Facts and Thoughts on ACT/SAT Cancellations

The SAT was administered in some locations on Saturday, March 14.  In other locations, it was cancelled.  The SAT has announced that the May 2 SAT has been cancelled.  The ACT is moving April 4 registrations to June 13. 

There are three more tests scheduled for this school year:

June 6, 2020 – SAT

June 13, 2020 – ACT

July 18, 2020 – ACT

Both tests are administered on Saturdays seven times in a normal year.  There will be an August SAT date and a September ACT date to start the 2020-2021 school year. 

What should a high school Junior do?

The high school Junior should plan to take the June SAT or the June or July ACT.  Student First Educational Consulting can provide one-to-one tutoring, tutoring via Skype or Zoom, or help you develop a low cost plan for your student. 

What should a high school Senior do?

The situation is trickier for Seniors.  Most of the Seniors who are still taking the ACT or SAT are attempting to get a specific score for a specific reason.  For example, a Senior might hope to earn a 26 on the ACT or a 1170 on the SAT to earn Bright Futures in Florida.  We believe that the only remaining test that will help a Senior in this regard is the June SAT. 

What will happen if the June ACT and SAT get cancelled?

It is much too soon to worry about this.  Both tests have been administered for decades and have faced numerous local, state, national, and international challenges.  Students will have ample opportunities to take the ACT and SAT moving forward.   

Is it too soon to start preparing for the June ACT or SAT?

The short answer, for Juniors in high school,  is no.  The longer answer is that most students begin preparing for the ACT or SAT five to eight weeks before a test date.  There are approximately twelve weeks before the June 6 SAT.  Many students take both tests.  Many students take either the ACT or SAT more than once.  Juniors could use their time away from school to start preparing for the ACT or SAT.  Most sophomores should not worry about the ACT or SAT yet. 

You can prepare for the ACT or SAT for free or for very little money.  You can also spend thousands of dollars on test prep.  Student First offers free consultations (in person or on the phone) to help you make decisions in the best interest of your child.