Firstly, let's think about your goals going into the SAT or the ACT.

We want to perform to the best of our ability and ideally, we want to perform well efficiently - that means studying and preparing our studying strategically.

Let's say you were to begin studying for the SAT in the summer into senior year.

During this time, you would be juggling standardized exam preparation and college essay writing simultaneously, as well as any vacations, summer camps, or summertime ECs. Not only might your college applications suffer as a result of your split efforts, but you may also find that you're feeling a bit of pressure. If you don't happen to do well in August or September, you may end up having to send scores that don't fully represent your abilities or sending scores after Regular Decision / ED deadlines.

Let's say you were to begin studying for the SAT in 11th grade.

Universities tend to place heaviest weighting on junior year grades, as it is the most mature reflection of your academic performance they have before deciding whether or not to admit you. In addition to this, an 11th grade curriculum tends to include higher level courses for students which tend to require more time and effort to excel in. Balancing this with standardized exam studies may prove to not be ideal...

Now, let's say you were to begin studying for the SAT in the summer into 11th grade.

Compared to the summer into senior year, you'd likely be juggling fewer academic responsibilities as you don't have to worry about your college essays. You wouldn't have to worry about multitasking with maintaining or improving your GPA, and you'd have plenty of time to take and retake the official exam to reflect the best of your ability.

Try to begin preparation for standardized testing early! Preparing for the exam in the summer into junior year can have many benefits. But think ahead, consider your unique academic timeline and what period of standardized exam prep works for your schedule!

Best of luck!

- Johann