When Should You Start Preparing for the SAT?



For sure, almost every student in the world knows what the SAT is. Even though it exists within the US education system, many other countries followed the example and introduced similar exams to facilitate college admission.

Students are both challenged and encouraged by the SAT. It is standardized, which means the highest level of objectivity is applied to assess student knowledge. On the other hand, it’s quite difficult to pass since it comprises various subjects and tests student knowledge at different levels.

That’s why it’s essential to start preparing for the SAT as early as possible. Professionals providing educational and essay help by essayhub say that it should be done no less than three months before taking the test. However, the earlier, the better.

What’s the SAT?

The SAT, also known as the Scholastic Assessment Test, has existed since 1926 but has changed a lot throughout time. Today, it is seen as the most effective entrance test, which can be taken at designated centers in almost every country across the world. Students interested in applying for US undergraduate programs must take the test.

The SAT assesses student knowledge and abilities in school, covering such subjects as language, writing, reading, and math. It is a globally recognized admission test that demonstrates how well students can apply their knowledge. Even though the exam is divided into sections, reading and language skills are tested throughout the entire test. After all, you need to understand math tasks well to resolve them, don’t you?

This is standardized testing that is widely used for admission to undergraduate schools. The highest score one can earn is 1600. However, if you are between 1500 and 1600, it makes your admission to elite higher education institutions possible.

Why Does It Matter When to Start?

When you have a lot of essays to write, you know how valuable time is, regardless of your plans to write them by yourself or read NoCramming essay writing services reviews and delegate them to someone else.

When it comes to the SAT, it’s even more difficult. You cannot delegate anything to anyone. You need to plan your calendar for many months to have enough time for exam preparation.

Therefore, you must be able to assess your abilities and available time so that you have enough months to complete the necessary classes and prepare for the exam. The SAT is not something you can study overnight and pass in one day. It is a difficult and comprehensive exam that tests your abilities at different levels. You must remember this when you decide to register for it.

Yet, having too much time before the exam might not be a good idea as well. Here are the options we recommend for your consideration:

During Freshman Year

Some students may find it exciting to start preparation as early as possible. On the one hand, it looks like having a lot of time is always a good idea. On the other hand, the earlier you start, the more you forget by the time you take the test. Unfortunately, this is also counterproductive in many cases.

However, you know yourself and your skills better. Starting during freshman year can be an option. Yet, make sure it fits your schedule and individual preferences. Do not let yourself forget most of the information before your exam.

Summer Prior to Junior Year

Most students find it hard to prepare for the SAT within a few months. They need to begin preparations early, ideally in the summer before their junior year. This will give them a chance to finish and comprehend all the necessary math classes before sophomore year.

In other words, such an early start provides students with enough time to comprehend materials and prepare for the math section. It will help you feel comfortable and proceed without any rush.

At the End of Junior Year

Another great option is to start preparation as soon as your junior year ends. This is ideal for busy students who don’t have time to prepare for the exam during the year. Of course, in this case, all the necessary math classes won’t be completed in full.

Anyway, you’ll have enough time to prepare – especially if you start in early June. Even if something goes wrong and you’ll need to retake your exam, you can do that easily after August, in October of senior year.

It’s Your Decision to Make

You need to analyze all the factors and decide what works best for you. You are responsible for time planning. Some college counselors advise students to take the March exam during their junior year. However, it’s not obligatory.

Weight all your family commitments, anticipated AP exams, and other extracurricular involvement, and build a timeline that meets your needs. Ideally, you should balance your personal life with school responsibilities and preparation. In this case, you’ll know when the best time for preparation starts.