Preparing for the ACT or SAT

The beginning of junior year may feel like a long way until college. But just as you settle in, the emails and announcements begin: ACT registration deadlines, test prep promotions, reminders from counselors. Suddenly, it feels like everyone has a plan, and you’re just trying to figure out where to start.

For many families, preparing for the ACT or SAT can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach and a clear timeline, it doesn’t have to be. Standardized tests may not define your child’s future, but preparing well can make a real difference, both in scores and in confidence.

So when should you start thinking about the ACT or SAT? What resources are worth it—and which ones won’t break the bank? We talked to local and national experts to help answer the questions many families have but don’t always know where to begin.

When to Start Thinking About the ACT and SAT

For many students, standardized testing becomes part of the high school experience as early as sophomore year. Most take some version of the PreACT or PSAT, which offer a low-pressure introduction to timed, multiple-choice exams. These practice tests help students build familiarity with the format and often serve as a jumping-off point for deciding whether the ACT or SAT is a better fit.

“These ‘pre’ tests help us determine which exam—ACT or SAT—might be a better fit for each student,” said Ashlee Lowry, college counselor at Holland Hall.

At Holland Hall, students are exposed to the “pre” tests twice before taking the official versions. All freshmen take the PreACT in the fall, and sophomores take it again in the spring. Lowry encourages students to take their first official test in the winter of junior year. That gives them time to test again before senior year—and keeps the process from dragging on too long.

“To avoid burnout, I typically recommend focusing test prep and testing efforts within a nine-month window—from January of junior year through September of senior year—instead of stretching it out over several years,” she said.

Is Test Prep Worth the Cost

Some students can make big gains just by taking practice tests, learning the format, and getting more comfortable with timing. For others, personalized help can make all the difference.

Kate Jaffe, senior marketing manager at Wyzant, says their tutoring platform, one of the largest in the country, connects students with experts who focus on their specific needs, from pacing to algebra to reading comprehension. Jaffe said one-on-one tutoring can help with homing in on particular areas. She cited one student whose ACT score jumped from a 28 to a 33 after working specifically on math with a test prep tutor.

Wyzant is one of several reputable national programs offering test prep both online and in person. Rates at Wyzant start at $10 an hour.

Andrea Koenig, a local tutor with Tutoring Tulsa, provides support for both the ACT and SAT, specializing in English, math, critical reading and science. Her focus on strategy, time efficiency and skills is praised by many Tulsa students and parents.

Still, not every student needs a tutor. Lowry says she often sees students thrive using free resources, especially after they’ve taken a test and can target specific areas.

Free Tools

There are plenty of ways to prep that don’t cost anything beyond time. Here are a few of the best:

• ACT.org – Offers full-length practice tests, study guides and a daily practice question.
• Khan Academy – Partners with College Board to provide SAT prep personalized to the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Bluebook App – Digital SAT practice straight from the College Board
• Test prep books – The Official ACT Prep Guide and The Princeton Review books are both popular and affordable.
• Social media – “College Board posts practice questions on Instagram,” Lowry said. “I used to share them (perhaps a little too enthusiastically!) with my daughter.”

Practicing regularly—and reviewing missed questions—is one of the best ways to improve scores, regardless of the prep method.

The Bigger Picture

For all the focus on test scores, it’s important to zoom out.

“I often tell families, `It’s easy for me to suggest a testing plan, but I certainly don’t envy students—I wouldn’t want to take the ACT or SAT again!’” Lowry said. “That’s why it’s so important to equip students with tools and support to feel confident.”

She reminds parents that a student’s transcript—the classes they take, the effort they show, and the growth they demonstrate—is still the most important part of a college application.

“So, take a deep breath,” she said. “Approach testing with a mindset of no regrets. Students, you’ve got this—and the future is yours. Go after it.”

When to Take the ACT

Here’s a general timeline for families just getting started:

Freshman Year

• Take the PreACT (if offered by your school)
• Begin building strong reading, grammar and math skills

Sophomore Year

• Take the PreACT again and/or PSAT in the fall
• Try a low-stakes practice ACT or SAT at home

Junior Year

• Take your first official ACT or SAT in winter (January-March)
• Retake in late spring or summer if needed

Senior Year

• Consider one final test in early fall—especially for scholarship deadlines
• Focus on applications and submitting scores