Experience Matters

Is your potential tutor committed full-time, or is this a side job? Many large test prep companies hire tutors with little to no experience, provide them with a script, and send them off after minimal training. A tutor with years of experience brings invaluable insights, tailored strategies, and refined teaching methods.

Specialization Counts

Is your tutor a dedicated SAT/ACT specialist, or do they simply tack on these tests to general math or English tutoring? Specialists in SAT and ACT preparation often achieve better results because they understand the unique demands of these tests—such as pacing, question types, and strategic approaches. Look for someone whose expertise is focused specifically on these exams.

Big vs Small Companies

While large test prep companies may seem appealing, keep in mind that a significant portion of their fee goes to the company itself, not the tutor—often only 20-30% goes to the instructor. This can lead talented tutors...

The landscape of standardized testing is shifting. The SAT has transitioned to a shorter, digital format, and the ACT will follow suit with a shorter version starting in April 2025, while still offering its current format through July 2025. So, what should the Class of 2026 do?

I recommend choosing between the SAT and the current ACT. The best way to decide is by taking practice tests for both (or using our shorter diagnostic test https://www.lockwoodtestprep.com/offers/7NFJFa3b/checkout) and comparing scores. If you score similarly on both, I suggest choosing the ACT due to the limited SAT practice materials.

The ACT’s new format will debut in April 2025 as a digital test, and by September 2025, it will replace the current version entirely (the shorter version will be available in both paper and digital formats). If you're considering retaking the ACT as a senior, aim to complete testing by July 2025 to avoid transitioning to the new version.

Why not wait for the shorter ACT?...

Juniors

When to Test?
Since both the SAT and ACT cover math primarily from Pre-Algebra through Algebra 2, it's important for students to have completed part of Algebra 2 before taking their first test. Therefore, most juniors benefit from taking their first test in December or spring (February, March, or April) of their junior year. If you’ve already completed Algebra 2, taking the test sooner is definitely better!

When to Begin Preparation?
The summer before junior year is an excellent time to start studying. Maintaining consistency in studying until you complete testing is essential, so choose your timing carefully. I recommend starting at least six weeks before your first test and continuing your studying through future tests.

How Many Times Should You Test?
Generally, most students should plan on taking the test three times. However, starting earlier is important to allow time for retakes if needed or in case something goes wrong (like illness or test center closures).

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Summer is an ideal time to invest in test preparation, as you are free from the stresses and rigors of the school year and can focus your energies into increasing your score. Here are some tips for summer prep:

1. Take two diagnostic tests

It’s important to choose the right test. I suggest taking two full length tests, using official materials (one SAT and one ACT on separate days). Compare your scores to see which test you scored better on. It’s generally better to choose one test and focus all of your attention on it rather than splitting your time between both the SAT and ACT.

2. Create a study plan

Gather materials and past official tests and source quality materials to aid in your studies. For the SAT in particular, be careful to use the official practice tests wisely, as you only have access to 6 (as of the writing of this blog post); I see a lot of students using them up too quickly, who then have no reliable way of measuring their progress. Schedule time...

We normally start our students off with a diagnostic test, so we can assess the student’s strengths and weaknesses and recommend one test over the other.  About half of the students show a propensity for one test over the other, while the other half does equally well on both the SAT and ACT.  For the majority of students, it’s best to choose a single  test, focus all of their energy into that test, and stick with that test.  

There are several benefits to focusing on a single test.  It is better to focus on a single test and become an absolute expert in it. Mastering one test alone is far easier than splitting your attention between two different exams, with different pacing, different question types, and even different topics!  It is also a lot less stressful to study for a single test.

While it can be very rewarding, studying for the SAT or ACT is intensive, exhausting, and time consuming.  Adding a second test into...