Timing is Everything: When to Start SAT/ACT Testing

Many families want their students to prepare for tests in the summer after 10th grade and take tests in early fall of 11th grade. This timeline can make good use of a lighter summer schedule IF the student is ready academically and emotionally, but it shouldn't be for everyone. 

The ideal time to begin preparations for the SAT/ACT depends on a student's unique academic path, schedule, maturation, and any unique considerations for the application process (e.g., athletics, arts, and more). Here are the main academic guidelines to consider:

• For students who have completed Algebra 2 by the end of 10th grade: A great time to take a first official test is in the early fall of their junior year. This timing can help them get prep and an official test (or two) under their belts before getting too deep into the demands of the academic year.
• For students taking Algebra 2 during their 11th grade year: The best first test dates are typically in March or April. Students can then aim for follow-up tests in May or June and late summer or early fall. While it's possible to start earlier, families should be aware that a tutor may need to spend more time with the student.
• If a student is ahead or behind in the standard reading/ELA curriculum, this factor should also be considered. An understanding of inferences and why authors make rhetorical decisions is important for both the SAT and ACT. 

The main takeaway is that a student should have a solid foundation in Algebra 2 before beginning formal test preparation OR allow time with the tutor to work on some of the unseen topics that are relevant to their score range!  

Yet in terms of math, “If you don’t use it, you may lose it,” so when students are advanced in math and complete Algebra 2 in 9th grade, they may actually want to consider starting test prep earlier than the summer after 10th grade. Similar to the rationale for some athletes as well as art students, starting (and finishing) test prep earlier than the summer after 10th grade can make good sense if there is a good reason behind it. 

On the flip side, the addition of the September SAT allows an additional test date for students who take Algebra 2 in 11th grade and begin testing until that spring so students should feel encouraged to take an official test only when they are prepared to do so.

Students should plan on three official tests because our research indicates that students typically will increase their composite test scores through their third official testing administration. Any preparations for the test should begin several months in advance.

And, as always, before a student fully decides on a timeline, it is highly recommended that students take a practice test for both the SAT and the ACT. This helps them:

• Establish a baseline score.
• Determine which test they are stronger in (and which they may prefer).
• Decide on an appropriate timeline. 

To help families navigate these decisions, Applerouth's Program Directors are available to answer questions and provide personalized recommendations on this important question. During this conversation we will wish to learn more about the student’s extracurricular schedules, academic background and possibly even emotional maturity.

There is no “right” answer so charting a path that makes the most sense for the unique student is what we will always recommend.