When to start prepping for SAT?

Hey everyone, I'm really excited/nervous about doing well on the SAT for my future college applications and I’m wondering when the best time to start studying for the SAT would be? Is there a clear strategy or timeline I should follow?

The optimal time to start preparing for the SAT depends on a few factors like your current academic schedule, extracurricular commitments, and your comfort level with the test content. Here's a common timeline that many students find useful:

Freshman Year: Use this time to strengthen your foundational skills. The SAT is based on content from your core high school classes, and the stronger your understanding of this material, the better you'll do on the test.

Sophomore Year: Towards the end of this year, consider taking a diagnostic SAT to gauge your strengths and weaknesses. This will give you an indication of where you stand and what areas you need to focus on.

Junior Year: This is typically when the bulk of your SAT prep will happen. Aim to begin your intensive studying at least three to six months before your planned SAT test date. The good part about starting in Junior year is you've likely covered most of the key concepts in your high school classes by this time and can spend your SAT study time focused mainly on test-taking strategies and practice problems.

It's encouraged to take the SAT at least twice. While not mandatory, many students find that they perform better on their second try. The most common times to do this are in the spring of Junior Year and in the fall of Senior Year.

Lastly, consider joining SAT prep groups or seeking out online resources to help guide your prep process. Resources like Khan Academy and the Bluebook™ app can provide valuable SAT study materials.

Remember to pace yourself, avoid burnout, and devote time regularly to studying. Every little bit helps, and the earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to improve. Best of luck in your preparations!