Now that school is back in session and test prep season is in full swing, it’s time for students to begin preparing for the SAT and ACT. Whether your teen is taking one or both, you’ll need to decide together when they should take the test. The following guide will help you choose the best time to schedule their session.

Choose the Time of Year

Both of the major tests offer seven dates every year. Your teen can take the SAT in August, October, November, December, March, May, or June and the ACT in September, October, November, December, February, April, June, or July. With so many options to consider, it’s important to strategize. If you can plan ahead, avoid the busiest times of the year, where your teen might not have time to practice properly.

Consider what grade your student is in. Most juniors take their standardized test of choice in the spring and receive their scores during the summer, which gives them the opportunity to take the test again the fall of their senior year if they’re not satisfied with the results.

Seniors, on the other hand, should take their preferred test as soon as possible. Most of the year needs to be dedicated to completing and polishing college applications, so getting the big test out of the way will make the process much less stressful. Check registration dates to ensure your student won’t miss any deadlines.

Make Room for Test Prep

The most critical factor in choosing a test date is having adequate time to prepare. Every student studies differently, and some will need more time than others.

While it’s never too soon to begin ACT and SAT prep, students should try to give themselves at least three months to begin practice. This will give your child time to get accustomed to a tutor, get comfortable with the formatting of the tests, and receive plenty of confidence-building practice. A tutor will help your student overcome areas they’re having difficulty with and, through a tailored one-on-one interaction, build the skills they need to improve their scores.

If your student is ready to begin practicing for the SAT or ACT, ensure they achieve the best scores possible with a tutor from Peach State Tutoring & Test Prep. With clients throughout Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, and Alpharetta, GA, this tutoring center will transform your child’s academic performance. Their academic tutoring focuses on motivation and customized teaching approaches. If you aren’t sure which standardized test your child should take, they offer a free diagnostic test to help determine whether they’ll score better on the SAT or ACT. Learn more about their test preparation services online. To connect your teen with the best tutor for their needs, call (678) 824-6890 today.