Timing is everything taking the big test
By
C. Nick Savage
of
All-Stater Sports
Many students wait too late in the cycle to take the national college
admission exams, the SAT and the ACT. To do your best, you’ve got to
prepare with the same intensity you do for athletics. That means you’ve
got to have a plan, and you’ve got to get the skills.
“Typically, student-athletes have to juggle two schedules,” says Dr.
Rick Bavaria, Vice President of Education for the Sylvan Learning Center,
a company that provides educational services to students. “We suggest they
take the test during their off-season. For example, if you run track in
the spring, take the test in the fall. You can always take it again in the
spring if you are dissatisfied with the score. It’s worth the investment.”
It is not uncommon for talented student-athletes to discover that state
qualifying playoffs conflict with one or more of the standardized test
dates. Plan for this possibility if you need to take the test more than
once to meet NCAA requirements, or if you are trying to qualify for an
academically competitive school. Some of these schools require students to
take the SAT II and specific subject area tests, which means scheduling
one or more extra days of testing.
“Our organization suggests you start preparing in the ninth grade if
you want to succeed,” says Bavaria. Your guidance counselor is a good
source for available preparation resources.
In the tenth grade, take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude
Test/National Merit Qualifying Test (PSAT/NSMQT) and the PLAN exam for ACT
preparation. The PSAT/NSMQT is the only qualifier for the NMSQT
scholarships given by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation annually.
Many colleges look at these results to get an early indication of your
academic ability.
Prior to entering the eleventh grade, utilize the numerous sources
available that provide sample tests, test strategies, and tips. By taking
sample tests, you can identify your weaknesses and increase your skills in
these areas.
You may consider taking a preparation course to understand the test
formats. “At Sylvan, we use retired exams and teach test strategies to get
the students mentally tough,” says Bavaria.
“Upon entering the eleventh grade, I suggest taking the exam as often
as possible,” adds Bavaria. “In the twelfth grade, repeat the same process
since you may not have taken some of the required classes such as algebra,
geometry, and vocabulary until then.”
