By: Erik Slagle
If your son or daughter is wrapping up their junior year of high school, you might be looking ahead to this summer with something less than enthusiasm. The college application process has gotten more competitive, less predictable, and more stressful, so it’s more important than ever to have a plan.
I’m a big believer that everyone lands exactly where they’re meant to in this process, and that less stress and a more enjoyable summer is the best way to approach applications. Next year, when my family is going through this process, it’s the approach we plan to follow. And with that in mind, here are some markers to look towards if you want to finish the school year armed with manageable college admissions expectations.
July and August – The Big Picture: Set weekly goals for personal statement writing (the Common App essay all colleges will see) and supplemental essays (shorter, school-focused statements that go to individual colleges). The Common App opens on August 1st, but with planning, all your writing components can be done and ready by the end of summer!
July 12th ACT: This date falls close enough to the end of the academic year that some math and science will still be fresh for test-takers. However, rising seniors might be better served using the summer to practice and testing in September. It’s lengthier, faster-paced, and in many ways tougher than the SAT – not necessarily something every student needs to try. Note: this test date offers the science section as optional if students take the new digital version. Students taking the paper version will still need to take the Science component.
August 23rd SAT: If you’re able to commit 6-8 weeks to practice after the Fourth of July (and we’re not talking about all-day, every-day prep – just consistent, focused review), it can be beneficial to do it in August rather than October when college application deadlines are looming. HOWEVER – these spots tend to fill quickly, so if you’re considering taking this date, register as soon as possible so you can take it at a site close to home.
September 6th ACT; September 13th SAT; October 4th SAT; October 18th ACT: These late dates are better options for juniors (Class of 2027) than seniors (Class of 2026), but if you’re a senior and absolutely need one more ACT or SAT before applying, these would be your options. All of them are OK even for Early Action applicants, provided the rest of your application materials are received by the EA/ED deadlines.
Some notes on those later dates:
- This will be the first year the College Board is offering an SAT in September; expect spots to fill quickly! If you think this date is on your radar, register ASAP to claim your place at a school that’s convenient for you.
- The September ACT is the first “paper test” ACT date that will offer the Science section as an optional component.
Hope this information is helpful for you and your family as you navigate this process! If I can answer any questions for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy Summer!
