College Admission Testing

When to Take College Admission Tests

The senior year can be loaded with college applications, FAFSA, scholarships, senior activities, etc....so don't wait on the exams. While not all colleges are requiring the SAT or ACT for admissions, scores from these tests are still used for scholarships and placement into college level classes. Make sure to contact the colleges where you are planning to apply for more information about how they use SAT/ACT scores and if it would benefit you to take them. In addition, the best time to apply to colleges and universities is early in the senior year (September or October), so have your testing done before your senior year. Here are some general suggestions:

Sophomore year: 

• Smarter Balanced ELA and Math

Junior year:

• Begin practicing during the summer, using preparation books (library or bookstore) or online resources
• PSAT/NMSQT in October (this year, prepare yourself and take practice tests)
• SAT in February or April (make sure to prepare before, using PSAT results and practice books)
• ACT in February or April (make sure to take practice tests leading up the test, since the test and questions are different than the SAT and PSAT)

Senior year:

• Retake any exams early in the year, if you feel a higher score will help

Community Colleges

Community colleges do not require an ACT or an SAT. We still suggest that students take the SAT/ACT - the score can be used for scholarships and/or for Math placement. Please check with your chosen community college for more information.