A common CTG approach is to plan a first official SAT or ACT during junior year, then use the results to decide whether another test date would be worthwhile.
A junior-year sequence
The junior-year PSAT can provide useful practice and a benchmark for the SAT. A practice ACT can also help reveal whether the ACT format may be a stronger fit.
Donna often recommends that students experience both the SAT and ACT—one may be a practice administration—because pacing, question style and comfort can differ substantially.
Establish a fall benchmark
Use the PSAT and, where available through CTG, a no-risk practice ACT to identify strengths, gaps and the more promising test format.
Choose a realistic first test
Build preparation around the student’s course load, activities, school breaks and the official testing calendar rather than rushing into the earliest available date.
Evaluate the first results
Review section scores, pacing and the student’s test-day experience to decide whether to retest and which exam deserves the greater share of preparation.
Finish testing when practical
Completing most testing by the end of junior year or early in senior year can reduce pressure during the busiest part of the application process.
Score reporting and superscoring
Students may test more than once, but score-choice, superscoring and official-report requirements vary by testing organization and college.
Before registering for additional dates or sending scores, review the current policy for each college under consideration.