If you’re like most high school parents, you might be wondering - when does my teen have to start studying for the SAT?

You might have a teen that bristles and rolls their eyes at the mere mention of the SAT or ACT. While it may not be a conversation you’re looking forward to, the sooner you know when they should start test prep timeline, the sooner you can start dropping hints to your teen that even more studying (fun!) is on the way.

Or if your student is motivated and eager to start, you want to give them proven advice to set them up for success in their college admissions journey.

Your student’s test prep timeline

Here's a breakdown of the test prep timeline based on your student's grade. 

Pre-sophomores

Sometimes parents of younger students ask me if they should get their middle schooler started on test prep. The answer is an emphatic, “No.” Two reasons: first, they likely don’t have the content knowledge to complete much of the test anyway, and two, you don’t want to wear them out with test prep too early. The test prep process is long enough - even for Juniors.

However, you can still set them up for success. Here’s how - they should be striving to master every skill they can in math class, and they should develop a voracious reading habit. (You can also teach them the word ‘voracious’ right now. GREAT word!)

Sophomores

The sophomore year is a skill and habit building year, much like for younger students. The one difference is that most sophomores take the PSAT in October of their sophomore year.

The 10th grade PSAT in October is the first real data point to measure how your student is stacking up against their peers in the competition for college admissions. You can use the sophomore PSAT score to help determine your approach for the Junior PSAT.

Juniors

This is the year that tests like the ACT and SAT actually become college entrance exams. For your student’s SAT study schedule, know that the process starts with the October PSAT. This may just be a practice for your student or might be something worth studying for. Although it could be shorter, a relaxed and doable study schedule for the PSAT would to start 4-6 weeks before the test date.

When should your student start thinking about taking their first “real” test? This primarily depends on what math they have completed. Both the SAT and ACT claim that their tests cover the content through Algebra 2, including a bit of trigonometry. So, if your student is currently in Algebra 2, they should wait until June of their Junior year to take their first test. This ensures that they have all the math content and skills they need to tackle the test.

A great way to prepare for the PSAT as a junior is to take a course that highlights basic test orientation, important test mindsets and all the major tactics for each section. My self-paced online course Digital SAT Foundations does exactly that. Check it out!

Seniors

If your student is a senior they should be especially diligent about their timeline. Work with their college counselor to be sure deadlines for applications and score submissions are crystal clear for each school. Some schools require all test score submissions by the application deadline while others allow for “score only” submissions at a later date.

Securing test dates can be tricky for seniors as well. There are only so many choices for test locations, so act early to register for your test so that you aren’t stuck driving two hours away to take a test.

If your student needs to brush up on their SAT tactics or strategies or if they need a well structured self-paced SAT course, my course Digital SAT Foundations might be a great solution.

Are you or someone you know looking for online SAT tutoring or online ACT tutor to help them prepare for an upcoming test? Before you sign up, find out how what areas your student needs to target by taking my Student Test Prep Readiness quiz.

No matter where you and your family are starting this fall in the test prep process, I hope this gives you a solid framework for thinking through the fall test prep timeline.

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