SAT and ACT Timeline - Planning the Tests

The SAT and ACT timeline, and process, is a daunting eventuality for any university-bound student. While some students have begun their college preparation even before getting to high school, the exams remain a tall order. Other than keeping good grades, a standardized test is the first big step towards college admittance.

In their attempt to answer all potential student questions, the College Board website  recommends that students take  the  test of their choice at least twice. The average student takes the test only twice. Beyond that, taking the test too many times has not proven to significantly change a student's score.

Planning when you should make your testing attempts is one of the ways to increase your chances of being in the best state of mind to do well on the test. So, you'll need a solid grasp of the SAT and ACT timeline you face. While many students prepare for the exam during their sophomore year, they should first take in in the fall of their junior year. At this point in time, students will take one or both the SAT and ACT, this can also depend on the colleges being looked at.

Of course planning a second test in advance is not ideal when student's are looking to do their best the first time around, but it is often a necessary evil for those that want to increase their chances of getting a high score. The best way to space out taking the exam twice is sitting first in the fall of the junior year.

There is a waiting period of at least three months between tests as it gives students the chance to get their scores back from the first attempt and regroup before another long test sitting.

The ideal time to make a second attempt at the test is in spring of the junior year, or the fall of  the senior year. This will allow for enough time for students to receive their new scores and pass them on to universities in applications.

Though the subject is highly debated, requiring these standardized tests is the norm for the majority universities and colleges around the country. While this is not the only thing admission groups will be considering it is part of the package and this SAT/ACT schedule will help you hit your target test score.