The College Clock is Ticking - Here's How to Stay Ahead

this Fall!

Dear Parents,

As a professional SAT tutor with over 25 years of experience—and the father of three college-bound kids—I understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with the college admissions process.

Over my career I’ve worked with thousands of families, and one very important detail I recognize time and time again is that the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one often comes down to when your student begins their SAT prep journey.

If your child is entering junior year this fall, the time to plan is now. Many of their classmates have already begun their test prep this past summer, perhaps even this past year!

But don't worry - there's still time to prepare for the October PSAT and their SATs this coming semester!

Get IVYBound!

SAT Preparation Timeline for Junior Year

1. Why FALL of Junior year MATTERS

Key academic and testing decisions happen here: how did you do on your PSATs? When should you take your SATs? Will you stay in your registered AP courses?
A Strong Fall (first semester grades and test scores) leads to better confidence moving forward and better college options later on!

ACTION STEPS: Take the SAT or ACT at least once in the first semester so you know where you stand, and you have the experience of taking the test under your belt! Most students take the test(s) at least twice, so you will most likely take the test again in the spring!

2. The IDEAL FALL SAT Prep Timeline -

if you haven't already started!

August: Take a baseline SAT or diagnostic test
September – October: Begin focused SAT prep
- (group or 1-on-1)
August – December: Take first official SAT (at least one); some students can take their second/final test, depending on score
January – Spring: Finalize scores in March (SAT) or April (ACT) to avoid AP season and prepare for scholarship/early action opportunities.

ACTION STEPS: Plan ahead! Each student has different class workloads, activities, and responsibilities - plan your test prep and testing dates accordingly to maximize your time and ability to focus!

3. Common Mistakes Parents Make...

and How to Avoid Them!

Waiting until Spring - the second semester of Junior year is already stressful as it is! Trying to prepare for the SATs during AP season with Finals right around the corner is a daunting prospect!
Assuming that school-provided SAT prep is enough! - school-administered SAT and ACT prep is often a cookie-cutter method meant for the lowest scoring students. While it may help raise a score to acceptable levels, it won't help students maximize their highest scoring potential!

ACTION STEPS: Find an SAT Prep Course / Tutor early and plan to take the test in both the fall and spring with the intention of finishing your testing before the thick of second semester!

Students can prepare for the SAT with Fall 2025 Online Classes, 1on1 Tutoring Options, and Video Course options!

Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring
Diagnostic test, score analysis, and score prediction
Flexible scheduling and experienced instructors

Avoid Junior Year Panic: Your SAT Timeline Starts NOW!

Want to MASTER the SAT?

Don't fall into these common traps. Mr. Lee is here to reach your highest scoring potential on the SAT! Whether you take an IVYBound course or 1on1 tutoring, Mr. Lee is your personal SAT MASTER instructor on your SAT Journey! Let's go get that Score!

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