Rising juniors in the Class of 2025 may be starting to think about the SAT. If you haven’t heard, the SAT is going digital in 2024 — smack in the middle of the school year. For students, this means a mid-school year switch in the format of the SAT. So, how can students navigate this shift and plan their test prep strategically? Below, our experts lay out a few options.
Timeline 1: Begin test prep in December, and take the digital SAT in the spring
This is an excellent plan for students with a busy fall schedule or students who want to focus on schoolwork in the fall semester. And in general, spring is a great time to take the SAT, because students have a semester of learning under their belts and are set up to succeed!
- Fall 2023: Knock the beginning of the school year out of the park!
- November-December 2023: Take a digital SAT diagnostic test and begin the test prep process
- March-May 2024: Take your first digital SAT exam
Timeline 2: Start test prep now, and plan for the paper SAT
Some students may want to take their shot at the paper SAT before it changes format. This is an especially good plan for students who are home for the summer, who have the time to dedicate to test prep now, and who liked the paper format of the PSAT.
- Summer 2023: Take a paper SAT diagnostic test and begin test prep
- October, November, December 2023: Take paper SAT exams during these months — ideally, one SAT every month
- March 2023: If you haven’t yet reached your score goals, transition to the digital SAT
BONUS: Stick with the ACT
Remember that the SAT isn’t the only player out there! For some students, the ACT will be the better move. Students can start at the time that makes the most sense to them—the ACT will continue to offer its paper version this school year.
We are here to guide you through the changes in the test prep landscape this year and every year! Contact us for more information and to discuss your child’s best plan.
