4 Reasons to Prepare for the ACT and SAT This Summer
When summer rolls around, it’s tempting to take a complete break from academics and enjoy some well-earned relaxation. You should take time to rest and recharge! But if you’re aiming for top ACT or SAT scores, summer is also the perfect time to sharpen your skills without the distractions of school. Here are four reasons why studying for the ACT and SAT in the summer will give you a real advantage in the college admissions process.
1. More Time and Less Stress
Summer gives you something that’s in short supply during the school year: time. Whether you’re heading into your junior year and want to get a head start on prep, or you’re starting your senior year and aiming to finish up testing early, summer is the ideal time to focus on the ACT and SAT without the usual school-year chaos.
With no classes, homework, or extracurriculars demanding your attention, you can commit to consistent, low-stress prep. That doesn’t mean long, exhausting study marathons. In fact, it’s best to prep in shorter sessions (45–60 minutes, two to four times a week) over a few months. This kind of steady pacing promotes better retention and helps you avoid burnout.
You’ll also have more flexibility to seek out additional resources, such as one-on-one tutoring or group prep classes, that might not fit into your schedule during a packed school term.
And here’s the best part: summer studying doesn’t mean giving up your break. A few focused study sessions each week still leave plenty of time for friends, travel, work, and relaxation. The key is consistency over intensity.
2. More Space to Learn and Improve
The extra time of summer break opens up space to slow down, reflect, and strengthen the skills that need the most attention.
The ACT and SAT are challenging for two key reasons: (1) they cover a wide range of material, and (2) they’re timed.
To do well, you need to master the material and develop strategies to manage your time effectively. That’s not something you can cram into one or two weekends.
Summer is the perfect time to take a step back and approach prep thoughtfully. You can slow down, revisit tricky topics, and engage with materials more deeply. Want to finally conquer algebra or sharpen your reading comprehension? Summer gives you the breathing room to make real progress.
To build your test-taking skills, you need to take multiple, timed full-length practice tests. Practicing under realistic time constraints helps you build stamina and fine-tune strategies like process of elimination, working backward, and pacing yourself. But to get the most out of each test, you need space to reflect and study.
3. More Opportunities to Test
On average, students take the ACT and SAT two to three times before reaching their testing goals. When you’re ready earlier, you can test earlier, giving yourself more test dates to choose from, more chances to improve, and less pressure as application deadlines approach.
Instead of scrambling to fit testing in at the last minute, you can plan ahead and take the test on your terms. And it’s far less stressful to walk into the test knowing that you still have time to retake it if needed.
Summer prep also puts you in a strong position to review your fall score reports and focus on targeted improvements between test dates. With a solid foundation already in place, you’ll be better equipped to make meaningful gains with each attempt.
4. More Time to Craft Strong Applications
Test scores are just one part of a strong college application. The other elements also require time and focus.
By finishing your testing early, you free up valuable time in the fall to work on the other critical components, such as writing thoughtful essays, refining your resume, and securing strong letters of recommendation.
College applications require reflection, planning, and revision. They aren’t something you want to rush while also juggling school and last-minute test prep. When you’re not splitting your energy between testing and applications, you can give each part the attention it deserves.
Summer prep sets you up to begin the school year with one major piece already handled. That breathing room makes the entire process feel less overwhelming and helps you present your strongest, most polished application when it counts.
Instead of scrambling to fit testing in at the last minute, you can plan ahead and take the test on your terms. And it’s far less stressful to walk into the test knowing that you still have time to retake it if needed.
Summer prep also puts you in a strong position to review your fall score reports and focus on targeted improvements between test dates. With a solid foundation already in place, you’ll be better equipped to make meaningful gains with each attempt.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a smart time to invest in your future by strengthening your ACT or SAT scores. With fewer distractions and more flexibility, you can study consistently, build confidence, and still enjoy your break.
If you’re a rising junior, you’ll be ready for the PSAT/NMSQT in October and well-positioned to take the ACT or SAT later in the year.
If you’re a rising senior, you’ll be able to finish testing early and shift your focus to crafting strong college applications.
By getting a head start this summer, you’ll begin the school year feeling focused, prepared, and in control.
Lauren Remenih
Lauren has over 20 years of experience helping students succeed on the SAT and ACT. With a degree in psychology and a deep understanding of learning differences, she enjoys working with students of all learning styles and experience levels. When she’s not tutoring, Lauren enjoys playing instruments, reading, knitting, watching K-dramas, and spending time with her dogs, Belle and Winston.
