When Should You Apply for Colleges and Scholarships Before Taking the SAT or After Having It?
Choosing the right timing to apply for colleges and scholarships is crucial, especially if you have to take the SAT or ACT. The process of applying can be complex, and understanding the common pitfalls can help you streamline your efforts. This article will dissect the optimal times to take these exams and apply for both colleges and scholarships.
Timing Your College Applications
Applying to colleges involves a myriad of steps, from understanding deadlines to collecting necessary documents. It's important to recognize that different colleges have different application periods. Some institutions may have rolling admissions, while others have specific deadlines. For longer application periods, it's ideal to apply as early as possible to ensure you have more options and less competition.
For instance, if a college has an application period that stretches from the beginning of the winter semester until early summer, applying in the winter or even the beginning of the fall can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot. However, applying too late may close the doors to some opportunities and leave you with fewer choices.
Timing Your SAT or ACT Exams
A SAT or ACT score is often a requirement for completing the college application process. If you're applying to a college that does not accept test-optional applications, you will need to submit your test scores. Therefore, even if you start your application process before taking the SAT, you cannot finalize it without the necessary test scores.
Preliminary Steps for SAT and ACT Preparation
It's a good idea to start preparing for the SAT or ACT as early as possible. If you're a student in your junior year (11th grade), take the SAT or ACT for the first time during the October to December timeframe. Spend at least three months preparing for your first attempt. If you are satisfied with your score, you can move on to preparing for subject-specific SATs or simply enjoy the rest of your junior year.
If your score does not meet your expectations, consider retaking the SAT during the March or May test dates of your junior year. This will give you a chance to improve your scores and enhance your college application.
Planning for Senior Year
By August or September of your senior year (12th grade), you should have your SAT or ACT scores in hand. This is typically done to focus your efforts on essay writing, applications, and acing your final year of high school.
Since you may need to write college essays and prepare for scholarship applications during this time, it's advisable to take your exams early and have the results in your possession by early to mid-senior year. This will allow you to allocate your time more effectively towards improving your application package.
Conclusion
In summary, it is highly recommended that you take the SAT or ACT before starting your college application process. This approach ensures that you can maximize the number of available options and provides a better chance of success in your scholarship applications. By timing your exams and applications wisely, you can achieve a well-rounded and competitive college application.
Remember, preparing early and strategically can significantly benefit your application process. All the best as you navigate this critical stage of your educational journey!