A question I am faced with in nearly every test prep consultation is: are we too late?
When you're faced with a challenging and daunting task such as ACT or SAT test prep, timing is everything. Furthermore, when it's an important and worthwhile goal you've set out to accomplish, you want to do it correctly. I think we can all agree that it's better to be early than late but there is a way to optimize this tricky process. The key is to compartmentalize all of the components that go into applying to colleges so students don't get overwhelmed. Freshman year should be spent on developing a rigorous but practical course selection along with starting to get involved in your community. This will also extend into Sophomore year and beyond, but the second year of high school is when students should kick the tires on the test prep process.
I find the optimal time for students to start their diagnostic process is January of Sophomore year. The first step is going through the SAT/ACT diagnostic process to determine which test the student will take and the plan of action is to get them ready. Pending the results of the diagnostic tests and the goals of the student, we will get started with their test prep immediately, in the summer preceding Junior year, or right when Junior year starts. We will also take a look at which test dates make the most sense for the student; students take their first ACT or SAT when they are ready to achieve the score they desire, and we will plan around that. Once students know their plan, it's a matter of holding themselves accountable, making the most of the resources available, and following instructions.
As you can see, everyone's test prep journey can vary slightly in its timeline based on the starting position and goals. The important piece is to gain an understanding of what the road ahead will look like before the student is burdened with finals in their Sophomore year. They may not start their test prep until months later, but dedicating two weeks to determine a path while the workload is lighter can make all the difference.
When developing our individualized plans, we want our students to have all of their real tests wrapped up by the end of Junior year so they can focus on their college applications and essays starting the summer preceding their Senior year. Start the ACT or SAT test prep process too late, and you'll compound the stress that is to come. So, if you're thinking about thinking about getting started, it's probably time. But always give us a call, and we'll talk you through the steps because as you can see each student's case is unique and different.