Every summer, I meet students and families who are ready to start SAT or ACT preparation. Almost every conversation begins with the same question:
"What's the smartest way to get started?" My answer is always the same: don't start by studying. Start by building a strategy.
I've seen students spend weeks preparing for the wrong test or begin studying too soon, without a realistic timeline or game plan. A little planning at the beginning can save time, reduce stress, and lead to better results.
▶ Watch the video
In this short video, I explain when and how to start thinking about SAT and ACT preparation.
Before your student opens up that prep book this summer, I encourage them to take these three important steps.
1. Start with the Right Test: SAT or ACT?
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that every student should take the SAT—or that taking both tests somehow improves one's chances of college admission. The reality is that colleges accept the SAT and ACT equally. The goal isn't to take more tests. Rather, it's to determine which test is the better fit for your student's strengths. That's why I recommend starting with a diagnostic mock test. It provides valuable information about which exam offers the best opportunity for success and creates a much clearer path forward.
The right test is the one that fits your student, not the one that fits the reputation.
2. Build Your Plan: When to Take the SAT or ACT
Once you've identified the right test, it's time to build a realistic preparation plan. I encourage families to identify two or three potential official test dates from the outset. That doesn't necessarily mean we will need to take every one of those tests—it simply creates flexibility and removes the pressure of having everything ride on a single test day.
Summer is often the best time to begin, with the ACT offering tests in June, July, and September, and the SAT in June and August. Thanks to fewer competing demands, students can prepare consistently, complete six to twelve weeks of focused study, and still have time to take a second (and/or third) official test if needed.
A plan with room in it is a plan your student can actually follow.
3. Practice with Purpose, Not Volume
One of the biggest mistakes students make is measuring preparation by the number of practice questions they complete. Effective test prep isn't about doing more questions—it's about learning from them. Every practice test should help students identify patterns, understand why they missed questions, and adjust their approach. That's how confidence grows, strategies improve, and scores increase over time.
Volume feels like progress. Review is what creates it.
Make This Summer Count
Summer doesn't have to be about spending every free hour preparing for the SAT or ACT. It's about creating a thoughtful plan that sets your student up for success before junior year becomes busy. When students choose the right test, build a realistic timeline, and practice with purpose, they begin the school year with confidence—and a clear strategy for reaching their goals.
That's why I believe the smartest way to use the summer isn't simply to start studying. It's to start with a plan.
