October FAQ: When Should I Take the SAT or ACT?

As a high school junior, you may be wondering when the best time is to take the SAT or ACT. There are many factors to consider, and you may want to avoid testing last minute amidst your college applications next year. So, how do you figure out the best time to test? 

This blog will cover the factors that affect the best time to test and how to make your decision. The goal is to plan to take the test while you have time to prepare and focus on the test!

SAT/ACT Testing Factors

There are two main factors that play into the best time to take the SAT or ACT: your math level and commitments that impact your availability to study. Let’s jump in.

Math Level

The amount of math you’ve learned has a direct impact on your test scores. The SAT and ACT also test slightly different math topics, so make sure you decide which test to take before you decide when to take them! 

The SAT tests topics from Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, with just a little bit of pre-calc thrown in. The ACT tests math topics from Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and pre-calc. The ACT has more advanced math (late Algebra II and pre-calc) than the SAT, so it’s important to make sure you’re confident in those topics. Both tests also include statistics topics, which most students have not studied formally. Resources like Khan Academy and IXL are great for reviewing these topics before the tests. 

• Calc AB/BC: You’re all set! You’ve taken all of the math that you’ll need for either test. Your math level will not have a big impact on your ideal testing timeline.
• Pre-calc: 
  • SAT: You’re good to go! Your math level will not affect the best time to test. 
  • ACT: If you are aiming for a very high math score, it may pay off to wait and give yourself time to learn more advanced topics before taking the test. 
• Algebra II: If you are aiming for a very high math score on either test, you may want to put off testing a little bit, since both the ACT and SAT test many Algebra II topics. 
• Geometry: It’s likely best to put off testing until the spring or summer, and it may be helpful to double up on math (Geometry and Algebra II) this year to ensure that you cover all of the content you need to know for the tests!

Commitments

Students with time-consuming commitments – sports, music, theater/dance, etc. – may find it difficult to make time to study for the SAT or ACT during their busy seasons. Often, when preparing for the SAT or ACT, studying daily is most effective. Mindfish tutors typically assign students between 2 and 5 hours of homework weekly to achieve maximum results. If you know that your commitments (in the spring, fall, or the whole year) will impede your ability to study independently or work with a tutor, it may be a good strategy to plan to test during a less busy time of the year. 

When Should I Test?

To simplify the decision making process, we’ve distilled these factors into a flow chart (and a list of questions). The chart below walks through these two main factors to determine the best time to test!

Results:

1. Any time: 

Your math level and commitments don’t affect your ideal test date. Choose whichever exams are most convenient for you.

2. Fall: 

Your scenario puts you in a situation where prepping and testing “early” may make the most sense. Consider taking the exams throughout the fall to be done with testing by the December tests.

3. Spring: 

Your scenario puts you in a situation where waiting until spring may be best. This can clear the fall for other commitments or give you time to learn more math to boost your score!

4. Summer: 

Your scenario means that waiting until summer makes the most sense! If you’re taking geometry this year, consider doubling up on math!

Preparing for the SAT / ACT

Now that you know when to take the test, plan your studying accordingly! If you’re testing soon, it may be a good time to take a practice test or start working with a tutor. Alternatively, if you have some time before testing, it may be a good time to start working on your vocabulary, do some reading to boost reading comprehension, or even get an early start on tutoring! 

Still not sure which test to take or when to take the tests? Reach out to the Mindfish admin team. Mindfish can help answer questions about when to test, which test to take, accommodations, and preparing for the tests!