Yesterday! No, just kidding, but the best time is when you’ve finished taking Algebra 2 and Geometry. That’s why it depends on the subjects you’ve taken rather than what grades you’re in. For most students, this is generally sophomore year or early junior year. However, you’d better have your ideal score by the summer or the end of the junior year because most colleges start taking applications as early as November!
I highly recommend taking a free diagnostic exam on the Collegeboard’s Bluebook app!
See what you’re starting score is and then use Khan Accademy’s free practice to help guide you through questions. If you want something tailor-made, check out our 3-month course made by our tutors filled with unique strategies and test tips.
It’s Not Too Early
Preparing for the SAT doesn’t need to be something you just throw together at the last minute; instead, regular study sessions and dedication must be applied in order to have success on test day. Starting your preparation earlier rather than later is best, especially since reading comprehension skills require practice and training for optimal development.
Ideal SAT preparation begins between 10th and 11th grades. This gives students time to fully prepare, enabling them to achieve the scores that will help them meet their SAT goals.
Students may have other commitments that prevent them from beginning SAT preparation early; in such instances, it would be wise for them to start as late as their junior or summer after sophomore year to give themselves enough time to improve their score before college application season comes along and ensure a high SAT score can be submitted with their applications.
It’s Not Too Late
Students should begin preparing for the SAT as early in their junior year as possible, giving themselves enough time to practice and build an in-depth knowledge of its content, make retakes if necessary and reach their target score goals.
When beginning their studies too late, students can become unfamiliar with test content and may forget it by the time of their test date. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that colleges evaluate more than just an applicant’s SAT/ACT scores when making admission decisions – they take GPA, extracurricular activities and other factors into consideration as well.
Before beginning preparations for the SAT, it is important to be honest about one’s schedule and needs before creating a realistic study plan that meets them. Furthermore, students should incorporate SAT prep into their daily routine so it becomes second nature come test day.
It’s Not a Good Idea
There is much to know when studying for the SAT, and taking enough time to fully comprehend each part of its test requires dedication and diligence. Therefore, students should begin studying early enough so they have ample opportunity to practice, study and retake the exam if necessary.
Most students should begin preparing for the SAT during either their sophomore year or the summer before junior year, giving them enough time to take their first exam in October of senior year, giving plenty of opportunities if necessary to retake it multiple times.
As soon as you begin preparing for the SAT, draw up an extensive plan with all of the areas you must cover and a test date that fits with your schedule – this way you can focus on studying instead of being distracted by other activities or meeting others’ expectations of you. Be sure to set aside regular time during which to dedicate to studying; let your friends and family know not to disturb during this hour of studying!
It’s a Good Idea
When choosing the optimal time and place to begin SAT prep, it’s essential that you consider your daily schedule. If you are involved in extracurricular activities that occupy much of your time outside the classroom, studying may take longer.
Before choosing the PSAT as your test of choice for junior year, consider how many classes will have been completed by then. Although you could take the PSAT in 10th grade, for optimal results it would be beneficial to wait until sophomore year or after having taken algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry (without precalculus or calculus classes) before taking it.
Once you’ve considered these factors, create a realistic study plan which accounts for how much time each day can be dedicated to SAT prep. Use College Board official study materials as part of this routine practice session that will help improve and reach your target score on test day.
