How Old Should a Student Be to Start Prepping for the SAT®?
June 10, 2016, 10:40 PM
One of the most important parts of getting into a good university is getting a good score on the SAT® exam. The SAT® is the most recognized standardized test that most universities use to gauge which applicants will thrive at their campus. A common question we get here at Kranse Institute is how old a student should be to start prepping for the SAT®? Some think that the earlier the better is the way to go, and others think that prepping just before the exam helps retain the most information. So which is it? Should college-bound students start as early as middle school or as late as junior year?
Start early
We suggest starting to prep for the the SAT® as early as eighth grade year. It sound early, but if a student plans on taking the SAT® several times throughout high school, eighth graders can take a relaxed and long-view approach to prepping, and can plan on taking their first SAT® sophomore year. If they struggle with the SAT® the first time they take it, and receive a low score, this indicates a student needs additional prepping and additional attempts at taking the SAT®.
Timing your prep
After taking the first SAT® sophomore year, we recommend taking the SAT® an additional two times: in the fall of junior year and spring of junior year. This is why we recommend you start early. Taking an intensive exam like the SAT® requires lots of time and dedication to studying. Ample time to study for all of the sections of the SAT®: Math, Reading and Writing, and optional essay -- in addition to taking the SAT® several times -- will give college-bound students the best chance at success. We suggest devoting 10-12 hours a week to SAT® prep.
Extended Access
Kranse Institute SAT® Prep Expert give you a full 18 months to prep for the SAT®. This means you can sign up at the beginning of high school, and still have access halfway through sophomore year, when you’ve most likely already taken your SAT® PSAT/NMSQT®. This length of access allows you to prep for taking the SAT® multiple times. Most users take the SAT® three times and use their best score with which to apply to universities.
Because the format is broken up into short, easy-to-understand lectures, using Kranse Institute SAT® Prep Expert allows you to go over any lectures as many times as you want, allowing you to optimally retain the strategies presented. Starting early with Kranse Institute allows you to be ahead of the curve when it comes to prepping for this all-important exam. Read more SAT® exam tips at Kranse Institute's blog now!
Comments
Anil k Soma on October 01 2016 at 06:11AM
My daughter scores 720 to 740 in reading everytime she takes a practice test. Could u please suggest us any courses so that she can improve and do better.
jeannine Iorio on September 29 2016 at 12:08PM
I have 13 yr old twins started 8 the grade. Anything for them now or for summer of 2017.
Darlene Lopez on September 14 2016 at 09:20AM
Love the idea of preparing early. Kids are so busy. Great to have a plan.
Tammy Nguyen on September 03 2016 at 07:05PM
I wish I have known this program when my daughter was in her freshman year, now she is in her senior year taking this program and she’s loving it, hopefully her score will be higher when she take her SAT in October.
Sherri Beccue on September 03 2016 at 06:54AM
So how do we start in 8th grade. Where do we go? Here? Do you have a course designed for kids that young?
Lauren Infante on August 07 2016 at 11:02AM
My daughter is starting Junior year in HS and i would like her to prepare for SAT but mainly in Math. Shes great in Reading and Writing. Please advise best approach.
Felix Meneses on June 28 2016 at 08:00PM
Thx! Great Tips!!
Henry Ruiz on June 22 2016 at 08:01AM
My son will be starting high school in August. He took his PSAT this year. His overall score was in the 96th percentile, 98th in math but only 88th in the reading and writing section. What do you suggest regarding when to start preparing? Still as a freshman?
Charlotte on June 21 2016 at 06:35PM
My son has an 800 M and 720 CR old SAT. If he was trying to achieve 1570-1600 on new SAT in October, what strategy would be used for someone Who is very close but needs more of a tailor-made review and does not need to review everything. Or would he be better off to continue and self study which he has done up to this point, but now the SAT has changed.
SAMANTHA MACKENS on June 21 2016 at 06:29PM
I WILL LOVE TO GET THIS FOR MY CHILD AS SOON AS I GET UP THE MONEY TO GET IT. HES NOW GOING TO THE 8 GRADE.
Monalisa Chakraborty on June 16 2016 at 11:48AM
My child is going to be freshman in this coming fall. I want her to do well in PSAT. Do you have any prep course that she can start in summer this year?