The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is an important part of the college admissions process. Just memorizing vocabulary words and formulas is not enough to fully prepare for the SAT. SAT preparations must help the students develop skills, such as time management, logical reasoning, and critical reading.
When a student decides to start their study preparations, the SAT can influence their future choices, like which college they go to and what they study. So, the students must have a clear idea about when and how to start preparing for the SAT.
Starting preparations too early may cause issues because students have not been taught many parts of the education materials yet, and there is a high chance that they may forget some early materials during the test period.
However, students who start too late may not be able to be adequately prepared and get their maximum score. This blog will explore the best time for a student to start studying for the SAT.
The best time to start SAT preparation is influenced by factors like a student’s academic progress, college objectives, and schedule.
Some Different Preparation Timelines Based on These Factors.
- Starting SAT preparation early, in the sophomore year
This is the best time to start prepping for the SAT for students who want to get National Merit scholarships or go to high-ranking colleges. At first, students should focus only on establishing solid reading, writing, and math foundations. Students should also consider taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a practice test to help guide their preparation process.
- Starting SAT preparations in the junior year
This is the most common preparation timeline. Many students will first attempt the SAT exam this year. They will also have time to retake the test when necessary. It is considered best to start prepping 6-9 months before the first SAT.
- Starting SAT preparation in the Senior year
For those students who are following this preparation timeline, it will be best to start reviewing materials during the summer before senior year. Time is limited, but it’s still possible for the student to prepare adequately.
Conclusion
When a student starts their SAT preparation can impact their performance and confidence during the actual test. It doesn’t matter whether a student begins SAT preparations early in sophomore year, prepares consistently through junior year, or uses the limited time available in senior year to prepare.
What matters most is timing study efforts. What matters most is timing study efforts. Through proper planning and daily practice, students can increase their SAT scores. This will help them get into their desired colleges and get scholarship opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
A student’s goals, performance in school, and schedule all influence their decision on when to start preparing for the SAT. Starting in their junior year, about six to nine months before their first SAT date, is considered the best time to start for the majority of students. This will give them time to fully prepare and even to take a practice test.
Yes, it is a good idea to start the preparations early for students who are trying to get National Merit Scholarships or get into top-ranking colleges. But they must focus on having a solid foundational understanding of maths, reading, and writing, as they have yet to cover all their required school curriculum. Also, they can take the PSAT/NMSQT as a practice test to help guide their preparation process.
No, although time is limited, it’s still possible to be adequately prepared for the test even if the student has only started the preparations in their senior year. The student would be able to be fully prepared if they start preparations during the summer vacation before their senior year. If they follow a focused and well organized study timetable, they can be fully prepared just in time for the test.
Regularly studying for six to nine months would be the best preparation timeline for most students. This would be the best for students starting their junior year. A student’s starting score, the desired score, and the schedule will all determine how much time they should spend studying to be fully prepared for the SAT.
Being able to memorize vocabulary words and formulas is not enough to get a good SAT score. To do well in the test, students should also develop skills like time management, critical reading, logical reasoning, and problem-solving.
Although it is not necessary, taking the PSAT before a student starts their SAT preparation will help them in their preparations. This would help the student get a better understanding of the SAT format as well as their strengths and weaknesses. It will help guide their preparation process.
