Looking Ahead to the SAT or ACT? Start Here This Summer
Summer should feel like a break. And for good reason—you’ve earned it. But if you’re preparing for the SAT or ACT, summer isn’t just downtime. It’s one of the most strategic times to build momentum—with fewer distractions, more flexibility, and a clear runway to get ahead.
We’ve seen students make meaningful strides during this time. Not because they studied around the clock, but because they focused on what mattered most—solidifying academic skills, practicing with purpose, and developing the rhythm and confidence that carry them through the school year.
1. You Finally Have Room to Breathe—and Focus
During the school year, test prep often ends up squeezed between late-night homework, sports practices, rehearsals, and family commitments. Even with the best intentions, it’s hard to find consistent time—and even harder to stay mentally present.
Summer changes that. With fewer daily demands, you can finally breathe. You can slow down, think clearly, and give your prep the focus it deserves. That extra space isn’t just a luxury—it’s what allows real progress to happen. When you’re not rushing, you can actually take in what you’re learning, build stronger habits, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
Take Wally, for example. By the end of 10th grade, he had a 24 on his ACT diagnostic and wasn’t sure where to begin. He started working with a tutor in the spring and continued through the summer. With consistent sessions and steady support, his score rose to a 33 by the following winter. What made the difference? Having the mental space to learn deeply and steadily.
2. You Can Build Skills, Not Just Memorize Tricks
Effective test prep isn’t built on shortcuts. It’s built on durable skills—grammar, problem-solving, reading comprehension—and knowing how to apply them under pressure. That’s why we recommend starting with academic content before layering on strategy.
The goal is to strengthen what you already know: math fundamentals, reading stamina, grammar rules, and writing clarity. Once that foundation is solid, test-taking techniques—like timing, elimination strategies, and recognizing question patterns—become far more effective.
Kristina began ACT prep in 10th grade. Her summer program focused on high-frequency grammar rules, math review, and timed reading drills—all paced around her goals and learning style. By fall, she scored a 34 on the ACT. Two months later, she superscored a 36. What gave her that edge wasn’t tricks—it was structure, clarity, and the time to build skills that stick.
3. You Have Time to Practice—and Actually Learn From It
Practice tests are essential—but here’s the thing: they only help if you actually review them. During the school year, that’s the step that often gets skipped. With everything else on your plate, it’s easy to take a test, glance at the score, and move on without understanding what went wrong—or how to fix it.
Summer gives you the chance to take full-length exams in realistic settings, then reflect on the results. Where are the patterns in your mistakes? Are your challenges about timing, question types, or missing concepts? With time to pause and revise, your mistakes become learning opportunities—and your prep becomes smarter.
Eisee had worked with another provider but couldn’t break 1400 on the SAT. Over one summer, she completed six practice exams, reviewed each one in detail with her tutor, and adjusted her pacing strategy. By the end of the season, she scored a 1550. Her biggest breakthrough wasn’t just in content—it was learning how to approach the test more effectively.
4. You’ll Feel Ready Sooner—and That Changes Everything
Confidence doesn’t come from a last-minute sprint. It comes from steady progress—those small, consistent steps that add up over time. And the truth is, it’s hard to build that kind of momentum during the school year when you’re juggling everything else.
That’s why summer is such a powerful window. Without the pressure of daily assignments and packed calendars, you can build not just skills—but a sense of assurance. When students prep early, they walk into test day with calm, confidence, and a clearer head.
Annuelle began her prep the summer before junior year. She wasn’t sure whether the SAT or ACT would be a better fit, and she struggled with pacing. Her tutor helped her explore both exams and choose the one that played to her strengths. With time to experiment, practice, and adjust, she raised her SAT score by over 300 points by spring of 11th grade.
5. You’ll Thank Yourself Later
One of the biggest advantages of summer prep? You take control of your timeline. When you finish testing early, your fall opens up for essays, applications, and other senior year priorities. You’re not behind. You’re not scrambling. You’re just ready.
If you’re thinking about test prep, the smartest first step is understanding where you stand. At Ivy Link, we recommend completing a diagnostic SAT and ACT by the end of 10th grade. This helps you figure out which test fits you best—and gives you time to plan ahead, ideally starting during the summer before junior year.
That kind of head start means less stress later—and more options when it counts.
