Thinking about the SAT or ACT might feel a little overwhelming—especially when it’s still a year or two away. You’ve probably heard how important these tests can be for college admissions, scholarships, and even class placement. And with all the talk about scores and deadlines, it’s easy to feel like you should be doing something… but you’re not exactly sure what or when.
The good news? You don’t need to tackle it all at once. In fact, spreading out your prep over a few years can make the process way more manageable (and less stressful). Knowing when to start—and what to focus on at each stage—can help you stay on track without burning out.
So, let’s break it down grade by grade. Whether you’re a motivated freshman or a rising senior looking to make the most of your time, this timeline will help you figure out when—and how—to start preparing for the SAT or ACT.
9th Grade (Freshman Year): Laying the Groundwork
If you’re a freshman, there’s no need to stress about cramming SAT math formulas just yet. This year is all about settling into high school and building a solid academic routine that will help you down the road.
Here’s how you can start laying the foundation:
Strengthen your basics. Since both the SAT and ACT focus heavily on math, grammar, and reading skills, doing well in your classes now will really pay off later.
Make reading a habit. Dive into books, articles, blogs—anything that challenges your thinking and boosts your vocabulary. It’s a fun and easy way to sharpen your comprehension skills.
Practice good study habits. Staying organized, meeting deadlines, and managing your time well now will make test prep much smoother when the time comes.
Take a peek at the SAT and ACT. You don’t need to start prepping yet, but having a basic understanding of what these tests look like can help you feel more confident later.
Your goal for this year: Build strong academic habits and get comfortable with the skills that form the foundation of these tests.
10th Grade (Sophomore Year): Light Prep and Exploration
In 10th grade, things start getting a bit more real. You’re still not in full-on prep mode, but it’s a good time to dip your toes in the water.
Here’s what to focus on:
Take the PSAT or PreACT. These are great practice tests to help you see where you stand. The scores don’t go to colleges, so it’s a safe space to make mistakes and learn.
Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Based on your results, you’ll start to see which sections need more attention—math, reading, grammar, or science (for ACT).
Explore both tests. By now, you should start thinking about whether the SAT or ACT might suit you better. The ACT has a science section and faster-paced questions, while the SAT recently went digital in many areas and emphasizes evidence-based reading.
Start light prep. Maybe that means downloading a test prep app, using flashcards, or watching YouTube videos on test strategies—whatever works for you.
Main goal: Get comfortable with the idea of test prep, identify your baseline, and begin planning ahead.
11th Grade (Junior Year): Time to Get Serious
If there’s one year where test prep takes center stage, it’s this one. Junior year is when most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time—and sometimes a second time too.
What you should be doing:
Begin formal prep early. Ideally, start during the summer before junior year or at the very beginning of the school year. You’ll want at least 3–4 months of consistent study.
Choose your test and test date(s). Most students take their first SAT or ACT between October and March. Some prefer a second attempt later in the spring.
Create a prep schedule. Even just 2–4 hours per week of focused study can make a difference. Mix in practice questions, full-length tests, and review sessions.
Take official tests. Don’t wait until senior year unless you absolutely have to. Colleges often accept scores through fall of senior year, but testing earlier gives you more flexibility.
Consider superscoring. Many colleges take your best section scores from different test dates. If your dream school does this, retaking the test may help boost your composite score.
Main goal: Take the test seriously, stay consistent with prep, and aim to get your best score by the end of junior year.
12th Grade (Senior Year): Final Push (If Needed)
Ideally, you’ll have your test scores ready by now. But if life got in the way (totally normal, by the way), you still have time in early senior year.
What to focus on:
Register for fall test dates early. The SAT and ACT are usually offered through December, but some early action/early decision deadlines are in October or November.
Keep an eye on deadlines. Every college has its own cutoff for accepting test scores. Don’t assume they’ll take December scores—check their websites!
Be strategic. If you’re retaking the test, focus only on the sections you need to improve. Time is tight, so make your prep count.
Stay balanced. You’ll also be writing essays, getting recommendation letters, and submitting applications. Don’t let test prep overwhelm everything else.
Main goal: Wrap up testing while focusing on college applications.
Test-Optional Reality Check
It’s worth noting that many colleges—especially since the pandemic—have adopted test-optional policies. As of April 2025, some schools still don’t require the SAT or ACT. But “optional” doesn’t always mean “irrelevant.”
Strong scores can still help. If your test scores are solid, submitting them can strengthen your application.
Some scholarships require scores. Even test-optional schools may use them for merit aid or honors programs.
Policies vary. Always double-check the requirements of each school you’re applying to.
How Extra Support Can Boost Your Prep (and Where Princeton Review Fits In)
Let’s be real—prepping for the SAT or ACT isn’t always straightforward. At some point, you might feel stuck, unsure where to focus, or just tired of figuring it out on your own. That’s where structured programs like those offered by The Princeton Review can really help.
They offer tools that match different learning styles—like practice tests to track your growth, flexible courses you can do at your own pace, and live classes if you learn better with a teacher guiding you. You can even get one-on-one tutoring if you want something more personal.
All of this is designed to take the guesswork out of ACT test prep. It’s not about doing more, but doing things smarter—with feedback, structure, and a plan that works for you.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
The SAT and ACT are important, but they’re not the only part of your college application. Start early, pace yourself, and keep things in perspective. You don’t need to prep every day or sacrifice your mental health. A few hours a week, starting in sophomore or junior year, can go a long way.
At the end of the day, SAT preparation isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And the earlier you start making that progress, the smoother your college journey will be.