Maximizing Your Child's Potential: A Parent's Guide to SAT/ACT Preparation

As your child enters their sophomore or junior year of high school, you may find yourself at the crossroads of an important decision: when and how to help them best prepare for the SAT or ACT. We understand that navigating this process can feel overwhelming, especially as the pendulum is beginning to swing back in the other direction as some highly selective colleges and universities are once again requiring standardized test results for admission (for an up-to-date list of all institutions that are still test-optional or test-free, click here.) In this article, we’ll explore how to decide which test to take, begin preparation for testing and build a manageable timeline, and what free resources are available to students studying independently.

Why Are SAT/ACT Scores Important?

The SAT and ACT plays a crucial role in the college admissions process because they provide a standard for comparing the academic preparedness of students from diverse educational backgrounds. Since high schools vary by curriculum, grading standards, and rigor, many will argue that the SAT and ACT offer admissions officers a reliable way to assess a student’s readiness for the demands of a college-level workload.

In addition, many institutions use SAT and ACT scores as an indicator to award merit-based scholarships. By preparing promptly and strategically, students can maximize their potential on these tests, making them more eligible for scholarships or larger financial aid packages.

First Steps: Taking an SAT/ACT Diagnostic Test

Traditionally, standardized test scores have been required when applying to selective colleges and universities. However, in response to nationwide testing interference during the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions adopted temporary test-optional admissions policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. In the wake of top universities like Dartmouth, Harvard, and Brown reinstating standardized testing requirements for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, students must once again adapt their preparation strategies to stay ahead of the curve. The first step in this process to ensure your child’s success is having them take an SAT/ACT diagnostic test.

What is an SAT/ACT Diagnostic Test?

An SAT/ACT diagnostic test is a preliminary assessment designed to accomplish four things: help students determine which standardized test they are better suited to take, help students establish a baseline score, establish the delta between a student’s baseline score and their target school score, and determine how much preparation they will need and when to take the test.

The diagnostic test includes sections similar to those found on the SAT and ACT, covering key areas such as English, Reading, Math, and Science. By taking a diagnostic test, students can identify their strengths and weaknesses in these areas and devise their preparation strategies accordingly.

When Should My Child Take the Diagnostic Test?

Students are usually prepared to take a diagnostic test once they’ve completed high school courses in Algebra II and Geometry, as they’re equipped with the problem-solving skills to perform on the Math and Science sections of the SAT or ACT. This means that we recommend that students start their preparations in the summer after they have completed Algebra II and Geometry. Since all institutions accept results from both tests, choosing to study for one or the other—rather than both—substantially streamlines the preparation process. We encourage students to begin preparation for either the SAT or ACT as early as possible, as this ensures the opportunity to engage deeply with the study materials, create a manageable schedule, and retake the test if necessary.

Understanding the Baseline Score

Once your child has completed the SAT/ACT diagnostic test, they’ll have a baseline score as the starting point for their test preparation journey. These results are critical in determining how much of a gap needs to be closed to reach the target SAT or ACT score required by the most selective college or university your child is aiming for admission to.

For example, if a student intends to apply to Georgetown—the most selective school on their list, where the average SAT score of admitted students ranges from 1390 to 1530—and their baseline score is 1290, they need to improve by at least 100 points to be a competitive applicant. Having this information early on enables families to create a tailored preparation plan to maximize their child’s potential.

Planning the Preparation Timeline

With the target score in mind, the next step is determining how much preparation time your child will need to reach their goals. This calculation depends on the gap between their baseline and target scores—typically, the larger the gap, the more hours of study and practice will be required. Once your child has their baseline score, you can use this calculator to estimate the number of preparation hours your child will need to achieve their SAT or ACT goals.

Tutoring vs. Independent Study: Weighing Your Options

After assessing a student’s baseline score and target goals, it’s time to decide whether working with a tutor or studying independently is the right option for your child. Tutors offer targeted instruction and personalized study plans that ensure consistent progress and cover challenging content areas. Regular tutoring sessions can also help keep students motivated and accountable, which is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with self-discipline or procrastination.

However, it’s important to consider that tutoring can be expensive and may not be feasible for all families. Fortunately, numerous free resources are available for students who prefer to study independently. Platforms like Khan Academy and Magoosh also provide valuable tools for developing effective study habits and maximizing scores. For motivated students, these resources can be excellent for achieving significant improvements without incurring additional costs.

Why It’s Important to Start Preparing Early

Much like a professional basketball player who spends countless hours perfecting a game-winning shot or an Olympic gymnast who rehearses their routine to execute flawlessly, students must develop the skills necessary not only to succeed on practice tests but also on the date of the actual SAT or ACT when the pressure is on. While cramming might work for a pop quiz, it’s ineffective for mastering the breadth of material covered in these exams. To truly excel on test day, students must build strong neural connections, which requires consistent study habits and ample preparation time.

To create new neural pathways, students should spread out their study hours and steadily engage with challenging topics over time. For example, packing 60 hours of study time into the week before the test will be far less effective than studying for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 6 weeks, and so on. Until these new connections are solidified, students may struggle to fully grasp concepts and apply problem-solving skills to difficult questions in a high-stakes scenario. A great way to develop consistent study habits is by using the Free SAT or ACT Questions of the Day; regularly completing just 1-2 of these questions, 6-7 days a week, can be more beneficial for score improvement than studying for an hour three days a week.

Sustained study efforts over longer periods also teach students to think differently, enabling them to tackle complex problems more effectively. For example, a strong STEM student struggling with the English section of the ACT might want to adopt a new strategy for grammar-related questions. By approaching grammar rules as though they are ‘equations’ with a logical, systematic mindset, the student may begin to recognize patterns and apply grammatical principles more accurately.

Standardized Tests and Character-Based Admissions Practices

In a character-based admissions process, SAT and ACT scores are considered alongside other factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Establishing a manageable schedule allows students to balance their schoolwork, athletics, extracurriculars, and social commitments so they can continue to pursue the things they’re passionate about. By preparing strategically and testing early, students will maximize their opportunities to demonstrate their character in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. They will have more time to take challenging classes, pursue a research project, assume leadership roles, or volunteer, all of which can help to build immersive experiences and strengthen their overall application.

Final Thoughts

Effective test preparation involves managing several moving parts: students must allocate time to learn new material, take practice tests, and periodically review past content to keep their skills sharp. Families can support this process by creating a realistic timeline that helps students balance these tasks with other academic and extracurricular commitments. It’s important to remember that while admissions committees use SAT and ACT scores to indicate potential academic success, they are just one piece of a student’s overall application. Whether studying independently or with a tutor, preparing early allows students to develop effective problem-solving strategies without compromising other responsibilities, readying them to tackle even the most challenging questions on test day. 

Are you ready to take the next step? Our team is here to support your child as they embark on their application journey. For expert guidance on standardized test preparation and more, reach out today!

If you’re ready to dive deeper into your college application, check out the guide that our college admissions experts put together to help you navigate all the criteria admissions committees look at.

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