Now that high school classes are starting to wind down, high school students across the country are looking forward to summer and three months of hanging out and doing, well, not much else. But before you get comfortable in front of your Xbox, you may want to consider using the summer to prepare for your SAT or ACT tests. It can give you a surprisingly strong advantage and won’t actually cut into your leisure time that much. Here are four more reasons why the summer is the perfect time to prepare for the SAT or ACT:
1. You have more time
You’re probably all too aware: high school students have massively full schedules. Between schoolwork, sports, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and trying to socialize, finding the time to fit in SAT prep during the school year can seem impossible. But preparing over the summer allows you to focus completely on your SAT prep while eliminating the stress of worrying about letting your other responsibilities fall through the cracks. This is especially true when it comes to taking full-length practice tests, which is one of the most important things to do to get ready for the exam. It’s daunting to fit in a four-hour practice test during the school year, but during the summer, finding that time comes much more easily.
2. Exercise for your brain
Junior and senior years are often the most challenging of a high school student’s career. Students have to adjust to harder classes and often begin their AP coursework. You don’t want to go into junior or senior year with a brain that’s rusty after three months of nothing but summer blockbusters and sunscreen applications. The same way you wouldn’t stop exercising completely in between sports seasons and then expect to be able to walk back onto your sports team and perform at the same level you used to, you shouldn’t allow your mind to be completely inactive for three months. Preparing for the SAT and ACT over the summer keeps your mind fresh and nimble.
Related: Unlocking the SAT: 3 Keys to Easily Boost Your Scores
3. No conflict in strategy
The work you do to prepare for academic classes and exams is often very different from SAT and ACT prep. High school coursework is often focused on understanding the important content of the class, whether that be trigonometric formulas or United States history. The SAT and ACT, however, require both a strong foundation of academic knowledge and reasoning and analysis abilities. Trying to prepare for the SAT and ACT while also studying for your courses can sometimes be a struggle to separate the two needed skills. By preparing for these tests over the summer when there’s no conflicting coursework, students can fully master the skills needed to perform well on exam day.
4. More tutor availability
If you want a little more support in your SAT/ACT prep and plan to work with a tutor, summer is the best time to start looking. Often, the best tutors are booked up by the time the fall or spring tests roll around. These tutors typically begin taking on new students over the summer though, so if you get started early, you are much likelier to get access to someone who can really help you maximize your efforts.
Related: 3 Benefits of Tutoring, Plus Tips to Make the Most of It
If you plan on taking the SAT or ACT at some point during your high school career, consider getting started with your test prep now during your summer break. Even if it’s just two hours a week, you will be happy to have that foundation once the school year starts again!
Have you determined your SAT or ACT test date yet? Don’t wait! Find out what works best for your schedule with our SAT & ACT Date Wheel!
