SAT prep in 9th grade, too early?

So, I'm currently in 9th grade and thinking about starting SAT prep. Is it too early? If not, what's the best way to start preparing? I want to make sure I have enough time to do my best!

It's never too early to start building foundational skills that will help you on the SAT. As a 9th grader, you can begin by focusing on areas such as strengthening your reading comprehension, expanding your vocabulary, and developing your math skills. Here are some suggestions on how to start preparing effectively:

1. Focus on academics: Concentrate on your core subjects in school, as this will build a strong foundation for the SAT. Developing good study habits now will benefit you when it's time to ramp up your SAT prep in later years.

2. Read consistently: Read a variety of materials, including novels, newspapers, and magazines to improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary. This will help you tackle the SAT Reading section more confidently.

3. Practice mental math: Sharpen your mental math skills to build a strong foundation for the SAT Math section. Establishing these skills early on will make SAT math problems more manageable later.

4. Familiarize yourself with the test: It might be helpful to understand the structure and format of the SAT. While you don't need to start full-fledged test prep yet, familiarizing yourself with the question types and timing can provide valuable insights.

5. Start with PSAT: You can consider taking the PSAT in your sophomore year. The PSAT serves as a helpful diagnostic tool to assess where you stand and can aid you in identifying areas that need improvement.

6. Study progressively: When you reach the end of 10th grade, you can start practicing with some SAT-specific materials. Khan Academy offers a platform with free SAT prep, including practice tests and tailored lessons. This can be a great starting point for your test preparation when you're ready to dive into SAT-specific studying.

In summary, build your foundational skills in 9th grade and focus on academics. As you progress through high school, gradually increase your SAT-specific preparation to ensure you're well-prepared by the time you're ready to take the test. Good luck!