When should my child take the SAT or ACT?
Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in spring of junior year, leaving time for retakes in fall of senior year before college application deadlines. Some students begin with the PSAT in sophomore year to identify areas for improvement. Starting test prep earlier gives students more time to improve scores.
Understanding the Answer
Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in spring of junior year, leaving time for retakes in fall of senior year before college application deadlines. Some students begin with the PSAT in sophomore year to identify areas for improvement. Starting test prep earlier gives students more time to improve scores.
Why This Matters
This is one of the most common questions parents ask about sat/act & standardized testing. Understanding this topic helps families make informed decisions about their child's academic journey and stay ahead of potential challenges before they become problems.
Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in spring of junior year, leaving time for retakes in fall of senior year before college application deadlines. Some students begin with the PSAT in sophomore year to identify areas for improvement.
Next Steps for Parents
Taking action on this topic starts with understanding where your child currently stands academically. Tools like Solyo.ai can help parents monitor grades, track deadlines, and plan ahead — all from a single dashboard designed specifically for families.
Stay proactive rather than reactive. Setting up automated grade tracking and school email processing through Solyo.ai ensures you're always informed about your child's academic progress without the manual effort.