The Best Study Timeline for the ACT vs. SAT (4/15/25)
If you’re planning to take the ACT or SAT, one of the most important factors in your success is creating a realistic and effective study timeline. While both tests assess college readiness, they have different formats and strategies—and your preparation should reflect those differences. As an ACT/SAT tutor, I work with students to build individualized plans that not only improve scores but also reduce stress. Let’s walk through the ideal timeline and how to choose the right test for you.
Start With a Diagnostic Test
Before building a timeline, it’s smart to begin with a diagnostic ACT and SAT to see which test is the better fit for your skills and test-taking style. While the ACT and SAT now share many similarities, including digital formats and shorter lengths, they still differ in pacing, question style, and section content. A diagnostic test helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and where to focus your energy. During our initial phone consultation, I will also very likely be able to determine which test appears to be a better fit for the student based on their academic background, testing history, and goals.
My Recommended Study Timeline
Starting during junior year is typically what I suggest, as it allows enough time for students to take multiple tests if needed and fully maximize their superscore potential.
Once you know which test you’ll take, the next step is to plan your prep. I recommend starting test prep 2-3 months before your first official ACT or SAT. This allows us to:
Cover each section of the test thoroughly (Reading, English/Writing, Math, and Science for ACT)
Build effective time management and pacing strategies
Practice with full-length official exams under test-day conditions
Address individual challenges and improve weak spots without last-minute stress
It’s important to note that the approach I and my tutors use will not only increase students’ scores, but it will also teach them the most essential skills they will need to thrive in college and beyond: key multiple-choice testing strategies, crucial grammar and punctuation rules, fundamental math for practical applications, reading comprehension, and critical thinking/problem solving.
What Is Superscoring?
Superscoring is a policy where colleges take your highest section scores across multiple test dates to create a new, composite "super" score. For example:
If you took the ACT twice and got your best English score the first time and your best Math score the second time, some colleges will combine those two scores to give you a higher composite.
This policy gives students a big strategic advantage and encourages taking the test more than once. As of 2025, more than 60% of colleges in the U.S. accept ACT or SAT superscores, and the number is growing as schools prioritize a holistic view of student potential.
To maximize your superscore, I recommend working with me consistently throughout your entire testing timeline. My approach focuses on identifying the strongest and weakest areas for each student and building a strategy to steadily improve across multiple test sittings. While many of my students are able to wrap up their testing after just two exams, some may benefit from additional attempts depending on their goals and score targets. The key is to have a smart plan and dedicated support each step of the way.
Plan Around Key Test Dates
Both the SAT and ACT are typically offered 7 months out of the year. It’s smart to choose your first official test date based on your academic and extracurricular schedule. Ideally, your testing should happen when you have the least amount of conflict with schoolwork, sports, or AP exams.
Once you have your first test date on the calendar, count backwards 8-12 weeks and begin your prep. If your score isn’t where you want it after the first test, you’ll still have time for additional prep and retakes before application deadlines. If you are a bit later to the game than average, I will accommodate you, whether you need to start prepping the summer before senior year or fall of senior year itself.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're targeting a top-tier college or simply trying to boost your admissions odds, starting your test prep early can make all the difference. A 2-3 month study plan not only sets the stage for success but also gives you the flexibility to retest and take advantage of superscoring.
If you're ready to create your own ACT or SAT study timeline, I can help you map it out and stay on track with a personalized strategy. Reach out today to get started on your test-prep journey!
Contact me today to get started with expert ACT/SAT tutoring and take the next step toward college success!
