Guide to Spring 2017
Welcome back from winter break! Hopefully you feel well rested and ready to tackle the remainder of the school year. For our first blog post of the year, we’ll give you an overview of what to expect in the test-prep and college admissions world and ways to focus yourself.
January
1. Official ISEE exam: Saturday, January 7, 2017
ISEE is the entrance exam for private and independent schools. Elementary, middle, and high school students can take the exam. Some test dates have been rescheduled because of inclement weather.
2. Official SAT exam: Saturday, January, 21, 2017
Most students use winter break to cram for this exam. If you haven’t put in the time, then consider preparing for the March test. Middle schoolers take this exam as part of the Duke TIP application. [Note: they can choose between SAT and ACT.]
3. Summer program applications
Universities and other institutions across the country (and world) offer high school students prestigious and rigorous academic and research programs during summer. These programs are highly competitive and usually require in-depth applications. We will post more about these next week, but if you have any interest, it is best to do your research and start applying as soon as possible.
4. College admissions and scholarship applications
Most college applications are due by January 1, but there are some deadlines for mid-January and even as late as the beginning of February. Some scholarship deadlines are in these months as well.
February
1. Official ACT exam: Saturday, February 11, 2017
Middle schoolers take this exam as part of the Duke TIP application, but the test is open to anyone.
2. Summer program applications
Some summer deadlines carry into February, but usually this is the cutoff month.
3. College admissions and scholarship applications
Most college admissions-related deadlines should have passed by the end of this month.
March
1. Official SAT exam: Saturday, March 11, 2017
If students don’t get enough practice over winter, they will use January and February to prepare for this SAT. Usually the March test is a good one to take because it 1) allows you to choose whether or not to take the May exam before (late) registration closes, 2) frees open the June date for SAT Subject tests, and 3) it is not competing for your attention with AP/IB exams and finals.
2. Spring Break
This is a great time for recharging or cramming for a test. In this case, cramming for ACT would be your best bet.
3. Official STAAR exams: Tuesday March 28 - Friday, March 31, 2017
STAAR is Texas’ standardized test to measure school performance.
April
1. Official ACT exam: Saturday, April 11, 2017
This is a good ACT to take because there aren’t too many exams in February and March, so you can focus all your energy on one test.
2. Regular Decision college admission results
Most colleges will release their Regular Decision results on or around April 1. Typically Seniors will have until May 1 to make their decisions.
May
1. Official SAT exam: Saturday, May 6, 2017
Use this test as your second chance at getting a good score, so, if needed, you can save the June date for subject tests.
2. Official AP exams: Monday, May 1, 2017 - Friday, May 12, 2017
3. Official IB exams: May 1, 2017 - Thursday, May 18, 2017 (note: there are 3 tests on April 28)
3. End of course exams and finals
Notice how packed May will be. That’s why you should try to take ACT and SAT exams beforehand.
June
1. Official SAT exam: Saturday, June 3, 2017
2. Official SAT subject tests: Saturday, June 3, 2017*
*These are available on other test dates, but most students do them in June
Because there is overlap between AP/IB subjects and the SAT Subject tests, students like to study for both exam types and maximize their efforts. The tests aren’t exactly the same, so there are some learning curves with format.
3. Official ACT exam: Saturday, June 11, 2017 Summer Session begins
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As you can see, there is a lot going on this spring, so don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for crucial exams or fill out applications. Of course, what’s listed above won’t be the only things happening in your academic life. There will be tests, projects, and labs. There will be club meetings and tournaments. Whatever you are working on, know that B2A is here to help make your planning, studying, applying and testing easier. We have programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, whether it be enrichment, test-prep, or general GPA management. Let us help you get the new year off to the right start!
