Where to start with the PSAT, SAT, and ACT

Most students find the sweet spot starts in the sophomore year or the summer before junior year. Starting early allows you to use the PSAT as a baseline and gives you enough of a runway to take the actual test at least twice if needed without the stress of senior year deadlines.

No. This is a common myth. In college admissions, the SAT and ACT are treated with equal weight. Your only goal is to choose the test that highlights your personal academic strengths.

The best way to decide is to take one full-length practice exam for each. Generally, students who prefer the digital SAT enjoy having more time per question. Students who prefer the ACT usually have fast reading speeds and don't mind the quick-fire pace of the sections.

The SAT is module-adaptive, meaning how you perform on the first module of Reading & Writing or Math determines the difficulty of the second module. The ACT is not adaptive; every student sees the same level of difficulty throughout the entire test.

Superscoring is when a college takes your highest section scores across multiple test dates to create a new, higher total score. For example, if you get a higher Math score in March and a higher Reading & Writing score in May, a school that superscores will combine those two results for your final application.

If you are close to your goal score and just need to refine your strategy, a 1-month sprint is perfect. However, if you need to learn new math concepts or significantly boost your Reading & Writing score, we recommend a 3-month study plan to avoid burnout and ensure consistency.

Yes! While the score isn't sent to colleges, it is your first real encounter with standardized tests. For juniors, it is also the only way to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to significant financial aid and prestige.