Just when you think you have the high school years figured out, the college planning begins.
During your teen’s junior year of high school, they will likely take the ACT (American College Testing) or SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), to assess college and career readiness.
According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, “state law requires districts and community schools to administer the state-funded ACT or SAT to all grade 11 students in the spring of the school year. Each year, districts and schools will select the test to administer to their juniors.”
If your child is planning on attending college, having a good ACT or SAT score can help them stand out and increase their chance of acceptance.
While these tests are taken in 11th grade, planning begins well before- hand. Here are a few ways to prepare and maximize testing opportunities.
1. START THE PROCESS EARLY
Attend an informational session offered by your local school district or library. This will give you an idea about what resources are offered through your school or com- munity. Some parents start gathering testing information when their child begins eighth or ninth grade.
2. MAKE A TESTING TIMELINE
Determine the date you plan on having your child test and work backwards from there.For example, if your child is testing the fall of junior year, you’ll want to make sure to plan for test registration (2 months out), studying and practice testing (3-4 months out), pre-testing and tutoring (6+ months out). Tests are offered multiple times throughout the year so you can figure out a time that works best for your child’s schedule.
3. MAKE A LIST OF TOP 5 COLLEGES AND LOOK AT THEIR AVERAGE TEST SCORES
A quick online search will tell you the average ACT and SAT scores for students ac- cepted into the universities your child is considering. For ACT, look at the25 and 75 percentile for a good range. This will help determine the score your child will want to achieve on their test.
4. TAKE PREP TESTS.
Students can take the PreACT or PSAT beginning in eighth, ninth or 10th grade. These shorter exams help students practice for the ACT and SAT, provide a baseline score and a benchmark for areas of strength and weakness. The scores from the PreACT and PSAT do not count toward the actual ACT and SAT and are only meant for practice. It is advised not to take the ACT or SAT to use as a baseline because those scores go on your child’s permanent record.
5. FIND THE BEST STUDY STRATEGY
How does your child learn the best? Figuring out their studying style and sticking to a study plan will keep your student organized and prepared. According to UWorld College Prep, students should begin studying for the ACT and SAT about three to four months before the actual test. You may also consider using a tutor or taking prep classes.
6. READ, READ, READ!
Read materials out- side of school assignments, especially non-fiction magazines and journals. This can help improve grammar, vocab- ulary and critical thinking skills.
7. PRACTICE SITTING FOR TEST DAY
TheACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes, witha 15-minute break. If you choose to do the optional writing portion, it’s an additional 40 minutes. The SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes of testing time, with a 10-minute break. Your student should get comfortable sitting at a desk and testing for long periods of time. A parent or sibling can proctor a practice exam by setting a timer and enforcing test day rules such as not using a phone or electronic device, no restroom breaks and no eating or drinking during the test.
8. PLAN TO TAKE THE TEST MORE THAN ONCE
It’s OK and common to take the ACT or SAT more than once. In fact, many colleges allow “score choice,” which allows you to only share your best test score with them. If a college requires submission of all test scores it may show consistent improvements made.
