5 Reasons Why Summer SAT Prep Is a Good Idea

Students who are swamped during the school year can take advantage of their lighter academic workload in the summer and focus on the test-taking skills and knowledge areas needed to get a great score on the SAT . With an  August SAT  test date on the horizon, here are five good reasons for summer SAT prep (and two things to consider).

5 Reasons for Summer SAT Prep

1. You’re likely to have more time to devote to SAT test prep.

When approaching a test like the SAT, it is important to set aside a chunk of time to concentrate on test prep. Though this varies from student to student, you should plan to spend between 4 and 12 weeks preparing before your first exam, and it may be easier to get that time over the summer.

2. You can concentrate or spread out your SAT prep time.

Some students learn best when they can really focus on a subject and immerse themselves in the content. Other students absorb new skills and content more successfully when they can set aside a bit of time each week to work on the topic over a longer period. Prepping over the summer will allow you to devote time to either type of prep plan without the distractions of schoolwork.

3. You can maximize your SAT prep time.

Because of the similarities of the PSAT to the SAT, you can start using  SAT prep  strategies for that exam, which occurs in October of your sophomore year. Studying over the summer will make sure you’re prepared for that early fall test date and will serve your  ultimate  goal of earning a high score on the SAT.

4. You will ensure you have enough time to test again.

Most students should plan to take the SAT twice if not three times. By starting your SAT test prep over the summer and testing in August or early in the fall, you leave yourself the rest of junior year to test again if you don’t get the scores you were hoping for. If you wait until later in your junior year to test for the first time, you may end up needing to extend your prep throughout junior year and possibly into the fall of your senior year.

5. You might finish your SAT test prep early.

Then again, studying over the summer might get you right to the score you want before or early on in your junior year—when the material is freshest in your mind. This frees you up to spend the rest of junior year focusing on other things—like taking challenging classes and  finding your best-fit colleges . That’s what it’s all about, after all!

2 Things to Consider about Summer SAT Prep

1. You might find it harder to focus.

Summer is often filled with vacations, barbecues, graduation parties, and other distractions. With all that fun on offer, it may be hard to concentrate on SAT test prep, so if you plan to do so over the summer, make sure you will be able to tune out those potential interruptions.

2. You should leave some time for other application-building activities.

In addition to beginning test preparation over the summer, you should consider doing other things to make yourself stand out as a college applicant. Maybe you can get an internship in your field of interest, work a part-time job, or do some volunteer work. Perhaps you have summer sports or other extracurricular activities you are passionate about. Make sure your summer SAT prep plans allow for time to engage in these other important activities .

If you can manage the two considerations above, then summer SAT prep may be a great option for you.