When Should You Start Preparing for the SAT or ACT?
One of the more common questions we get at Franklin Yard is "When is the best time to start preparing for the SAT or ACT?" If you’re one of the many families that’s worried about falling behind, our first advice would be don’t stress. We’ve seen students make big gains starting the process early…or beginning much later. So while there isn’t a single timeline that we advise for everyone, we would recommend that you understand the pros and cons of different starting points.
What Successful Programs Have in Common
Before we delve into the preparation timelines, let's explore the common elements that most successful SAT/ACT programs have, regardless of when you start:
Baseline Assessments: Taking a practice SAT and ACT is a crucial first step. It helps identify your child's starting score and determine which test they might perform better on.
Runway Before First Test: Begin test prep 8-12 weeks before the first official test. This duration provides ample time to understand the test structure, get comfortable with the type of questions, and work on improving scores.
Multiple Attempts: Plan to have your child take the test 2-3 times. Not only does this alleviate some of the pressure associated with a "one-shot" attempt, but it also takes advantage of superscoring, a policy where colleges consider the highest section scores across all dates your child took the SAT or ACT. Moreover, data from College Board and ACT shows that students who retook the tests within a year typically improved their scores—significantly in some cases.
Now that we've covered the common elements of successful SAT/ACT programs, let's delve into the different preparation timelines.
The Early Start
The “Early Start” means beginning the prep process between the summer following sophomore year and the fall of junior year. This plan is ideal for students who already have strong foundational skills and are close to their target scores (within 200 points for the SAT or 6 points for the ACT). Starting early allows more time to get familiar with the test structure, question types, and scoring system. Plus, it can help ease stress when AP exams or finals roll around at the end of the school year. It can also mean having extra time to focus on college applications and essays —a major plus in an incredibly competitive landscape.
The Standard Start
The “Standard Start” meaning kicking off prep during the winter of junior year. This middle option works well for a large number of students. It suits those who need a bit more time to hone their skills but still wish to get a head start on preparation. Starting in the winter gives your child the winter and spring semester to practice, with the potential for taking the first official test in May or June before the summer break.
The Late Start
The “Late Start” on the other hand, describes those students that start prep in the spring of junior year or early summer. While this path may seem like it rushes the testing process, it can sometimes be a smart move for students who struggle with standardized testing, or who need to focus on improving their GPA during the school year. Interestingly, data from the College Board shows students who retake the SAT in their senior year can see an average improvement of 40 points, so late testing isn’t necessarily a bad idea, depending on your circumstances. For this plan, the first official test might be taken in August or September of senior year.
What other factors should you consider?
Beyond your child's academic readiness, think about their overall schedule and well-being. Heavy extracurricular schedules, demanding coursework, family vacations, or athletic recruiting can all impact test prep. Additionally, consider your child's personal study habits and stress tolerance. Some students thrive under pressure, while others need more time to process and learn.
It's also worth noting that the SAT and ACT are not just about academic prowess; they test a broad range of skills and topics in unique ways. Therefore, effective preparation involves understanding the test design and question presentation. This process requires consistent practice, which a longer timeline facilitates.
In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to SAT/ACT prep timing. It's a highly individual decision influenced by your child's academic readiness, their other commitments, and their personal learning style. Opt for a timeline that aligns with your child's unique needs and capacities.
We hope this post has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of SAT/ACT preparation. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and each student runs at their own pace. If you have further questions or need personalized guidance, we're here to support you and your child every step of the way. Best of luck!