If your teen is planning to apply to colleges that require or recommend the SAT, you've probably wondered when they should actually start preparing for it. The timing matters, but there's no single right answer that works for every student.
Most students benefit from starting SAT prep during their sophomore or junior year, depending on their schedule, academic readiness, and target scores. Starting too early can lead to burnout, while waiting too long might not leave enough time to improve scores or retake the test if needed. At Outschool, students can find flexible SAT prep classes that fit their timeline and learning style, whether they're just beginning to think about the test or getting ready to take it soon.
Truth about SATs and homeschooled students
Let's be clear upfront: not every student needs to take the SAT. Many colleges have gone test-optional or test-free, and plenty of students choose paths that don't require standardized testing at all. If your family has decided the SAT isn't part of your plan, you can skip this entire conversation.
But if your teen is aiming for schools that require the SAT or where strong scores could help with admissions or scholarships, timing your prep makes a difference. Start too soon and your kid might forget everything before test day. Wait too long and they'll be cramming instead of actually learning.
What grade should students start thinking about the SAT?
Most students start serious SAT prep in 10th or 11th grade. That said, "thinking about" the SAT and "actively preparing" for it are two different things.
Freshman year is usually too early for focused prep. Your teen is still adjusting to high school coursework and building foundational skills they'll need for the test. Instead of drilling SAT practice, they're better off focusing on their regular classes, reading broadly, and developing their interests.
Sophomore year: Getting familiar
By sophomore year, students can start getting familiar with what's on the SAT without diving into intense prep. This might mean taking a practice test to see where they stand or learning about the test format and timing.
Some students take the PSAT 10 during sophomore year, which gives them a low-stakes way to experience a standardized test similar to the SAT. The results can help identify which areas need the most work later on.
Junior year: Prime time for prep
For most students, junior year is when SAT prep becomes a priority. Most of them have covered the math and reading skills tested on the SAT through their regular coursework, and they have enough time to prepare thoroughly before application season.
Many students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of junior year. This gives them a chance to retake it in the fall of their senior year if they want to improve their scores. Starting prep a few months before that first test date usually works well.
How long does SAT prep actually take?
This depends entirely on your student's starting point and goals. A student scoring 1200 on a practice test who wants to reach 1300 needs less prep time than someone starting at 1000 and aiming for 1400.
Most students need somewhere between 40 and 100 hours of prep to see meaningful score improvements. That sounds like a lot, but spread over a few months, it's manageable. An hour or two a few times a week adds up faster than you'd think.
Short-term versus long-term prep
Some students do well with intensive prep over 6-8 weeks right before the test. Others prefer spreading their studying over several months with less pressure each week. Neither approach is inherently better; it depends on your teen's learning style and schedule.
Long-term prep works better for students who need to build foundational skills in reading comprehension or math concepts. Short-term prep can work if your student already has strong skills and mainly needs practice with the test format and pacing.
Factors that affect when to start
Every student's situation is different. Here are some things to consider when deciding on your timeline.
Current academic standing
If your teen is already doing well in English and math classes, they might not need as much lead time. Students who struggle with reading comprehension or algebra concepts may benefit from starting earlier to build those skills gradually.
It helps to have your student take a full-length practice test before making a prep plan. The results will show you exactly where they need the most work.
College application timeline
When your teen plans to submit applications affects when they should take the SAT. Students applying early decision or early action in November of senior year need to have their testing done by fall, which means taking the SAT no later than October or November of senior year.
Regular decision applicants have more flexibility, with test dates available through December or even later for some schools. But you don't want SAT prep hanging over their head during senior year when they're trying to finish applications and keep their grades up.
Extracurricular commitments
Starting SAT prep during your teen's busiest season isn't ideal. Look at their schedule and find a window where they can commit regular time to studying without it competing with everything else.
Some families prefer summer prep because students have more free time. Others find that studying during the school year helps students stay sharp with academic content.
Learning differences and accommodations
Students with learning differences who plan to request accommodations for the SAT should start the process early. Getting approved for accommodations takes time, and you'll want everything in place well before your test date.
These students may also benefit from starting prep earlier to give themselves more time to work through material at their own pace.
Should students take the PSAT first?
The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT that's slightly shorter and easier. Most students take it in junior year, and it's the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships.
Taking the PSAT can be helpful because it gives students a sense of what the actual SAT is like. The score report identifies specific areas where they need improvement, which helps focus their prep efforts.
That said, the PSAT isn't required. Some students skip it entirely and go straight to SAT prep. If your school offers the PSAT and your teen is considering National Merit, it's worth taking. If not, it's optional.
Creating a realistic prep timeline
Once you've decided roughly when your student should start prepping, you need a plan that actually works with your life.
Breaking down the timeline
A typical prep timeline might look like this: 3-4 months before the test, start with a practice test to establish a baseline. Spend the next 2-3 months working through content review and practice problems. Use the final few weeks for full-length practice tests under timed conditions and targeted review of weak areas.
This isn't the only way to do it. Some students work better with shorter, more intense prep periods. Others need more time for skills to sink in.
Balancing prep with everything else
SAT prep shouldn't take over your teen's life. An hour or two of focused studying several times a week is usually plenty. More than that and you risk burnout or having it interfere with schoolwork and activities that matter more in the long run.
Remember that colleges care about grades, activities, and recommendations too. Don't sacrifice those for slightly higher test scores.
SAT versus ACT timing
Some students also consider taking the ACT. The tests cover similar content but have different formats. If your teen isn't sure which test to take, they can try practice tests for both and see which feels like a better fit.
The prep timeline is similar for both tests. Most students who take both exams do their prep at the same time since the content overlaps significantly.
When to retake the SAT
Many students take the SAT more than once. Colleges typically consider your highest scores, so there's little downside to retaking it if you think you can improve.
Plan for the possibility of a retake when you schedule your first test. Taking it in spring of junior year leaves room for a retake in fall of senior year. Taking it for the first time in fall of senior year doesn't leave much room for improvement if you need it.
Frequently asked questions about SAT prep timing
For homeschool families planning on taking the SATs, questions are part of that journey. Here are helpful answers to get you started!
Is 9th grade too early to start SAT prep?
For most students, yes. Ninth graders are still building foundational skills and adjusting to high school. There's no need to start formal SAT prep that early. Focus on doing well in classes and reading widely instead.
Can you start SAT prep too late?
You can start prep at any point, but starting very close to your test date limits how much improvement is possible. If you're taking the SAT in a few weeks, you can still do some practice to familiarize yourself with the format, but don't expect dramatic score increases.
How many hours per week should students spend on SAT prep?
Most students do well with 3-5 hours per week spread over several sessions. More than 10 hours a week often leads to burnout without proportional benefits. Consistency matters more than cramming.
Should students prep during the summer or the school year?
Both can work. Summer gives students more free time and less academic stress. During the school year, students are already in study mode and fresh on academic content. Choose based on what works better for your teen's schedule and learning style.
What if my student wants to take the SAT but we haven't started prep?
Don't panic. Start with a practice test to see where things stand, then create a realistic timeline based on when they plan to take the actual test. Even a few weeks of focused prep can make a difference.
Finding the right starting point for your student
There's no universal perfect time to start SAT prep. The right timing depends on your teen's academic readiness, schedule, college plans, and how they learn best.
The most important thing is creating a plan that fits your family's needs and your teen's goals. SAT prep doesn't have to be stressful or take over your lives. With the right timing and approach, students can prepare effectively while still having time for everything else that matters.
At Outschool, we offer flexible SAT prep classes that meet students where they are, whether they're just starting to think about the test or getting ready to take it next month. Our teachers help students build confidence and skills on their own timeline.
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