register online and remember for those reading ahead, you can choose to show or withhold your scores by choosing the Score Choice option.
SAT Subject Tests
Cost: $20 registration fee plus $9 for each subject test and $20 for each language test
Tests are scheduled for:
- October 10, 2009
- November 7, 2009
- December 5, 2009
- January 23, 2010
Note: Not all dates are offered for each subject. Click here for additional information.
ACT
Cost: $32 without writing and $47 with
Tests are scheduled for:
- September 12, 2009 (only in 50 US States and D.C.)
- October 24, 2009
- December 12, 2009
Please refer to the ACT website for additional information.
Good luck!
