When and How to Start Preparing For the SAT/ACT
By the time you reach high school, you're more than familiar with standardized tests and the anxieties they induce. Your college admissions test, the SAT or ACT, is one of the most critical components of your application, and likely one of the most important tests you’ll ever take. Knowing the stakes of this test can definitely make it feel daunting, but we're here to help you make the process less stressful.
But when should you actually start preparing for the SAT or ACT? And, how exactly should you do so? Today, we’ll provide you with a general test prep timeline and a few expert tips about how to tackle this teenage rite of passage.
The When
Timing is key here. If you start studying too early, you may experience some serious test burnout before you get the chance to take your first real test. You’ll also encounter the fact that you probably aren’t too familiar with some of the content because you haven't taken the corresponding classes in school (studying in 9th grade will probably have you struggling with 11th-grade math). This will likely bring on some feelings of frustration and defeat, when in reality, you just haven’t been exposed to the material (This is especially true on the math sections!). On the other hand, you don't want to start preparing too late because you’ll have an insufficient amount of time to earn the score you need for your dream school.
We strongly recommend taking the SAT or ACT for the first time in the spring of your junior year. This way, you're not overwhelmed by application deadlines or pressed for time as a senior (and you’ll have chances to take it again in throughout the rest of the spring and even summer).
In order to be ready for the test around this time, it's best that you start building some test-familiarity during the later part of your sophomore year of high school. Taking the PSAT 9/10 or Pre-ACT is a great way to see where you stand and to familiarize yourself with the testing format (conveniently, the PSAT is often administered at your high school! There are also free diagnostic SAT practice tests online which you can take at your convenience. If your school doesn’t administer the Pre-ACT, reach out and we’ll be glad to send you a practice test to help you dive into the ACT).
As for time, make sure that when you make a schedule, you have an idea of the degree of intensity you want to take on. Your baseline score from the practice test you took can give you an idea of what your study habits should look like going forward (as will your list of potential colleges). If you're interested in a more intensive routine, try to dedicate at least ten hours a week to your studying for a minimum of two months. If you want something more gradual, aim for five hours a week for at least five months.
Of course, the best way to hold yourself accountable to a smart study plan is to work with an expert test prep tutor or join a class with a demonstrated record of results. Learn more about our SAT/ACT prep programs here.
The How
Make your list of colleges. When you're compiling this list, remember to balance it with reasonable goals. Include two or more safety schools (those with an acceptance rate of 50% or above), a few target schools, and one or more reach schools (those with an acceptance rate of 25% or less).
Identify the score ranges for each of these schools. For each college on your list, research the scores of their admitted students-- specifically, make note of the scores that represent the 25th and 75th percentiles. Remember that you're aiming for the 75th percentile, but if you fall a little short, you have enough wiggle room to be confident in your score.
Set your target SAT or ACT score. Your goal should be equivalent to the highest 75th percentile score on your list of schools. For example, if your list included the University of Michigan (75th percentile is 1500), Virginia Tech (75th percentile is 1360), and New York University (75th percentile is 1490), your target score should be 1500.
Practice, practice, practice. Even before you take the SAT or ACT for the first time, make sure you take the time to brush up on general knowledge pertaining to the Reading, Math, and Writing and Language (and for the ACT, Science, too) sections. If you're not satisfied with your first score, be sure to allocate sufficient time to studying for your next test.
Finally, a great way to prepare for the SAT or ACT and receive guidance on study habits, schedules, and goals is to work with an experienced tutor. That’s what we’re here for. Our team of dedicated tutors will hold your hand through the test-prep journey, and help you follow a unique prep-regimen created just for you. Reach out to Ariel Cohen about arranging a free consultation to discuss your goals and how to get you there.