Step 1: Choose the Right Test—SAT or ACT?

Before diving into test prep, students should determine whether the SAT or ACT is the best fit. While colleges accept both, the exams have different formats and structures. Taking a full-length, timed practice test of each is the best way to compare strengths and decide which test to focus on.

With the SAT now fully digital and adaptive, some students may find its format preferable. Others may prefer the ACT’s traditional structure—though it is also undergoing a major shift. The new digital ACT is shorter, offers an optional Science section, and allows more time per question. While the core content remains unchanged, test center availability is inconsistent, making early registration essential.

Step 2: Plan for Summer and Fall Testing

April is an ideal time to review available test dates and develop a testing timeline. Rising juniors aiming for competitive colleges should plan to take their first official SAT or ACT by the end of fall junior year, leaving time for potential retakes in the spring or early senior year. Here are key testing dates to consider:

• SAT: May 4, June 1, August 24, October 5, November 2, December 7
• ACT: April 13, June 8, July 13, September 14, October 26, December 14

Step 3: Enroll in a Strategic Test Prep Program

With test scores regaining importance, structured test prep is more valuable than ever. April is a great time to evaluate test prep options, including group courses, private tutoring, or self-guided study. The most effective programs provide:

• A structured curriculum covering all tested content
• Practice with official test materials
• Regular diagnostic tests to track progress
• Strategies for time management and test-taking confidence

Students aiming for top scores should plan to dedicate at least 12 weeks to preparation, ideally with three sessions per week.

Step 4: Secure Testing Accommodations Early

If your student requires accommodations, such as extended time or a separate testing environment, begin the process now. It can take weeks to receive approval from the College Board (SAT) and ACT, so don’t wait until registration deadlines approach. For students with learning differences, early preparation ensures they can take practice tests under their approved conditions.

More Students Are Starting Test Prep in the Summer

An increasing number of students are beginning their SAT and ACT preparation the summer before junior year. Summer offers an ideal window for uninterrupted test prep without the demands of schoolwork and extracurriculars. This trend reflects a growing understanding that early preparation can lead to stronger initial scores, reducing the need for multiple retakes later in junior or senior year.

Students who start in the summer often experience less stress during the school year, have time to refine their strategies, and gain confidence by the time they sit for their first official test. Families should consider enrolling in summer test prep programs, whether through structured courses, private tutoring, or self-paced study plans.

Define Your Test Prep Plan Before Summer

We advise all the sophomores we work with to have a clear test prep plan in place by the end of sophomore year. With the academic workload intensifying in 11th grade, students who enter the summer with a structured prep schedule are better positioned to balance their commitments.

This means deciding on the SAT or ACT, identifying key test dates, and selecting a prep method that fits their learning style. By finalizing these decisions before the first day of junior year, students can avoid last-minute scrambling and maximize their chances of achieving a competitive score early in the application process.

Stay Informed on Testing Policy Changes

College testing policies continue to shift, with some institutions reinstating requirements while others remain test-optional. Families should stay informed about updates from their student’s target colleges and work with counselors to determine the best submission strategy.