For many families, standardized testing feels like one more moving piece in an already busy high school journey. Between academics, extracurriculars, and college planning, it’s easy to feel unsure about when to start, which test to choose, and how much preparation is actually necessary. The good news: with a clear plan and the right support, testing can be a manageable—and even confidence-building—part of the process.
Here’s what every parent should know.
Start with the Right Baseline
The most effective first step isn’t choosing a test, it’s gathering data. A diagnostic exam (in both formats, if possible) provides an objective look at your student’s strengths, pacing, and testing style.
This early insight helps answer a critical question: Is your student better suited for the SAT or the ACT?
Students often naturally align with one format over the other. Identifying that fit can save time, reduce stress, and lead to stronger results.
SAT vs. ACT: What Actually Matters
While colleges accept both tests equally, the experience of taking them differs in meaningful ways.
The SAT tends to favor:
- Students who benefit from adaptive testing (questions adjust based on performance)
- Strong readers who can interpret complex passages
- Those who prefer a slightly more measured pace
- Students comfortable with multi-step math and problem-solving
Format highlights:
- Fully digital
- Two main sections: Reading/Writing and Math
- ~2 hours, 15 minutes
- Scores range from 400–1600
The ACT tends to favor:
- Students who thrive under fast-paced conditions
- Those who prefer straightforward, direct questions
- Strong test-takers who can move quickly through material
- Students who may benefit from a science reasoning section
Format highlights:
- Available in both digital and paper formats
- Sections: English, Math, Reading, plus optional Science and Essay
- ~2 hours, 15 minutes (without Science), ~2 hours 55 minutes (with Science)
- Scores range from 1–36
The Bottom Line
There’s no “better” test—only the better test for your child. I generally advise students to try both exams and see which one resonates better with them. For the ACT, I do advise kids take the optional science section, as some schools require it.
Timing Is Everything
Most students take their first official test in the spring of their junior year. This gives your child enough time to have had enough math to complete the exam successfully.
However, preparation usually begins earlier. Starting to prepare during the summer going into junior year (or early junior year) allows time to build skills without pressure, be strategic about test selection, and give space for multiple test attempts if needed. A thoughtful timeline prevents last minute stress and opens the door for score improvement.
While I don’t offer test preparation services, I have noticed that students who are disciplined and study daily tend to do better. Working with a trusted test prep person can teach strategies and content to ensure your child is confident and successful.
Testing FAQs
How Many Times Should Students Test?
In general, students take official tests 2-3 times. This allows for familiarity with the test environment, incremental improvement, and the ability to superscore (in which the colleges combine best section scores).
More is not better. Some kids are not great at taking a standardized test. Many schools still have test optional policies. The key is looking at past data sets to determine the percentage of students who submit test scores and the average 50th percentile test score.
Is the PSAT Necessary?
While not required, the PSAT can be valuable:
- It offers early exposure to SAT-style questions
- It can qualify students for National Merit recognition
- It provides useful benchmarking data
For many families, it’s a low-stakes way to begin the testing conversation.
How Should I Prepare for the SAT or ACT?
Test prep doesn’t have to mean hours of drilling. The most effective preparation focuses on:
- Strategy, not just content
- Understanding patterns and question types
- Building pacing and confidence
- Using high-quality tools and data-driven insights
Equally important is mindset and consistency. Students who feel prepared and supported tend to perform significantly better than those who approach testing with anxiety or uncertainty.
What About Younger Students?
For 9th and 10th graders, formal test prep is rarely necessary. Instead, the focus should be on:
- Strong academic habits
- Challenging coursework
- Regular reading
- Building analytical thinking skills
These foundational habits naturally translate into stronger test performance later.
My Final Thoughts
Standardized testing is just one component of a student’s college application, but it’s one that benefits greatly from planning and perspective.
With early insight, a clear strategy, and the right support, testing becomes less about pressure and more about opportunity: a chance for your student to demonstrate their strengths and open doors to future possibilities.