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5 Reasons the Best Time to Prep Is Now: Why Summer Sets the Stage for Fall Testing Success
If your student is planning to take the SAT or ACT in August or September, there’s no better time to start preparing than this summer. With school out of session and schedules a little more flexible, summer offers a unique opportunity to build a testing plan that’s both focused and low-stress.
Here are five reasons why summer test prep can make all the difference—and why starting now puts your student in the best position to succeed.
1. More Time, Less Stress
During the school year, students juggle demanding coursework, extracurriculars, and social commitments. That often means test prep is squeezed into late-night cram sessions or weekend mornings already packed with activities.
Summer changes that. Without the daily pressure of school, students have the time and mental space to focus on one thing: getting better at the test. This makes it easier to learn at a steady pace, without burnout. Students can prepare in manageable blocks of time and still enjoy their summer.
It’s a win-win—less stress, better focus, and more consistent results.
2. August and September Test Dates Are Ideal
The August SAT and September ACT are among the most popular testing dates for a reason. Students are coming off summer prep, feeling rested and ready. For rising seniors, these early fall dates are often the last best chance to reach score goals before college applications are due. For rising juniors, these tests offer an early benchmark and may even open the door to wrapping up testing before spring semester gets busy.
Preparing now ensures your student walks into one of those fall test dates with a full prep cycle behind them—and no need to scramble at the last minute.
3. You Can Start with a Diagnostic Test and a Clear Plan
Too often, students jump into prep without a clear starting point. The result? They waste time on material they already know or lose motivation when progress feels unclear.
Summer gives you time to do it right. Begin with a full-length diagnostic SAT and ACT, then choose the test that’s the better fit. From there, you can build a personalized timeline that targets your student’s strengths and addresses their specific areas of growth.
With a clear plan and a well-chosen test date, every week of prep has a purpose.
4. Summer Practice Tests Build Confidence
No amount of studying can replace the value of taking a full-length, proctored practice test. It builds stamina, reinforces timing strategies, and reveals what needs more attention. And the more these are spaced out and planned in advance, the better.
During summer, students have the freedom to take these practice tests at optimal times—when they’re well-rested, not distracted, and can reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
We recommend at least two practice tests over the summer, ideally one near the beginning and another 3 to 4 weeks before the official test.
5. Early Prep Creates Options Later
Starting prep in the summer doesn’t just prepare your student for an August or September test—it creates flexibility. If they reach their score goal, testing is done. If they fall just short, they’ll still have time for another test date in the fall, without pressure.
More importantly, early test prep keeps doors open. Strong scores submitted early can influence admissions chances, unlock merit scholarships, and reduce the overall stress of senior fall.