When should students start taking the ACT/SAT tests? It is a good question to ask.

Wichita State does not require ACT/SAT test scores for admission, but does recommend taking them so that you are fully considered for available scholarships. We also want to remind you that it is encouraged to start taking these tests early! Doing this will ensure you are eligible and qualify for Wichita State’s Freshmen Merit Scholarships and our annual scholarship competitions. Additionally, taking the tests early will give you time to work up to your target score.

High school students typically take their first ACT/SAT in the fall or spring of their junior year, or the fall of their senior year. Taking the tests early will allow you to become more comfortable with them and give you more time to study and raise your score.

Just in case you needed more convincing, here is a list of positives for taking the college standardized tests early:

Freshmen Merit Scholarships are automatic scholarships that are awarded based on your GPA and ACT/SAT score. To be considered for these scholarships, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a minimum 21 ACT/1060 SAT. 

The priority application deadline for merit scholarship consideration is Nov. 1. Students previously awarded merit scholarships with test score improvements will be reviewed in February for a merit scholarship increase.

Wichita State hosts scholarship competitions every year. A variety of scholarships are awarded to competition participants including the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships, three of the largest scholarships in the state of Kansas! For several of our competitions—including the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational—eligibility is determined by GPA and/or ACT/SAT score. The scholarship materials deadline for most of our scholarship competitions is Nov. 1.

Some students take the ACT/SAT once and are satisfied with their score. However, many students have a target score in mind they want to reach. When you start taking these tests early, you have more chances to improve your score, and you won’t feel as stressed or anxious about improving it!

Taking the test is the only way you’ll become more comfortable with the test setting. The testing room can be a stressful and intimidating environment. The more you take the ACT/SAT, the more you will become comfortable with the timing, structure and setting.

The ACT and SAT both provide test preparation courses prior to their tests. Highly trained teachers and professionals prepare students by showing them what material to study and which strategies to use to prepare. Additionally, there are professional tutors available who will educate students on the test subjects they need the most help with. A big perk of utilizing tutor services are the personalized instruction that tutors offer.

Senior year is by far the busiest year of your high school career. From final exams to college applications, scholarship applications, senior celebrations, sports games, part-time jobs, graduation and soaking up the last few months with your best friends, the last thing you want to do is spend all your time preparing for your test. When you start early, you can relax knowing your tests are all out of the way and you are able to make the most of your senior year!

For Future Shockers, taking these tests early can give you an edge up in scholarship opportunities. For the ACT, there are test dates available in September, October, December, February, April, June and July. For the SAT, there are dates available in August, October, November, December, March, May and June. Sign-up soon to avoid late registration fees!