When to start prepping for the SAT & ACT
The spring semester is when most college-bound juniors start thinking about the SAT vs ACT- and it’s usually the first time they crack open a prep book.
However, in reality, starting test prep early- even as a freshman or sophomore- can boost your chances of reaching your goal scores. Additionally, it helps take some of the pressure off during test time.
When to start test prep depends on many factors, such as your personal test goals, how your high school schedule is laid out, what colleges you’re aiming for, your academic workload, and your extracurriculars.
No two students are the same, but getting a head start- even if it’s just by taking a practice test- is always a smart move. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about when to start prepping for the SAT or ACT, including timelines and ways to make your study time as effective as possible.
How Much Time Will You Need to Study for the SAT or ACT?
Generally, the amount of time you’ll need to study for these tests will differ based on:
How you do on a practice test
How you prefer to study
What you’re aiming for
What test prep resources you have
If your initial SAT score is below 1200, or your ACT score is below 25, you’ll probably have more room to improve, so it’s a good idea to give yourself at least three months to prep. Aim for about 5-10 hours of study time every week.
Most students find that studying between one and six months is enough to see good results, but three months usually gives you plenty of time to try different study methods and get comfortable with the test.
4 Reasons to Start Your ACT and SAT Test Prep Early
So, why is it a good idea to start your SAT or ACT test prep early? Let’s find out.
1. You Can Get the Testing Out of Your Way Before Junior Year
Most students take the SAT or ACT during their junior year. By then, they'd usually covered most of the material in school.
That said, junior year is also one of the toughest in high school. Between AP classes, extracurriculars, and everything else, you might feel overwhelmed.
Hence, it’s smart to think about testing earlier, when your schedule is a bit lighter. If you’re a sophomore planning to take the ACT or SAT in the fall of your junior year, you can start prepping now.
2. Starting Early Means Better Planning
The earlier you start SAT or ACT test prep, the easier it is to make a solid plan.
When you get a head start, you can spread your study time out over months instead of cramming everything into the last few weeks before the test. It’s also easier to fit in your test prep without it clashing with your sports, clubs, or other activities.
For example, summer is a perfect time to dive into test prep. With fewer school-related distractions, you can dedicate more focused time to studying.
3. More Chances to Retake the Test (If You Need To)
It’s normal for students to take the SAT or ACT two or three times to get their best score. Many colleges will ‘super-score’ your test results- meaning they take the highest scores from each section across multiple test dates.
Planning ahead gives you plenty of chances to retake the test if needed. You won’t need to fit it all in just before college applications are due.
However, a good rule of thumb is not to take the test more than three times, since scores tend to level off after that. And remember, SAT or ACT scores aren’t the only factor in getting into college. If you’re not improving after multiple tries, you might want to consider test-optional schools.
4. It Takes Pressure Off Other College Prep Tasks
The college application process can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re juggling SAT/ACT prep with things like school visits, building a college list, and keeping up with your regular classes. Junior and senior years get even busier.
If you take your first ACT or SAT in the fall of junior year, you’re getting a lot of the intense prep out of the way early- leaving room for maybe one or two retakes. You can also focus more on other important parts of your college application, like improving your grades and finalizing your college list.
How to Prep for Your SAT and ACT Tests
While prepping for the ACT and SAT can be stressful, you can easily tackle both with the right approach.
Start by taking a full-length practice test. From there, you’ll know what areas need the most focus.
Don’t cram everything into a couple of weeks. Spread your study time out over several months, fitting in 5-10 hours a week.
Don’t just stick to one book or resource. Use a variety of materials like SAT or ACT test prep books, online quizzes, flashcards, and practice tests to keep things interesting and cover more ground.
Review the questions you got wrong. Understanding your mistakes is one of the fastest ways to improve. Focus on why you missed certain questions and practice similar problems until you get them right.
Both the SAT and ACT are timed, so practicing under timed conditions is key. Take timed sections to get used to pacing yourself and staying calm under pressure.
Before the actual test day, simulate the experience by taking a full-length practice test in one sitting.
Don’t let test prep stress you out. Keep a positive mindset and remember that you’ve got plenty of chances to do well. Stay confident, stick to your study plan, and you’ll be ready for test day!
The Bottom Line
If there’s one key takeaway from this guide, it’s this: starting early makes test prep easier, more successful, and much less stressful.
Remember, SAT and ACT test prep are just one part of your college application—while it’s important to give it your best shot, don’t let these tests define your entire high school experience. You’ve got this!
At Score at the Top, our expert-led test prep classes are built around your schedule and tailored to your needs. With personalized study plans, practice tests, and proven strategies, you’ll be ready to tackle every section with confidence.
Get in touch today and let us help you reach your dream score!
