Many students wonder when they should start prepping for the SAT or ACT. These tests are often used in the US university admissions review process. Doing well on one of these tests can help a student earn an offer at a selective US university. However, prepping too early or too late can turn this potential application asset into a problem.
At Vela Education, we do believe that preparing to apply for admission to a selective US university is a four-year process. However, students should only begin prepping for the SAT or ACT after they have completed their GCSEs or after they have finished the US equivalent of 10th grade. The summer before year 12/L6 or US junior year, students should do a diagnostic SAT or ACT. There is no need to prep for this diagnostic test! In fact, a “cold” score can help a tutor identify what parts of the exam a student needs the most help with. Free diagnostic tests are available online. Both the SAT and ACT websites offer sample tests. Also, Prep Scholar and Kahn Academy offer great free diagnostic tests and lessons to help students prepare for these exams.
Determining how much time you need to prep is often based on your diagnostic score and your goal score. Researching SAT and ACT ranges for the schools you hope to apply to is key to developing a test-prep plan! Also, investing in a professional tutor who can provide insight into the tests as well as teach you test-taking techniques is a savvy way forward. Vela Education is proud to partner with well-trained and supportive tutors with proven track records.
Students should expect to study for 4-6 months before they take their first official exam. This means students should aim to take their first ACT the February of year 12/L6 or the SAT in March of that year. Students should plan to take the test at least twice—because most schools accept “super scores” from separate tests.
If you have any questions about when to start preparing for the SAT or ACT and how these tests are used in the holistic review process, please feel free to reach out to us. A strategic consultation is the best way to start the US university admissions process.