For high school students aiming to attend college, preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT is a critical step. Colleges and universities use these test scores as part of the admissions process to assess a student’s readiness for college-level work. But preparing for these exams can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life.
This blog will walk you through when to start preparing for the SAT/ACT, how to approach your study plan, and some study tips and resources to help you succeed.
When to Start Preparing for the SAT/ACT
The ideal time to start preparing for the SAT or ACT varies depending on individual goals and schedules, but generally, students should start thinking about these tests during their sophomore or junior year of high school.
Sophomore Year (10th Grade) – Early Preparation
Focus: This is a good time to begin thinking about standardized tests and familiarizing yourself with the formats of the SAT and ACT. Start by reviewing sample questions and taking a practice test to see where you stand.
Goal: Light preparation and exploration. Begin to identify your strengths and areas where you need improvement.
Junior Year (11th Grade) – The Key Year for Preparation
Focus: Junior year is the most common time for students to take the SAT or ACT. Ideally, students should take the exam in the spring of their junior year, which allows time for retakes if necessary. This year should include focused and structured preparation.
Goal: Aim to take your first SAT/ACT in the spring of junior year (March to June) and leave time for potential retakes during the fall of your senior year.
Senior Year (12th Grade) – Retakes and Final Push
Focus: If your scores from junior year weren’t as high as you hoped, senior year provides one last opportunity to retake the exam. Most students take their final SAT/ACT by October or November of senior year to meet college application deadlines.
Goal: Retake the exam if needed to boost your score before submitting college applications.
Step-by-Step Guide to SAT/ACT Preparation
Now that you know when to start, let’s dive into the how. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effective SAT/ACT preparation.
Step 1: Understand the Test Format
The first step to preparing for the SAT or ACT is to understand the test structure, question types, and timing. The SAT and ACT are slightly different in format and scoring, so knowing what to expect is essential.
SAT: Consists of Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with and without a calculator), and an optional Essay. Scored on a scale of 400–1600.
ACT: Includes English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section. Scored on a scale of 1–36.
Take some time to review the breakdown of sections and practice answering sample questions to become familiar with the types of content you’ll encounter.
Step 2: Take a Practice Test
Before diving into full-on study mode, take an official practice test for the SAT or ACT. This will help you identify your baseline score and pinpoint areas where you need improvement.
SAT Practice Test: Available on Khan Academy and the College Board website.
ACT Practice Test: Available on the ACT website.
A practice test will give you a clearer picture of where you currently stand and help you set realistic goals for your final score.
Step 3: Set a Score Goal
After reviewing your practice test results, set a realistic score goal based on the colleges or universities you are applying to. Research the average SAT/ACT scores of admitted students for your target schools, and aim for a score that matches or exceeds those averages.
For example, if your dream school typically admits students with SAT scores in the 1400–1500 range, you’ll want to set a goal score within that bracket.
Step 4: Create a Study Plan
Creating a structured study plan is key to staying organized and on track. Here's how to build an effective study plan:
Start Early: Give yourself at least 2–3 months of focused preparation. The earlier you start, the less cramming you’ll need to do.
Break It Down: Divide your study schedule by sections (e.g., one week focusing on SAT Math, the next week on Reading).
Set Weekly Goals: Aim for 2–3 study sessions per week, gradually increasing as the test date approaches.
Practice Daily: Incorporate small, daily practices such as solving a few math problems or reviewing vocab words.
Pro Tip: Set aside time for full-length practice tests under timed conditions once or twice a month to track your progress.
Step 5: Use the Right Study Materials
The right resources are crucial for effective study. Here are some highly recommended study materials for the SAT and ACT:
Khan Academy (for SAT): Officially partnered with the College Board, this is a fantastic free resource for SAT practice. It offers personalized study plans based on your weaknesses from practice tests.
Website: Khan Academy SAT Prep
ACT Official Prep Guide: The official guide provides practice tests and helpful strategies to prepare for the ACT.
Website: ACT Prep Guide
The Princeton Review or Kaplan Books: Both offer comprehensive SAT and ACT prep books with practice tests, strategies, and lessons for each test section.
PrepScholar: An online platform that offers personalized SAT/ACT study plans, tutoring, and practice questions.
Website: PrepScholar
Step 6: Focus on Weak Areas
It’s easy to get caught up practicing what you’re already good at, but the best way to improve your score is to focus on your weak areas. If math is your weak point, allocate more study time to practicing math problems and reviewing concepts you find challenging. If reading comprehension trips you up, spend extra time practicing reading strategies.
Step 7: Review and Retake Practice Tests
Take another full-length practice test every few weeks to assess your progress. Compare your scores to see how much you’ve improved and adjust your study plan accordingly. If one section is still weaker than the others, adjust your focus to dedicate more time to that section.
Study Tips for Success
Here are some extra tips to make your SAT/ACT prep even more effective:
Stay Consistent: Regular, focused study sessions are more effective than cramming. Even 30 minutes a day adds up.
Simulate Test Conditions: Practice under timed conditions to get used to the pressure of the real test.
Take Breaks: Avoid burnout by taking short breaks during study sessions. Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of study, 5-minute break) to stay productive.
Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude toward the test can boost your confidence. Remember that your score can improve with practice!
Conclusion
Preparing for the SAT or ACT doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting early, understanding the test format, setting a clear score goal, and using the right resources, you can improve your chances of achieving your desired score. With a structured study plan and regular practice, you’ll feel confident and ready when test day arrives.
Start today, stay consistent, and remember—success on the SAT/ACT is within your reach!
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