Remove yourself from any groups that you don’t want to be defined by.
Don’t write anything that you wouldn’t want an admissions rep to read.
Use social media sites to highlight positive things about yourself.
CHAPTER 3
TESTING A TO Z:
TRACK YOUR SCORES
By now you have become familiar with the alphabet soup of standardized tests: PSAT, ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs), AP and IB. There is no denying, standardized testing is an important part of the college application process. Test scores are among the many criteria used to evaluate your candidacy. Once you are accepted, a college may also use your scores to award scholarships, determine placement in college classes and offer admission to special programs.
PLANNING
Don’t let all the talk about upcoming ACTs, SATs and SAT IIs overwhelm you. Instead, map out a plan to make sure you take the necessary tests on the optimal dates and have enough time to prepare. The following steps will help you develop your best course of action:
Find out which tests are required. As you start to think about schools that interest you, look through their websites for information on testing. Most schools allow you to submit either the ACT or SAT. Requirements for SAT IIs vary from school to school. While there are schools that require one, two or even three tests, some ask for none at all.
Determine which test is best for you. Take online ACT and SAT practice tests in order to compare your scores. Get input from your guidance counselor and your parents to help you decide.
Review your PSAT results, which offer valuable feedback, if you’ve decided to take the SAT. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your efforts on the sections you would like to improve.
Arrange for special testing accommodations, if necessary. Talk to your guidance counselor for information or contact ACT and/or College Board for details.
Consider test-optional schools. Hundreds of colleges do not require test scores as a part of their application process, but instead offer a more holistic admissions approach.
Plan your testing schedule. Look at ACT and SAT test dates for the entire school year, choose dates that allow you enough time to prepare and take as many practice tests as possible. To ensure your spot at the location of your choice, look up registration deadlines and sign up as soon as possible. Not all tests are offered on every test date and you cannot take SAT IIs on the same day as the SAT.
Determine the optimal time to schedule SAT II exams. SAT II scores demonstrate your proficiency in a specific subject, so work closely with your guidance counselor and teachers to develop a strategy. For example, it may be best to take a particular subject test immediately after you’ve completed the high school course on the same subject, when the material is freshest in your mind.
Avoid scheduling conflicts. Make sure your family is aware of your testing schedule to confirm your availability and to assure you’ll have a ride to the test, if needed.
Register for your tests. Sign up online or by mail with College Board (for the SAT and SAT IIs) and ACT.
Have a current photo on hand when you sign up for your tests. ACT and College Board registrations both require you to submit a photograph of yourself for security purposes.
Get organized. As you determine the tests you need to take, use the Standardized Test Schedule provided in this chapter to keep track of your test dates, registration deadlines and locations you’ve
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