As a parent, you want the very best for your child’s future and that often means helping them get into the right college. One of the biggest steps on that journey? The SAT or ACT.
These standardized tests can significantly impact college admissions and scholarship opportunities. While they can seem overwhelming, there’s one key factor that makes a world of difference: starting early.
At Straight A Tutors, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate the SAT/ACT journey with confidence. And one thing is clear: students who begin early not only score higher, they also feel more prepared, less stressed, and more in control of their future.
Here’s what you need to know as a parent.
Why Early SAT/ACT Prep Matters
1. It Builds Stronger Results Over Time
The SAT and ACT aren’t tests your child can master overnight. They assess skills built over time: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, algebra, grammar, and more.
By starting early, your child can: strengthen weak areas gradually, learn proven test-taking strategies, and avoid cramming or last-minute panic
2. It Reduces Stress (for Everyone)
Last-minute prep is stressful for both students and parents. Early preparation spreads the workload out and creates space for consistency, not chaos.
With a clear prep plan in place, you can avoid last-minute tutoring emergencies, conflicts with schoolwork or extracurriculars, and emotional overwhelm close to the test date
3. It Leaves Room to Retake the Test
Most students improve their scores after taking the test more than once. Early prep gives your child time to take the SAT or ACT, assess their performance, and try again before application deadlines.
When Should Parents Get Involved?
Here’s a general timeline based on grade level:
- 9th–10th Grade: Focus on building strong academic foundations and encouraging reading, writing, and critical thinking.
➤ Optional: Diagnostic tests to explore SAT vs ACT fit - End of 10th / Beginning of 11th Grade:
This is an ideal time to start structured test prep.
➤ Begin practice tests, tutoring, and study routines - 11th Grade (Spring):
Aim for the first official test attempt. Early results give time to retest if needed before college deadlines. - 12th Grade (Fall):
For most students, this is the final chance to take the SAT or ACT ideally, your child is reviewing and refining, not starting from scratch.
SAT vs ACT: Which Is Right for Your Child?
Both tests are accepted by most colleges, but they differ slightly in format and focus. Your child might perform better on one than the other.
So, consider SAT for stronger emphasis on evidence-based reading, algebra, and reasoning, and ACT for faster pace, includeing a science reasoning section, and more geometry
What Effective Test Prep Looks Like
As a parent, look out for a prep plan that includes:
- An initial prep test to assess strengths and gaps
- A personalized study schedule that fits your child’s academic and extracurricular life
- Targeted content review for math, reading, grammar, and problem-solving
- Strategy coaching for time management, pacing, and dealing with tricky questions
- Progress tracking to monitor improvement and readiness
At Straight A Tutors, we offer:
- Experienced test prep tutors who understand how teens learn
- Flexible scheduling that works around your family’s calendar
- A calm, confidence-building environment that reduces anxiety
- A focus on both test scores and life-long learning skills
Starting early puts the power back in your family’s hands. No panic. No cramming. Just a well-planned path to success.
Straight A Tutors can help your child take diagnostics for both, then choose the right path.
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