There's an old Chinese saying that goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." But no matter how unsure you feel taking that first step, every single one after that will be a little easier. It also helps if you have a plan to follow through your sophomore year - and here it is. For more online resources on college prep, check out Links2GO.
 
For details on each step, click on the notes below:
Post-it #1 Post-it #2 Post-it #3 Post-it #4 Post-it #5


Prepare for standardized testing

  • There are a variety of standardized tests available - PSAT, SAT, SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, ACT PLAN, ACT, and AP tests to name a few - but you don't have to take every test in order to be college-ready.
  • Discuss the standardized test options with your school counselor and determine which ones would be most beneficial for you. Below are some possible options and scheduling information:
    • Take the ACT PLAN test in the fall, normally in October or November. This is a valuable test to help you prepare for the ACT which you can take during your junior year in April or June.
    • Review PLAN test results with your parents and school counselor. Compare these to your EXPLORE results to measure growth.
    • Take the PSAT in October. The scores will not count for National Merit Scholar consideration in your sophomore year, but it is valuable practice for when you take the PSAT again in your junior year when the scores will count, as well as for the SAT Reasoning Test, which you should also be taking in your junior year. You will receive your PSAT results in December.
    • Start preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test.
    • Register in April for the SAT Subject Tests that you will be completing before June.
    • Take the SAT Subject Test in June.