As the college admissions process becomes increasingly competitive, helping your child devise a strategy to secure strong test scores on the SAT and ACT can provide a significant advantage. High test scores enhance college applications and could even open doors to scholarships.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of strategically selecting and pairing test dates to help your child maximize their testing performance.
The Importance of Strategic Test Date Selection
Choosing the right test dates is crucial in the SAT/ACT preparation journey. We find that most students achieve their highest scores in the spring of their junior year. This is often because they’ve matured, gained more academic knowledge, and honed their test-taking skills.
Pairing Test Dates for Optimal Results
We recommend that students select either the SAT or ACT and plan for two test dates. Additionally, allow time for a possible third test, if needed. This approach allows college-bound kids to use the first test as a baseline to identify areas of improvement. After pinpointing their strengths and weaknesses, students can focus their practice efforts on these areas to achieve a higher score on their second (or third) attempt.
For the ACT, consider selecting a December and February test date or a February and April test date, for example. For the SAT, students might opt for a December and March date or a March and May date. Pairing test dates in this manner provides students ample time to prepare between tests while leaving room for additional attempts if necessary.
Personalized Test Date Planning
If you’re unsure which dates are best for your child, we offer free consultations to help you make an informed decision. During this call, we’ll review your child’s PSAT score or SAT/ACT practice scores to determine the optimal test timing. Click here to schedule your chat with our Test Prep Specialists.
Upcoming SAT Dates
| SAT Test Date | Ideal Time to Start Prep |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2024 | September 2024 |
| March 8, 2025 | December 2024 |
| May 3, 2025 | February 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | March 2025 |
Upcoming ACT Dates
| ACT Test Date | Ideal Time to Start Prep |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2024 | September 2024 |
| February 8, 2025 | November 2024 |
| April 5, 2025 | January 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | March 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | April 2025 |
Start Early and Space Out Preparation
It’s essential to start test prep well before the targeted test date. Spacing out preparation over several months is far more effective than cramming in the days leading up to the test.
We find students have the most success when beginning test prep about two to five months before their first test date, depending on the student’s individual needs. Weekly sessions with practice homework in between sessions can help build confidence and ensure thorough preparation.
Get Faster and More Focused Test Prep Support for Your Student
By carefully selecting test dates and planning a comprehensive prep strategy, you can help your child achieve the scores they need to stand out in the competitive college admissions landscape.
Our team of caring and experienced educators is here to support your child’s test prep journey. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, please schedule a free consultation today and let us help your child navigate the path to successful SAT and ACT test-taking.