These suggestions will help you build a testing plan for your student that keeps stress as low as possible.
Start early
Every fall, we hear from seniors who wish they hadn't waited. They're juggling applications, homework and activities, and adding test prep feels impossible. Starting in junior year gives your student plenty of time to prepare and several test dates to choose from.
Work around your student's schedule
Parents sometimes worry that their student's plan doesn't match a classmate's. The right dates depend on your child's goals and their academic, travel and activity schedules. If your student runs cross country or stars in the December play, fall may not be the best time to test. Sit down together with your calendars, look at the available dates, and plan your preparation backward from the one that fits.
Choose the right test
Colleges accept the SAT and ACT equally, so there's no advantage to preparing for both. Choosing the right test from the start saves time, money and stress. Have your student take a full-length practice test of each:
The College Board's free practice SATs are in the Bluebook app.
Free practice ACT tests are available on ACT's website.
Then compare the results to find the better fit. We're always happy to help you interpret them.
Every student is different. Please reach out if you'd like to talk through your child's circumstances and the best plan for reaching their goal score.
