3 Simple Tasks to Start Test Prep

April is coming. And if you are a high school junior, now is the time to ramp up your college application preparation especially as it relates to SAT and ACT prep.

Remember, submitting the test score may be optional for many schools but you should take the SAT or ACT to try and achieve the best score you can. Data shows more admissions opportunities and scholarship dollars go to those who submit test scores.

To get you motivated for SAT and ACT prep, here are three simple things you can in the month of April to get the process started:

1) Register for the SAT or ACT: Once you have a test date in mind, you can backwards design a study plan so that all your studying leads you up to test day. You should plan for at least two test sittings but no more than three (ok, maybe four but no more than four). Register for all of these dates as soon as you can so you know by when you need to be ready for each sitting.

2) Research Ideal SAT and ACT Scores: Remember, a "good score" on the SAT or ACT is the score that gets you in the ballpark of admitted students at the colleges of your choosing. So start a list of schools that interest you and document the SAT and ACT scores of admitted students.

3) Take a Practice Test: You can access digital SAT practice tests on the Bluebook app or download paper versions from the College Board. You can also find the latest ACT practice test on the ACT website.

If you can accomplish these three things during the month of April, you will be on your way. When the calendar turns to May, you will want to ramp up your prep and think about how to continue to prep over the summer.

But cross that bridge later.

Start with the three simple April tasks to get yourself going. And if you need help, CROSSWALK is here.