1. Decide whether or not to test

Although we encourage most students to take at least 1 test in order to widen their college options, it may not be necessary or even wise for your student to prep for or take a standardized test. Here are some factors to consider:

• 
  Is your student only applying to test-optional colleges? Many schools don't require exam scores, so taking tests provides no added value if their college list doesn't include testing schools.
• Does your student consistently perform poorly on the PSAT? If PSAT scores fall far below college testing averages—and previous struggles suggest limited upside—there will be better spots on the application to spotlight strengths.
• Do they have high test-taking anxiety? For students where testing anxiety typically overshadows abilities, opting out can prevent emotional distress for both students and parents.

2. Solidify or apply for accommodations early

Here's how it works for each test:

• 
  PSAT and SAT: Accommodations are typically coordinated through the school counselor via the CollegeBoard. Once they're approved, they remain in place for each subsequent test. If you have questions about securing accommodations, talk with the school counselor.
• ACT: Students must request accommodations through ACT.org registration for every specific future test they plan to take. 

Remember, your student is more likely to get approved for accommodations if they have actively utilized their accommodations throughout high school, as documented by past IEP or 504 plans. Approval for accommodations can sometimes take several months, so plan accordingly.

3. Determine which test to take

Have your teen take the PSAT during sophomore year or junior year, as it offers a roughly equivalent SAT score estimate. Taking an actual practice SAT is more accurate if your student is open to that. Then, have them take a practice ACT for comparison. (Make sure to request a practice test with extended time if your student has that accommodation.) Sometimes students consistently outperform on one exam due to the test format and their processing preference. Tip: most test prep companies, such as Applerouth, offer free practice tests, so take advantage of that.

4. Create a test prep plan matching your student's learning style

Once you determine natural strengths between the SAT or ACT, develop a customized prep schedule around mastering that single exam (prepping for both can lead to frustration). 

Consider your teen's ideal learning environment for a tutor. Self-guided online programs work for some students, but most thrive under personalized instruction tuning into their needs. Look for tutors with specialized neurodiversity training to break down concepts and develop timesaving strategies calibrated to your student's pace and learning profile. Tailor prep strategies to extended time: tutoring should use realistic timing and tools that mimic testing conditions.

5. Carefully weigh testing dates

Pick dates that account for academic and extracurricular commitments. For example, if your student runs cross-country or stars in the December play, fall might not be the ideal time to prepare and test. Sit down with your teen and your calendars and look at the available dates. Do the dates fall near finals? Will you be out of town for sports or vacation on any of the dates? 

Note: If your student is taking Algebra 2 as a junior, you'll want to wait to schedule their first test until the spring of their junior year, so they'll have already covered most of the math material presented on the test. 

6. Set a countdown

With a test selected and support lined up, schedule backward from exam dates, accounting for academic and extracurricular demands. Block consistent weekly time (typically with a test prep tutor) for reviewing content, reinforcing weaknesses, and replicating testing conditions. Beginning intensive prep about 6-8 weeks out is usually the right amount of time — any longer than that and students can wear out. 

7. Determine if another attempt makes sense

Once you receive your teen's test scores, reflect on performance, and decide if it's worth investing more time to retest.

Compare their results to the middle 50% score range at prospective colleges on their list. If their score is substantially below those midpoints, taking the exam again likely won't significantly move the needle without further skill development. But if their score lands on the cusp of 1 or more schools' mid-50% range, strategically shoring up gaps through targeted tutoring and then reattempting the test in 1-2 months may bump them over the edge toward academic competitiveness. 

As difficult as continued prep feels, comparatively small gains could be a big return on investment, such as increased merit scholarships. Just be strategic in allocating limited time and energy toward measurable progress by zeroing in on demonstrated weak points. With realistic testing goals backed by diligence and support, another attempt might pay off.