When Should Your Student Start Preparing for the SAT or ACT?
Why Timing Matters
One of the most important factors in standardized test success is when students begin preparing. Early preparation gives students the opportunity to build skills gradually, identify strengths and weaknesses, and take multiple tests if needed.
According to the College Board, students who begin test preparation before junior year tend to see higher score improvements than those who start later. Early preparation also reduces stress and increases confidence on test day.
(Source: College Board)
Similarly, ACT.org reports that students who start preparing during sophomore year are more likely to improve their scores on retakes, especially when preparation is focused on skill-building rather than last-minute cramming.
(Source: ACT Annual Report)
Recommended Timeline for SAT and ACT Prep
Sophomore Year – Start Building Foundations
Focus on strengthening reading comprehension, grammar, writing, and math skills
Take a practice SAT or ACT to understand baseline scores
Begin building familiarity with the digital SAT platform, if applicable
Junior Year – Intensive Preparation
Take the first official SAT or ACT in the spring
Identify areas for improvement based on score reports
Schedule a second test in the summer or fall, if necessary
Senior Year – Optional Fine-Tuning
Consider a final test attempt early in the year for scholarships or selective college applications
Focus on strategic review of weak areas rather than learning entirely new content
Why Starting Early Makes a Difference
1. More Time to Improve
Starting early allows students to gradually strengthen skills, making improvement more sustainable than last-minute preparation.
2. Multiple Test Opportunities
Early preparation opens the possibility for two or three test attempts, giving students more flexibility and the chance to maximize scores.
3. Reduced Test Anxiety
Familiarity with test formats, timing, and question types can make the exam less stressful, helping students perform closer to their true potential.
4. Scholarship Advantages
Many merit-based scholarships consider standardized test scores. Starting early increases the likelihood of achieving scores that meet or exceed these thresholds.
Preparing for Both SAT and ACT
Even with early preparation, many students benefit from integrated SAT and ACT prep. Both exams test similar skills in reading, writing, grammar, and math. Preparing for both simultaneously can save time, reinforce core skills, and give students flexibility in submitting scores to colleges.
At Smart Push Academic Coaching, our boot camps are designed to help students master both SAT and ACT strategies, ensuring they are prepared no matter which test they take.
How Smart Push Boot Camps Support Early Prep
Our virtual boot camps for 8th to 11th graders focus on building strong foundations for standardized testing. Each boot camp includes:
Two days of live instruction (4 hours each, 8 hours total)
Strategies for both SAT and ACT
Skills-building in reading, writing, math, and data interpretation
Guidance on creating a personalized testing timeline
Practice under realistic test conditions
Students leave our boot camps with a clear plan, stronger skills, and increased confidence.
Take Action Early
The best time to start preparing for the SAT or ACT is before junior year. Early, structured preparation gives students the opportunity to improve, retake tests if needed, and achieve scores that support college and scholarship goals.
Reserve your student’s spot today at thesmartpush.com
Set your student up for success with early, effective, and integrated preparation.