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.
A streamlined approach that begins during junior year
Many students follow this plan, beginning test preparation once junior year starts
Fall of Junior Year
Winter or Spring of Junior Year
Late Spring or Summer
Fall of Senior Year
This plan is efficient and works well for students who want to integrate test prep into an already busy junior year schedule
A flexible approach that begins before junior year
This plan gives students more time to prepare and creates additional flexibility for retakes
Sophomore Year
Summer Before Junior Year
Fall of Junior Year
Winter or Spring of Junior Year
Spring of Junior Year or Summer/Fall of Senior Year
Many students following this plan complete most of their testing by the end of junior year, reducing pressure during senior year
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
Spring of Sophomore Year
Summer Before Junior Year
Fall of Junior Year
Winter or Spring of Junior Year
Students following this plan often complete testing earlier and can focus fully on AP exams, extracurricular activities, and college applications
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:
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.
Most students take the SAT or ACT two or three times.
Taking the exam more than once allows students to:
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.
Many students begin preparation the summer before junior year, though some start earlier and others begin during junior year.
Most students do not need formal test prep yet, but sophomore year can be a good time to take diagnostic testing.
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.
Most students take the test two or three times. This allows them to improve scores while avoiding unnecessary testing.
Either test can be taken first. A diagnostic exam can help determine which test may be the better fit.
Yes. Some students begin with one exam and later decide that the other format suits them better.
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.
Students with demanding academic schedules often benefit from starting preparation earlier, allowing them to complete testing before AP exams.
Schedule a diagnostic test or consultation to get started
