For 21 years, parents have asked us “When should I expect my student to achieve their best score on the ACT or SAT?” At Academic Approach, we know that “Tests are standardized; students are not™” so the answer varies by student.

We recognize that planning for success requires data, analysis, and a personalized plan for each student. That’s why we begin our programs with complimentary ACT & SAT practice tests followed by a comprehensive consultation with each family to analyze results, assess learning needs, think through priorities, and, ultimately, craft a personalized plan of instruction and timeline for success.

A student’s timeline for achieving their best score is primarily based on three key factors. The student’s: growth goal, math level, and schedule.

Academic Approach strategically plans around these three factors, ensuring a well-designed and well-timed instruction plan that enables students to achieve their best results.

The Student’s Growth Goal

We’ve seen students grow 15 points on the ACT and 500 points on the SAT. However, every student’s success is a function of two critical factors: 1) the number of hours of preparation, and 2) the number of practice tests taken.

If a student’s growth goal is relatively modest (1-2 points on the ACT, 30-50 points on the SAT), then they may have a shorter program length. If a student’s growth goal is more substantial, of course, it takes longer. This can mean as significant a difference in program design as 10 hours of instruction and 2 practice tests to 40 hours of instruction and 8 practice tests. Like any academic achievement, the more substantial the goal, the more time investment is required.

As we described in Earlier Starts, Double the Growth, students who begin preparing for the ACT or SAT in the spring of sophomore year have the greatest growth outcomes. Why? By spacing their learning, students maximize their ability to absorb, retain, and apply both academic content and test-taking strategies. If your growth goal is substantial, start early and invest time in a longer-term program.

The Student’s Math Level

Another factor that influences a student’s performance is the level of math a student is taking in school. ACT and SAT math assesses 7th through 11th grade math topics; however, they do so in varying proportions. Therefore, every preparation course must be designed in relation to the student’s current math class.

The following chart shows the average distribution of high school coursework to the ACT and SAT math sections.

ACT Math

Number of Questions on Test (out of 60)

Test Percentage

Pre-Algebra 7.8 13%

Algebra 1 15.3 26%

Algebra 2 13 22%

Geometry 15.6 26%

SAT Math

Number of Questions

on Test (out of 58)

Test Percentage

Pre-Algebra 8.5 15%

Algebra 1 20.3 35%

Algebra 2 15.5 27%

Geometry 3.5 6%

What does this mean for program design?

• Students taking Algebra II in junior year will likely reach their peak math performance by end of the academic year.

• Students taking Pre-Calc or Calculus in junior year may have forgotten math content covered in earlier years, requiring time to refresh before testing at their optimal level.

Ultimately, mapping the ACT or SAT’s math content to a student’s performance history in algebra and geometry is key in determining the appropriate amount of preparation time for each student.

The Student’s Schedule

If possible, we suggest front loading work into slow seasons— summer break, semesters when the student is not stretched thin by extracurriculars, etc. As we know, cramming (especially when students have heavy academic workloads) does not promote peak performance. That is why we recommend early planning conversations with families.

Planning for Success

Academic Approach takes an aerial view of the long road ahead, considering all relevant factors—growth goals, math level, and optimal scheduling—and designing a customized plan for success.

Contact us now. We will help guide your student through a program of learning that drives improved test scores, academic outcomes, and college readiness.

For more information, visit academicapproach.com/sheridanroad or call (847) 750-4919.