Stay on Track for College with the College Board
Tips & Resources
We know that coronavirus has created new and unexpected challenges as you explore colleges, understand your financial aid options, and get ready to apply in the fall; so we’re here to help you stay on track as you plan for life after high school—all from the comfort of your couch.
We’ll continue to update this page with resources and guidance as we work with school counselors, colleges, and other College Board members to make sure you have what you need to keep planning for college during this time.
We’re here for you. And above all, stay safe.
Class of 2021: Being stuck at home doesn’t mean being stuck in planning for college
Six Things You Can Do at Home to Plan for College
Thinking about life after high school can be daunting at any time, but especially now. The good news is that there are simple things you can do at your own pace to help you stay on track for college. Keep up with your college planning with these six activities that you can do at home.
Opt in to the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program, which guides you through the college planning process with a chance to earn up to $40,000 for college along the way.
The first step in the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program is the $500 Build Your College List Scholarship. All you need to do is add six colleges to your list to earn an entry to the monthly drawing.
1.2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates: What You Need to Know
Register now for an upcoming SAT or SAT Subject Test administration. Learn more about how registration has been affected by the coronavirus.
2. Earn Scholarships for College Planning
Opt in to the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program, which guides you through the college planning process with a chance to earn up to $40,000 for college along the way.
3. Build Your College List
The first step in the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program is the $500 Build Your College List Scholarship. All you need to do is add six colleges to your list to earn an entry to the monthly drawing.
4. Understand How Financial Aid Works
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) walks you through how financial aid works, resources to pay for college, and loan repayment options.
Use this tool from Roadtrip Nation® and the College Board to get personalized career planning advice based on your PSAT/NMSQT or SAT scores and look up data on in-demand careers along with salary estimates for jobs in your city and state.
5. Explore Careers with College Board Career Finder™
Use this tool from Roadtrip Nation® and the College Board to get personalized career planning advice based on your PSAT/NMSQT or SAT scores and look up data on in-demand careers along with salary estimates for jobs in your city and state.
6. Keep Your Skills Sharp
Practice a little each day to build your skills to get ready for the SAT. The more you practice, the better you’ll feel when it’s time to test. When you practice for six or more hours, you can also qualify for a $1,000 Opportunity Scholarship.
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CURRENT TESTING LANDSCAPE FOR THE ACT/SAT
Next SAT test date: August 29th. Registration is now open deadline is July 31st, 2020.
The College Board has created a new September 2020 test date. There will now be a SAT on September 26th.
The College Board is also exploring an online testing option for fall 2020.
As of now, the June ACT scheduled for the 13th is still on.
The ACT has announced that they will directly notify students of any test center closings and cancellations for the June test. These notifications will start to go out the week of May 26th.
The ACT has also been developing online testing, set to begin in fall 2020.
The ACT is planning to move forward with section retesting, set to start in September 2020.
ACT/SAT TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS
SAT: Current juniors (class of 2021) who want to take the SAT should plan to register for the August 29th test. This is especially important for any students who have not yet taken an official SAT. Students should also consider the September and October test dates.
ACT: Current juniors (class of 2021) already prepping for the June ACT should consider registering for the July ACT, in case the June ACT is cancelled. There may be limited testing sites in July, so students may want to sign up early. The registration deadline is June 19. The September and October ACT should also be considered.
Students should prioritize taking an official ACT/SAT over the SAT Subject Tests.
Those students who have not yet taken an official ACT/SAT should take a practice test soon, to establish a baseline score and map out a plan. Contact us for a free in-home ACT/SAT testing kit and a detailed nine-page diagnostic score report.
For students aiming to take the August SAT, it’s okay to take a break right now and plan to move forward with test prep in mid-June or early July.
For students planning to take the June and/or July ACT, it’s best to continue test prep right up until the official test date.
Check out our current Test Prep web page to learn more about our program and view current offers.