QuestBridge: Preparing for College

Scheduling Your Test

If you are a high school junior, and haven’t yet taken the SAT or ACT, you should plan to do so in May or June. In addition, as a junior, you should take the SAT IIs in May or June.

Most colleges and universities require that you take some combination of the SAT and SAT IIs, or the ACT and the SAT IIs. You need to plan ahead to make sure you have enough time to take the tests you need to take, and achieve scores that are satisfactory to you for colleges you’re interested in. Keep in mind that if you are planning to apply early-action or early-decision, most schools can only accept up to your October test score. November and December scores are too late for consideration with most early application programs.

The best bet is to plan to take the SAT or ACT several times, and to take two SAT subject tests at least once. While some colleges don’t require the SAT subject tests or the SAT, it’s best to keep your options open by taking these tests. If you are home-schooled, or attended an alternative high school, you should research college requirements for exams. Some colleges require that home-schooled students take additional SAT subject tests.

Strategize your test dates

We highly recommend that you plan to take the SAT or ACT more than once, as scores can vary greatly between sittings. Depending on how happy you are with your score, we recommend you take the test two or three times. Allow yourself study time in between each sitting. Remember that if you are applying early decision or action, most schools can only accept scores up to your October test date. November and December scores will be too late to be considered with your application.

The SAT subject tests require additional planning ahead, as some subject tests are offered only at specific times throughout the year. For example, language tests are only available once or twice a year in June and December, with the exception of Spanish and French tests being offered more frequently. World History is another subject that is offered only twice a year. Check the CollegeBoard website for testing dates for specific subjects.

For specific course-related exams, such as United States History, we recommend you take the SAT subject tests near the end of your academic year, typically in May or June, as you will then be able to use knowledge gained throughout your year in class towards the exam. Plus, you won’t want to worry about taking these exams in the fall of your senior year, when you are also applying to college. You may also wish to reserve those test dates for re-taking the SAT or ACT if you need to improve your score.

Important Note on Fee Waivers: Fee waivers (SAT / ACT) are available for qualified students who register on time. Qualified or not, students who register late for a test cannot get a fee waiver. So plan ahead!


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