Planning Ahead

I have been talking a lot lately about End of Course tests and Semester exams both of which are taking place this month, but those aren't the only tests which students should be keeping in mind.  Juniors, as you know, you will be taking the ACT for free in March.  I realize that right now that seems far away, but when we return from winter break you will have just 10 weeks until the test.  That will fly by.  

Why does that matter?  This is a great time for you to start planning ahead for your test prep needs and developing a plan for what you will do to make sure you are prepared for the ACT.  Hopefully you have logged in and looked at your PSAT scores online and/ or reviewed your Pre-ACT test results that you picked up from the Counseling Center (if you haven't picked up your results, please see a secretary in the counseling center this week to get them).  Those two practice tests are great ways to get a feel for what you understood well and where you might need to focus some additional time and energy.

Remember, there are plenty of free resources available to you!  For example, your PSAT scores come with a direct link to Khan Academy to create a tailor made practice plan.  Additionally, some students will elect to work with a tutor or take a test-prep course.  If that is part of your plan, you will want to start investigating options to get that set up so that you aren't trying to cram all of your studying into the last few weeks ahead of the test.

It's nice to be thinking about something that is farther away and that you have more control over timing and your own personal prep plan.  Just don't forget to actually set up goals and a plan for how you will review to make the most of the free test opportunity.