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Our team of 300+ professional test prep tutors, academic tutors, and college counselors has worked with over 50K students in the past 20 years. We're here to help support students and their families.

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Learn more about AJ Tutoring's academic tutoring centers. From kindergarten to college we’ve got you covered. We specialize in private tutoring programs (test prep and academic tutoring), college counseling services and offer for-credit high school classes. WE’RE LOCAL! Are you tired of working with online tutors? Work with a tutor face-to-face who knows the curriculum and pressures of your school.

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Contact AJ Tutoring to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our private test prep tutoring, academic tutoring, and college admissions counseling services. With over 20 years of experience, 300+ professional tutors, and having worked with more than 50,000 students, we're uniquely positioned to help you succeed.

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Personalized SAT, ACT & AP Testing Timelines

Most students follow one of three SAT or ACT timelines, depending on when they begin preparing and how many testing opportunities they plan to take.

 

Personalized SAT, ACT and AP Testing Timelines, Starting in 9th or 10th Grade

AJ Tutoring works with students and families to design a multi-year testing roadmap that accounts for each student’s academic schedule, target colleges, and AP course load. We start the planning process as early as 9th grade: Identifying the right test dates, building in prep time, and adjusting as junior year approaches. Our advisors coordinate SAT and ACT timelines alongside AP exam scheduling so students are never overloaded and always prepared.

Schedule a free consultation to start building your student’s testing timeline

 

AJ Tutoring's testing philosophy

Knowing when to start SAT, ACT, and AP prep — and how to sequence them — is one of the most important decisions a high school student can make. AJ Tutoring helps families build personalized testing timelines starting as early as 9th or 10th grade, coordinating SAT and ACT scheduling with AP exam seasons so nothing conflicts and every test date is purposeful.

At AJ Tutoring, we recommend that most students aim to complete their testing by the end of junior year. A full round of testing includes the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT, test retakes if necessary, and AP exams.

Most students follow one of three SAT or ACT timelines, depending on when they begin preparing and how many testing opportunities they plan to take.

Below are three common testing timelines.

Contact us to develop a plan

SAT & ACT prep timelines

Focused Plan

A streamlined approach that begins during junior year

Many students follow this plan, beginning test preparation once junior year starts

Fall of Junior Year

  • Begin SAT or ACT preparation
  • Take the PSAT in October

Winter or Spring of Junior Year

  • First official SAT or ACT

Late Spring or Summer

  • Second test sitting

Fall of Senior Year

  • Optional final retake before college application deadlines

This plan is efficient and works well for students who want to integrate test prep into an already busy junior year schedule

Balanced Plan

A flexible approach that begins before junior year

This plan gives students more time to prepare and creates additional flexibility for retakes

Sophomore Year

  • Take diagnostic SAT and ACT exams to identify which test may be the better fit
  • Begin targeted skill development, especially in math and reading

Summer Before Junior Year

  • Begin structured SAT or ACT preparation

Fall of Junior Year

  • First official SAT or ACT sitting
  • Take the PSAT in October

Winter or Spring of Junior Year

  • Second official SAT or ACT sitting, you can pivot to the SAT and/or ACT if needed
  • Retakes if needed

Spring of Junior Year or Summer/Fall of Senior Year

  • Optional third test if needed

Many students following this plan complete most of their testing by the end of junior year, reducing pressure during senior year

Early Completion Plan

An earlier start that allows students to finish testing sooner

Some students choose to begin preparation earlier so they can complete testing well before the busiest parts of junior year

Sophomore Year

  • Take diagnostic SAT and ACT exams
  • Begin targeted skill development

Spring of Sophomore Year

  • First official SAT or ACT

Summer Before Junior Year

  • Continued Focused preparation

Fall of Junior Year

  • Second test sitting
  • Take the PSAT in October

Winter or Spring of Junior Year

  •  Final retake if needed. You can pivot to the SAT and/or ACT

Students following this plan often complete testing earlier and can focus fully on AP exams, extracurricular activities, and college applications

Learn More About Which Plan Is Right For You
 
 

SAT and ACT timeline by grade

Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

  • Take a diagnostic SAT and/or ACT
  • Identify which test is the better fit
  • Build foundational skills (especially math + grammar)

Summer Before Junior Year (11th Grade)

  • Many students begin test preparation during this time, particularly those following a standard or accelerated timeline

Junior Year (11th Grade)

  • Most students take their first official SAT or ACT
  • Plan for a second sitting later in the year

Senior Year (12th Grade)

  • Final opportunities to test before college deadlines (especially for Early Action / Early Decision applicants)

SAT testing plan

 

When should I start SAT or ACT prep?

Most students start SAT or ACT prep between the summer before junior year and the fall of junior year.

This timing allows students to build skills gradually and plan for two or three official test sittings if needed/

Starting earlier can create additional flexibility. Students who begin preparation during sophomore year or the summer before junior year often have more time to:

  • Spread test preparation over a longer period
  • Schedule exam retakes if needed
  • Choose between the SAT and ACT
  • Avoid conflicts with AP exams and busy junior-year schedules

Other students prefer to begin prep once junior year is underway, which can also work well with a focused preparation plan.

The best timeline depends on each student’s academic schedule, testing goals, and college plans.

At AJ Tutoring, we often begin by having students take a diagnostic SAT and ACT practice exam, which helps determine the best testing strategy and timeline.

Start Your Testing Plan

How many times should students take the SAT or ACT?

Most students take the SAT or ACT two or three times.

Taking the exam more than once allows students to:

  • Become familiar with the format
  • Improve pacing and strategy
  • Reach their target score

Our goal is not to have students take as many tests as possible, but to prepare thoughtfully so students can perform their best in a small number of sittings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When should students start planning SAT or ACT prep?

Most students benefit from beginning their testing plan in 9th or 10th grade. Early planning allows time to identify the best test format, build foundational skills, take a diagnostic, and schedule prep well ahead of target test dates. AJ Tutoring helps families map this out from the start.

Is 10th grade too early for test prep?

Most students do not need formal test prep yet, but sophomore year can be a good time to take diagnostic testing.

Should students take the SAT or ACT?

Both tests are accepted equally by all colleges, and neither is inherently better than the other. Admissions offices weigh the SAT and ACT the same. Many students take a diagnostic version of each exam to determine which format suits them best.

How many times should students take the SAT or ACT?

Most students take the test two or three times. This allows them to improve scores while avoiding unnecessary testing.

Should students take the SAT or ACT first?

Either test can be taken first. A diagnostic exam can help determine which test may be the better fit.

Can students switch from the SAT to the ACT?

Yes. Some students begin with one exam and later decide that the other format suits them better.

How does Early Action or Early Decision college applications affect testing?

Students applying Early Action or Early Decision often aim to complete most testing by the end of junior year or early fall of senior year.

What if a student has many AP classes junior year?

Students with demanding academic schedules often benefit from starting preparation earlier, allowing them to complete testing before AP exams.

Should AP exams affect SAT and ACT timing?

Yes. AP exam season in May can conflict with spring SAT dates, and students taking multiple AP courses need a testing calendar that avoids overlap and burnout. AJ Tutoring’s advisors coordinate AP and SAT/ACT schedules to keep both on track.

Can AJ Tutoring help plan a multi-year testing strategy?

Yes. AJ Tutoring builds personalized testing roadmaps for students from 9th grade through senior year. We account for AP course load, target schools, and preferred test formats to create a plan that fits each student’s academic path.

Does AJ Tutoring create custom testing timelines for individual students?

Yes. Every student’s timeline is built around their specific courses, goals, and schedule — not a generic checklist. Our advisors review your student’s current standing and build a testing plan that works with their academic calendar from start to finish.

Advice from our co-founder

 
"AJ Tutoring recommends trying both the SAT and ACT junior year and then focusing on the test that is a better fit as a senior." Aaron Andrikopoulos, Co-Founder
Learn more about our test prep programs

Planning Your Test Prep Timeline

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