Have You Planned Your Summer ACT/SAT Test Prep?

Summer ACT/SAT test prep at Marks Education
Are you ready for expert Summer ACT/SAT Test Prep?

Ah summer….beaches, barbecues, baseball…….buckling down to prep for standardized tests through summer ACT/SAT test prep? Wait what?

While preparing for the SAT or ACT may not be the first thing on high schoolers’ minds when school gets out, getting a jump on standardized test prep in the summer before 11th grade can be a wise move that allows students to focus on test prep before they are overwhelmed with the academic and extra-curricular demands of the school year.

Test prep in the summer prior to junior year isn’t for all students, but it’s a good idea for those students who are targeting an early fall test date in their junior year as well as those who feel that they need extra help in certain subject areas before taking a first test later in their junior year. The first step is to take baseline diagnostic tests for both the SAT and the ACT to determine which test is best for you.  Once you have baseline scores, a tutor will work with you to determine an appropriate test date to target as well as to develop a testing plan.

Testing Timeline Recommendations

Generally, the earliest that we recommend students take their first test is at the beginning of 11th grade – August for the SAT and September for the ACT.  The latest that students will want to take SATs or ACTs is in the fall of senior year (August, October for the SAT; September, October for the ACT).  These dates may vary depending on individual circumstances such as students being recruited for sports for example.

The following are three possible testing timelines for students and suggestions for how to use the summer before junior year.  It’s important to bear in mind that every student is on his or her own path, and a testing plan should be tailored around an individual student’s academic and extracurricular commitments.  For example, a student with a busy first-semester sports schedule may want to plan on a mid-year rather than an early preparation timeline.  Why pack ACT prep on top of a hectic football schedule? Similarly, in most cases, a student who is taking Algebra 2 in her junior year should wait until the spring of her junior year to take a first test so that she has as much math as possible under her belt.

Timeline for Early SAT or ACT Test Takers

For strong testers who have completed Algebra 2 as sophomores, taking the SAT or ACT at the very beginning of junior year with a retake shortly thereafter can potentially allow them to be done with testing before the midway point of 11th grade – a luxury that allows them to focus on their junior year classes and grades and, if they are enrolled in AP classes, to concentrate on their AP tests in the spring.  For these students, it makes sense to begin SAT/ACT preparation in the summer before 11th grade.

Prepping in July and August can be particularly effective as students have more time for homework outside of tutoring sessions than they would have during the school year.  This often allows their tutor to cover significantly more material with them per meeting. Students who want to start on test prep in the middle of the summer should take baseline tests in early summer.

Timeline for Mid-year SAT or ACT Test Takers

For many students, it is beneficial to wait until the middle of junior year to take their first test, as additional coursework in core subjects in junior year can boost their skills and allow them longer to prepare.  A student with a busy first-semester sports schedule may also want to plan on a mid-year rather than an early preparation timeline.  However, it can still be useful to get some of the heavy lifting done during the summer. That way there is a lighter load to tackle once classes start back up in the fall. SAT or ACT summer preparation gives students a head start. That way, when they pick back up on test prep in the later fall or winter, they will have a distinct advantage over those who wait until right before the test dates to begin preparing.

Timeline for Late Junior Year SAT or ACT Test Takers

For students whose 10th grade PSAT scores don’t meet grade-level benchmarks or who are worried about deficiencies in some content areas, the summer before 11th grade offers the opportunity to solidify the foundational skills that they will need for testing and general academic success later in junior year.  We often work with students on improving their math mechanics, reading skills, and knowledge of grammar rules. All the while familiarizing students with the content and format of the standardized tests to provide a strong base for later work.  Then, when students start up test prep in earnest in the middle of junior year for a spring test, they have a much stronger base from which to improve. Students on this later timeline may want to wait to take their baselines until later in their junior year. A tutor will help you decide on the best course of action.

The following chart outlines three possible timelines for testing.  Baseline tests, sophomore PSAT scores, as well as a conversation with one of our tutors will help you determine which is the appropriate timeline for you. We recommend that all students plan to take either the SAT or ACT twice and to have a third test date as a fallback option if needed. The first test will allow them to experience actual testing conditions and to discover which topics, skills, and strategies they may need to focus on. With some work in these areas between tests, students usually increase their score on the second test. In the event you would like to further improve your score, or an unforeseen circumstance, such as illness, causes you to miss a planned test date, that third test date may be necessary.

Summer is a great time for test prep!

So remember, while summer is a great time for relaxing and getting outside. But it’s also a great chance to set yourself up for success for testing by lightening the load in the busy junior year ahead. Summer ACT/SAT test prep might be just what you need to take your score to the next level. Reach out to us if you have questions about a testing timeline or taking a baseline test to start determining what’s best for you.  And, bring on the sun!

ACT Testing Timelines
(all test dates in 11th grade except those noted as 12th grade)
Early 1st test September
 2nd test October
 3rd Test December
Middle 1st TestDecember
 2nd TestFebruary
 3rd Test April
Later1st Test April
 2nd TestJune/July
 3rd TestSeptember (12th grade)
SAT Testing Timelines
(all test dates in 11th grade except those noted as 12th grade)
Early1st TestAugust
 2nd TestNovember
 3rd TestDecember
Middle1st TestNovember
 2nd TestDecember
 3rd TestMarch
Later1st TestMarch
 2nd TestMay/June
 3rd TestAugust/October (12th Grade)
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