3 Reasons to Take the ACT or SAT this Summer
Chase Gabrielson
Most students aren’t aware that the Official ACT and SAT tests are offered during the summer months of July, August, and September. The August SAT replaced the January test date almost two years ago, and the College Board thought offering a summer test would give students an opportunity to prepare without juggling college applications and schoolwork during the fall months.
“This shift will provide students with an earlier opportunity to take the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests before submitting college applications, and it will give them more time to focus on coursework, school activities, and college applications in the fall of their senior year. ”
While this timeline isn’t right for all students, it may make sense for current sophomores to consider preparing for the ACT or SAT to establish an early foundation or to kick-start their college test prep process. Once the school year begins, students will be able to focus more attention on their GPA and extracurricular activities.
Preparing for the ACT or SAT during the summer months doesn’t mean giving up vacation time. A bit of work for a few hours a week for a defined time frame might be exactly what is needed to improve a prior score or prepare for the PSAT.
Check out what one of our former students, Owen H., had to say about prepping for the test early:
“I started preparing for the ACT in the summer going into my junior year with the Star Tutors Classroom programs. I ended up taking the test in September and October when I was still settling into school and didn’t have major tests or finals to worry about. Now, with the weight of AP testing and upcoming finals, I can focus solely on school while others frantically prepare for the ACT, AP testing, and final exams simultaneously. Getting started early was one of the best decisions I made and it allowed me to check a major item off of the long list of worries I have preparing to apply to colleges.”
Owen scored in the top 1% of all test takers and was completely done taking the test by October of his junior year!
Our team of tutors has compiled the top three reasons why students should consider taking the Official ACT or SAT test outside of the regular school year:
Focus.
With no distractions, no school work, homework, or after school activities to worry about, students have the ability to kick-start their test prep process by concentrating their efforts and attention on one test. Besides, here at Star Tutors, we’re firm believers in the old adage of “slow and steady wins the race.” We don’t believe in the idea of cramming for a test. Instead, we want students to experience test prep by not only brushing up on their knowledge but also gaining a true understanding of how the tests are structured.
Keep the Momentum Going.
Prepping the summer between sophomore and junior year allows students to capitalize on what they learned during the school year. We find this to be most meaningful for the math sections of both tests. By the end of sophomore year, many students have already completed the highest level of math topics on the ACT or SAT. It’s fresh in their minds. Why wait six months and hope you don’t lose your edge?
Early Application Submission or Decision.
Taking either test allows students to get a head start on the college admissions process. We have had many students in the past that wait until March or April of junior year to take the ACT or SAT exam for the first time. The issue with this timeline is that the spring of junior year can get extremely crowded with the SAT/ACT, Subject Tests, APs, finals, and activities. This, combined with the work to complete college applications, creates unnecessary stress and anxiety for most students.
Neither test is likely going to change anytime soon and with Star Tutors' methodical programs, the curriculum covers 95% of the material that students will see on the tests. Whether students choose to get a jump start on the ACT or SAT during the summer months or feel waiting is best, we’re here to help.
Contact our office for a free 20-minute consultation.