The Early Bird Advantage: SAT/ACT Prep

Last Updated On: January 6th, 2026

The Early Bird Catches the…Highest Score? Why to Start SAT/ACT Prep Now!

You know the feeling. The calendar date that seemed a distant concern suddenly feels urgent, and you’re trying to cram every scrap of knowledge into your brain before the BIG TEST DAY!

But imagine strolling in prepared: no last-minute study/sweat sessions, no late-night grind, just confidence that you’re ready for the most crucial exam of your life.

Sound too good to be true?

The reality is that most students start SAT/ACT prep two to three months before their test. But the students with the highest scores? The ones getting early admission notices from their dream schools, or whose only struggle is deciding which of their top choices to attend? They began preparing six months to over a year in advance!

Most of us think junior spring is “early enough”, right? Hit the books a little harder over the summer and stroll into test day with ease. But the benefits of starting early and developing a strategic timeline can yield discernible results.

Remember, this isn’t about studying more. It’s about smarter preparation.

Why Cramming Doesn’t Work for Standardized Tests

The SAT and ACT don’t just quiz you on facts and content knowledge; they test reasoning and critical thinking – not skills you can cram overnight!

Consider athletes competing at the highest levels. They don’t pick up a guide the night before the World Cup to figure out how to play soccer. They spend years training, running drills, and developing their skills, muscles, and technique.

Just like athletes, you’ll stress out and burn out if you try to fit too much into a compressed timeline. Unlike studying for a history test, for which you can squeeze dates and battles into your brain, SAT/ACT prep takes time to build skills and confidence.

Oh, one last problem with waiting until the last minute? You’re further limiting your opportunities for retakes and score improvement!

Why Not to Wait: The Junior Year Crunch

While you may have seen older classmates taking the SAT/ACT their senior fall, avoid the stress! Your junior year is already the most demanding year academically. Students are:

Balancing more AP classes and advanced coursework
Taking on additional leadership roles and extracurriculars
Shouldering greater commitments and responsibilities

College research, school interviews, and travel to visit your top choices can be stimulating and exciting but further pull you away from your studies and test preparation.

Deadlines arrive quickly. By summer, all that anticipated prep time is often filled with college visits and starting your essays (already?)!

Reduce Stress, Perform at Your Best!

Perhaps you thrive on the challenge of a last-minute deadline, but spreading test prep over months reduces stress, prevents burnout, and helps you avoid last-minute cram sessions, keeping your grades and social life intact!

Still Not Convinced?

Some additional reasons to get a head start include:

Taking your first official test without any pressure
The chance to analyze results and adjust strategy
Opportunities for retakes with rest and revision in between
Maximizing your score with multiple tests

Even the best planners can be met with an unexpected curveball. Whether it’s a family event, illness or injury, or extracurricular demands, things don’t always go as anticipated. An early start allows a built-in buffer for unforeseen challenges, allowing you to adjust your timeline and stay stress-free.

Additional Benefits: Enhanced Skill Development

Beginning your SAT/ACT studies during your sophomore year also provides:

Time to identify weak spots and fix foundational gaps
Vocabulary building, which can’t be rushed (Note: flash cards can be your best friend!)
Opportunity to master advanced concepts in math
Improvement in reading speed and comprehension
Development of grammar and advanced writing skills

When to Get Started: Creating Your Ideal Timeline

You may have groaned aloud at the idea of starting test preparation as early as tenth grade, but Sophomore Year is “The Sweet Spot”:

You’ll have 12-15 months before your first official test!
You can spend the summer before junior year on intensive foundation building
You’ll have the benefits of starting PSAT prep well in advance of your peers

If that sounds impossible, or you’re already heading into your junior year, don’t fret! Fall of your Junior Year is still pretty sweet. You’ll have:

Six to nine months for preparation
A baseline test completed by winter break
A first official test in spring, with the option to retake in early summer

Ok, You’ve Convinced Me! Now What?

Now that you’re ready to get started on early test prep, how does this sound?

Not grinding from day one!
Taking a phased approach: foundations > strategies > practice > refinement
Building gradually versus cramming intensively
One or two hours a week of structured study versus ten-plus hours a week of ineffective and intense cramming

What Early Prep Actually Gives You (Beyond Peace of Mind)

Starting sooner isn’t just about feeling calmer; it creates real, measurable advantages.

More Control Over College Applications

Scores are ready in time for early decision and early action deadlines
You get to choose whether submitting scores helps your application
Strong test results can boost eligibility for merit-based scholarships
Senior fall stays focused on applications (and activities!), not test-day panic

Other Bonuses? Prep That Reinforces Schoolwork

Math review aligns naturally with Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus
Reading and writing skills support AP and honors English and History courses
Vocabulary building improves performance across all subjects, not just the SAT/ACT

How Early Prep Breaks Down (Without Taking Over Your Life)

Don’t rush! Early preparation works best when it’s phased and intentional.

First Few Months: Build the Foundation

Start with a diagnostic to pinpoint your strengths and any gaps you may have
Review core math and grammar concepts
Begin steady vocabulary development (Flashcards, flashcards, flashcards!)
Learn efficient reading and comprehension techniques

Next Phase: Develop Strategy

Practice test-specific approaches for each section
Learn pacing and time management
Recognize common question types quickly
Master process-of-elimination skills

Home Stretch! Practice & Polish

Take full-length practice exams
Analyze mistakes to prevent repeat errors
Build stamina for test day
Walk in confident because nothing feels unfamiliar

This approach doesn’t demand more time – it just uses time better!

Addressing Common Excuses, Ahem, Concerns

“I’ll Never Remember This!”

Skills don’t fade like memorized facts!
Regular and consistent practice maintains sharpness
Each test is all part of the grand plan – to avoid “one shot” stress

“C’mon, I’m Way Too Young for This Kind of Pressure!!”

Early preparation can reduce pressure by removing time constraints
Benefit from a lower stake learning environment
Have access to multiple test dates
Time to retake strategically to superscore!

“Long-Term Tutoring and Test Prep Are Too Expensive!”

Options abound! Self-study with occasional tutor check-ins, buddying up, group classes, and a phased tutoring approach don’t have to be costly
Don’t forget – Merit Scholarships can offset the cost of any tutoring session in a major way

“It’s Still Too Soon!”

Perhaps you finally figured out your locker combo and starting college prep seems like too much. But early preparation helps build maturity and a sense of responsibility, and there are age-appropriate approaches to test prep for any grade level.

Talking to an experienced LA Tutor can help home in on what your strengths and weaknesses are, what skills to build, or even, where to start!