Part 3: Answers to Readers' Questions About the SAT and ACT Readers may continue to post questions using the comments box below, or on the original post soliciting questions. Please note that Wednesday is the last day to submit a question. In this third installment of answers, the panelists respond to questions about disappointing test scores and the ideal time to take the exams. Some questions, and answers, below have been edited, including for length and style. - Tanya Abrams Disappointing Test Scores What should students do if their test scores inadequately reflect their academic potential? One reader, Chasity Royal, is a high school senior who is concerned about her chances of getting into a "good" college or university. "It scares me," she writes, "that I will not be given a chance because of a low SAT and ACT score." Any advice for students like her? - From Chasity Royal Ms. Juric: The most important thing for students and families to keep in mind is that college entrance exams represent only one part of your overall college application. SAT and ACT scores are considered in combination with other measures such as high school G.P.A. and the rigor of your course work. Standardized tests scores enable college admission officers to fairly compare applicants, which is crucial when educational standards and grading practices can vary from state to state and even school to school. Your college entrance exam scores should be thought of as a tool to help you identify the colleges and universities where you will have the strongest likelihood of success. Mr. Erickson: First of all, I'd like to reassure Chasity - and any students who have the same fears - that the ACT does not measure your potential; it is designed to measure what you have learned in school up to that point in time. In fact, your potential is unlimited, Chasity, and factors such as hard work and commitment, not test scores, will help you to realize it. You are not defined by your ACT scores, and colleges are well aware of that fact. Second, it is important for Chasity and other students to understand that test scores are not the only factor that colleges consider when making admission decisions. Admission officers typically look at other important factors as well, including the courses you've taken in high school, the grades you've earned in those courses, your class rank, your involvement in activities and the community and so on. Test scores can be important, but they are not the "be-all, end-all." Finally, in cases where a student such as Chasity believes her ACT scores are not consistent with the rest of her academic profile, she has several options: retaking the test, after more thorough academic preparation; highlighting other aspects of her academic profile (personal recommendations, course work, grades, other accomplishments); and, if the opportunity exists, meeting personally with an admission officer to demonstrate her personal qualities. Ideal Test Dates When is the best time for juniors and seniors to take the ACT and SAT? When should students retake the exam? - izaz haque Mr. Erickson: No single answer to this question is correct for all students, but, in general, we recommend that students take the ACT sooner rather than later. The ideal time for many students to take the ACT may be the spring of their junior year in high school. By then, most students have taken adequate course work to develop the skills measured by the ACT, but they still have time to address any weaknesses through summer or fall course work, retake the ACT, and meet most admission and scholarship deadlines. Students who wait until 12th grade to take the ACT don't have much time to make adjustments. During 11th grade, many students are already thinking about their college choices and majors. By testing in the spring of their junior year, students are, in essence, kicking off their college search process and taking an important step in communicating with colleges. Our research shows another benefit to taking the test in 11th grade: early test takers improve their scholarship and admissions prospects. Ultimately, each student must decide when he or she is ready to take the ACT, but we recommend not waiting too long. Ms. Juric: For the majority of students, the College Board recommends taking the SAT twice - once in the spring of junior year and again in the fall of senior year. Keep in mind that most students achieve a modest increase in performance when taking the test a second time because of greater familiarity with the test-taking process and because of the additional high school course work completed between test dates. Which specific test dates you select should be based on your personal level of academic preparedness and the application deadlines for the colleges to which you are applying. Wednesday is the last day to submit a question. If you would like to ask Ms. Juric and Mr. Erickson about standardized tests, please use the original post soliciting questions or the comments box below.