A mom I spoke with recently heard at school pickup that another ninth grader had already started SAT prep. Testing had not been on her radar yet, and suddenly she wondered whether her daughter was behind.
For most ninth graders, SAT or ACT prep can wait. Most students begin somewhere between the end of sophomore year and the middle of junior year. The best place to start is with the date you would like your student to finish testing, then build the schedule backward.
For students considering selective colleges, March of junior year is a helpful target. Finishing by then leaves May open for AP exams, finals, and Regents. It also protects the summer before senior year so students can finalize their college list and work on the Common App and supplemental school essays. When testing continues into that period, students have to divide their attention among several important priorities. Academic readiness should also guide the schedule.
I begin by looking at two things:
When is the student taking Algebra 2?
How are they doing in English?
The SAT and ACT both require students to work with Algebra 2 concepts and comprehend advanced texts. A student’s coursework can tell us a great deal about when they will be ready to prepare effectively. From there, I plan for three test dates. This gives students time to become comfortable with the test, improve over multiple attempts, and benefit from superscoring, as 99% of colleges offer it.
Two Common Testing Paths
Taking Algebra 2 and Honors English during sophomore year Begin preparing during the summer before junior year, with test dates in October, December, and March.
Taking Algebra 2 and regular English during junior year Prepare for a first test in March, followed by May and June, with August available if needed. August before senior year can become crowded with college application work, so it helps to plan for that possibility early.
Course load, score goals, sports seasons, and merit-aid deadlines can all affect the timeline. You can also look at the exact test schedules for the SAT here and the ACT here. They are generally offered the same month every year.
🗓️ NYC Opportunities
Every issue, we'll point you toward specific NYC programs, deadlines, and events that help your student explore what they're actually curious about and build the kind of depth colleges are looking for. Here's what's worth your attention this week:
1. Whitney Youth Insights: YI Artists (High School)
Deadline: Friday, August 21; free
A free after-school program where NYC students explore art, meet artists, visit exhibitions, and create their own work at the Whitney. New students should apply to YI Artists; YI Leaders is only for students who have already completed a semester of YI Artists or YI Arts Careers. Why it stands out: Taking an interest outside of the classroom shows commitment and curiosity. Connecting with other students and professional artists in a world-class museum on a regular basis breeds inspiration.
Learn more and apply→
2. New York Historical: Student Historian Internship (Grades 10 to 12)
Deadline: Sunday, August 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET; free
A free, in-person internship for students who live and attend school in the NYC metro area. Students explore history, develop research and communication skills, and work with museum professionals. The program meets Wednesdays from 4:30–7:00 p.m., October 28 through June 16. Participants receive a $1,200 stipend after completing the program. Parent or guardian consent is required to apply. Why it stands out: Its an opportunity to take history outside of the textbooks and meet professionals working in an area of interest. Being able to develop research is another added benefit many colleges like to see.
Learn more and enter →
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