Finish testing before senior year

Overview

By the time senior year starts, you should have your testing plan finalized!

What "Finished" Means

• Completed all planned SAT/ACT attempts
• Know your best superscore for each test
• Decided which scores to submit (or if going test-optional)

If Not Yet Finished

• August 23 SAT is your last summer opportunity
• October 4 SAT works for EA/ED but cuts it close
• July 11 ACT was last summer date; September 20 works for most deadlines

Decision Framework

1. Calculate your best SAT superscore
2. Calculate your best ACT superscore (if applicable)
3. For EACH school, compare to their middle 50% range
4. If within or above: submit
5. If significantly below: consider test-optional

Test-Optional Strategy

• Doesn't hurt you at schools with genuine test-optional policies
• Other elements (grades, essays, activities) become more important
• If you have strong scores, submit them
• If scores don't represent your abilities, don't

Perspective

Tests are just one piece. You've done the work — now focus on essays and applications!