Why Summer is the Best Time to Prep for the SAT or ACT

Early in their junior year of high school, college-bound students take the PSAT and, for the first time, start thinking seriously about college.   Conventional wisdom, frequently espoused by high school guidance departments, suggests that students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in spring of their junior year. Although well-intended, such advice may not apply to all students, many of which might be better off preparing for the test over the summer, and taking it in the fall of their junior year.

Parents, particularly those entering the college selection for the first time, need to be mindful that a majority of students should do some level of preparation to perform well on these important tests.  Further, good preparation takes dedicated time, which, for many, there is little available during the school year.  After school activities, part-time jobs, sports teams and last but not least, homework, make for long and demanding days.   Many high school students simply don’t have the time or energy to add test prep to the mix.

Summer is a different story.  Free from school year demands, students can give test preparation an almost singular focus, allowing for more time to study, take practice tests, address weak areas,  learn new vocabulary, and read, read, read…with specific strategies needed to score well on either the SAT or ACT.    Keeping their minds fresh and active all summer long can also help students enter the new school year energized and primed for the final push for good grades in the first semester.

Myth: Students aren't ready to take the SAT before the spring of their Junior year.

While some believe that college entrance examinations shouldn’t be taken before the benefits of junior year academics are realized, in reality, much of the requisite learning has already taken place:

Math- By the end of sophomore year, most students have already completed Algebra I and Geometry, both of which are at the heart of the SAT and ACT Math sections.  The SAT typically has just a few Algebra II questions while the ACT usually has two or three of trigonometry, thus minimizing the impact of new concepts learned during junior year.  Further, for many, taking the SAT or ACT while Geometry is still fresh in their minds is a good strategy.

English/Writing– Very few high schools teach grammar at the high school level.  Further, very few high school English classes revisit the mechanics of expository and persuasive writing, skills needed for the essay.

Reading skillsdevelop over time, and while most students will experience incremental reading improvements over a school year, these probably won’t be sufficient to effect score increases on the SAT or ACT.

Ultimately, parents and students should decide on the ideal test date(s) based upon when the student can devote the most time for preparation and practice.   With so much at stake (admissions and merit-based financial aid), students need to seize the time when it’s available.For many students, this time is summer.

Make SAT or ACT prep part of your high school student's summer.  

Note: This article originally appeared in the Alternative Press.