New Year's Resolution for Juniors: Ace the SAT/ACT

If you're a junior, you've probably just received your scores from the October PSAT. Good, bad or indifferent, your PSAT scores are the signal that it's time to start active planning for taking either the SAT, the ACT, or both. In fact, make acing the SAT and/or ACT your New Year's resolution, and you'll be off to a good start with your college applications for next fall.

First, when should you take the SAT or the ACT? The answer is simple: As soon as you feel ready to do well. Many juniors take the SAT for the first time in March, and the ACT in April, but there's no set time period. You do, however, want to allow enough time to retake the exams if you feel you can do better.

The best time to take the SAT Subject exams is generally going to be at the end of the highest level course in the subject you plan to take. However, keep in mind that only a small percentage of colleges and universities actually require Subject exams (see this link for a list), and some will accept the ACT instead.

Once you've decided which exams you'll be taking, plan ahead. Check the calendars for the SAT and subject exams and the ACT, so you can be sure to register on time and avoid paying late fees.

With test dates marked on your calendar, kick preparing for the exams into high gear. Your PSAT score report contains useful clues as to which sections on the SAT you'll need to pay extra attention to preparing for. Some students will opt for taking a formal SAT prep class or getting private tutoring, but, in truth, motivated students can often accomplish just as much on their own. The key is to set up a dedicated study schedule, and stick to it.

Both the College Board and the ACT have compiled real exams into two excellent study guides that should form the cornerstone of any test prep program. I recommend that juniors purchase two books, the College Board's The Official SAT Study Guide and the ACT's The Real ACT Prep Guide. Use the sample tests in these books to practice and review on a regular basis.

However, there are many other free online resources that can help supplement your test prep program. Here are some of the best:

1. For students who just took the PSAT, The College Board's new My College QuickStart website is a great place to start. It includes a free personalized planning kit based on your test results, an online PSAT score report which includes projected SAT score ranges and information about state percentiles, a customized SAT study plan, and personalized lists of colleges, majors and careers.You'll need to register with the site, and will need the access code from your PSAT score report.

2. The College Board website itself is a good source for some free test preparation materials, as well as excellent recources on applying to and paying for college.

3. The ACT website also has some free ACT prep materials, as well as great information and resources to help you find and apply to colleges.

4. Number2.com is a great free site for test prep. After registering, you can take free practice exams for the SAT and ACT here, and access other helpful materials to help you prepare.


4. The Princeton Review is a test prep company that offers some free test study tools for the PSAT, SAT, subject exams, and ACT. Click on the “practice tools” section for each test.

5. Kaplan is another test prep firm that offers some free study materials on its website. You can, for instance, access free test banks of sample SAT and ACT practice exams.

6. Test Prep Review also offers free practice test questions and tips in a modular format for both the SAT and the ACT.