When should I begin SAT preparation?

Hey everyone. I've got what might sound like a noob's question, but here I am asking nonetheless. When's the best time for me to start studying for the SAT? I'm a junior and my folks keep telling me 'the earlier, the better,' but I'm not sure when exactly to start. What are your thoughts?

The ideal time to start preparing for the SAT can depend on a number of factors, although beginning to prepare during your sophomore or early junior year is a common recommendation. This gives you time to familiarize yourself with the exam, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and effectively prepare.

The preparation timeline can also depend on when you plan to take your first SAT. It's common to take it in the spring of junior year, so starting your prep a few months before this would be beneficial. A good rule of thumb is to start 3-6 months before your intended test date.

It's also important to remember that the SAT has been fully digital since Spring 2024 with a slightly different structure than the previous version, so make sure the materials you're studying are up to date. And don’t forget to consider your coursework and extracurricular responsibilities because balancing these with test prep will be key to managing your time effectively and avoiding burnout.

Remember the test prep journey is different for everyone, so figuring out what works best for you is crucial. It's recommended to start with a full-length practice test which will help you gauge your current performance level and areas needing improvement. Then you can build a study plan accordingly.