This blog includes free college prep checklists to help your child stay on track each year of high school.
Colleges consider every year of high school, not just junior and senior year. That’s why it’s never too early to start preparing.
But don’t worry! We’re not saying your 9th grader needs to dive into SAT prep right now. The key is knowing what to focus on at each stage so your student can build toward a strong, well-rounded application without feeling overwhelmed.
Get Your Free College Prep Checklists
We’ve created four easy-to-follow, one-page checklists—one for each year of high school—so you’ll always know what’s important right now and what’s coming next.
From exploring interests as a freshman to polishing applications as a senior, these checklists help your teen stay on track every step of the way.
Grab your free copy HERE and set your student up for success!
College Prep FAQs
When should my child take the test?
When the pandemic hit, many colleges stopped requiring SAT and ACT scores, shifting to a test-optional policy. While some schools are still officially test-optional, the landscape is evolving. Several colleges began requiring test scores again during the 2023-2024 application cycle, and many others, even those that remain test-optional, have made it clear they prefer to see scores. Why? Because strong test results can give colleges more confidence in a student’s academic readiness.
That’s why we recommend all students prepare for and take the SAT or ACT. Submitting scores, especially solid ones, can give your teen a valuable edge in the admissions process.
With so many colleges test-optional, should my child still plan to take college entrance exams?
Research shows that most students achieve their best score in the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. We suspect it’s because they’re older, more mature, and have more curriculum under their belt.
With that in mind, taking a fall test is okay. However, you may want to consider whether your child can retake the test in late winter or spring.
If you’re not sure which dates are best for your child, we can help! Click here to schedule a free chat with one of our Educational Specialists.
How many times should my child take the SAT or ACT?
We recommend planning for at least two test dates from the start. Taking the test twice gives your teen the chance to identify any weak spots after the first attempt and focus on improving those areas before the second.
This approach also allows for “superscoring,” where many colleges consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates, giving your student the best possible composite score.
Some students even choose to take the test a third time to boost their superscore further, but starting with two well-timed test dates provides a solid foundation and reduces stress along the way.
What is the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT?
When preparing for the SAT or ACT, there are three primary approaches: self-study, group classes, and one-on-one tutoring.
- Self-study works well for highly motivated students, especially those who are already scoring near their target range. With resources like Khan Academy and official practice tests, disciplined students can make steady progress on their own.
- Group classes can be a good fit for students who consistently perform well across test sections and are seeking a structured, budget-friendly option. These classes offer general strategies but may not address individual needs as closely.
- One-on-one test prep provides personalized instruction tailored to your teen’s specific strengths and weaknesses. This is the most effective option for students who want targeted support, flexible pacing, and expert guidance.
At Educational Connections, individualized test prep is at the heart of what we do because we’ve seen it produce the strongest results. In fact, we’re so confident in our approach that we guarantee a score increase with our customized test prep plans.
Should my child take both the SAT and ACT, or should they focus on one test?
To optimize scores, we recommend that students prepare for and take either the ACT or the SAT, not both. Every college in America now accepts both tests.
We can help your child determine which test is best for them by reviewing their PSAT score report or mock test results.
At Educational Connections, we have an expert team of subject tutors, test prep tutors, and college admission coaches ready to help your child on their journey to college.
Let’s discuss all the ways your child will thrive through individualized tutoring or coaching: