How Early Should I Start Preparing for the ACT or SAT?

One great standardized test score has the ability to allow you to get into the college of your choice or prevent you from being able to enroll. Whether it is the ACT or the SAT, a poor score could be sending the hopeful student straight to junior college for two years to prove themselves. It is the way the higher learning education system is set up. Having superior high school grades is just the first step. The next is being able to score well on the ACT or the SAT.

How Early Can I Take the Test?

We recommend taking a practice ACT and practice SAT test during the summer following the student’s Sophomore year. This is a good strategy because it helps students and families learn their baseline score. Many students choose to take the ACT or SAT anywhere from 2-4 times over the course of their junior year so the earliest they can start taking the test would be in the fall of their junior year. This also depends on some additional factors that can affect students’ scores. Students that are more advanced in math have a greater advantage because they will have the background knowledge to perform better on the math section. On the contrary, students that have not taken Algebra 2, Advanced Algebra/Trig or Precalculus might be at a slight disadvantage to start in the fall because they lack knowledge about topics such as trigonometry, logarithms, probability and complex numbers. If you are serious about wanting to achieve the best score possible, perhaps you should go in with the mindset that you will be taking the ACT or SAT around 2-4 times.

When to Start Preparing for the Big Test

Just like if you were a boxer preparing for a big match, you have to train for the test. Usually it takes students anywhere from 3-6 months to fully study and be prepared to take their test. You will want to study right up until the big day since you may lose some of the knowledge you have attained if you don’t. Even taking two weeks off right before the test could prove to be disastrous. Students with a higher baseline score will need less time to prepare and students with a lower baseline score will require more time to prepare.

Finding the Right Tutor Can Be Priceless

iAchieve Learning offers a free practice test for students to take in order to learn their baseline score and to see how well they perform in a actual testing environment. Our test prep consultants will walk families through the entire process and help create a plan that will benefit the student’s goals. The right tutor will coach you through preparation for the big test. They will not only educate you on what to expect academically on the ACT or SAT, but also just making your way through the big day.

The great news is that iAchieve has the absolute best tutors around that will ensure you have the opportunity to score well. Their expert knowledge on both the SAT and ACT will prove to be indispensable to the high school student. Once you have achieved the desired score that you want, it will all be worth it in the end!

Written by: Ryan Crawley

Learn More

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New Tests, New Essays: A How-to for Writing the Updated ACT and SAT Essays

Pace Yourself: Breaking Down and Practicing Standardized Test Timing