{"id":16381,"date":"2025-12-12T16:25:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T16:25:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=16381"},"modified":"2025-12-12T18:25:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T18:25:09","slug":"how-to-build-your-spring-test-prep-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/pre-college\/how-to-build-your-spring-test-prep-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build Your Spring Test Prep Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Saying hello to the spring semester doesn\u2019t just mean back-to-school festivities and the start of a new semester. Usually, high schools all around the country are encouraging their students to start registering for upcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/sat\/sat-test-dates\">SAT test dates<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/act\/act-test-dates\">ACT test dates.<\/a> This is also a great opportunity to strategically build confidence for test day and ensure you are set up for success. With a well-organized, manageable test prep schedule designed to avoid last-minute cramming, you can approach the SAT and ACT with calm and readiness. Below is a breakdown of how you can structure your test prep over the course of the spring semester, helping you thoroughly prepare for one or both of these pivotal college admissions tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TABLE OF CONTENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"sat-schedule\"><li><strong><a href=\"#sat-schedule\">SAT Test Prep Schedule<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#act-schedule\">ACT Test Prep Schedule<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><a href=\"#sat-and-act\"><strong>Two-for-One: Studying for the SAT &amp; ACT<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#plan\">How to Plan Your Test Prep<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#quiz\">ACT vs. SAT Quiz<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>SAT Test Prep Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The SAT is composed of two sections: Reading &amp; Writing and Math. The best way to study for the SAT is by focusing on one section at a time. Since you have about 2-3 months to study from the start of the normal spring semester, it may help to focus on establishing a study schedule that spans 8-12 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first 4 to 6 weeks, focus on polishing your skills for the Reading &amp; Writing portion. Whether you are using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/sat\/books\">SAT test prep books<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/sat\/free\/sat-practice\">free online SAT resources,<\/a> practice reading various passages, and find comfort in easily noting important information while reading.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the second 4-6 week block, focus on the SAT Math section. Practice your math skills and polish your knowledge of various formulas and mathematical concepts that are covered on the SAT. Remember to always think practically and to brush up on your knowledge when you are both right and wrong. If you\u2019re looking for more structure and support as you prepare for the SAT, consider taking an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/sat\">SAT prep course<\/a> to guide your studies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After studying hard, don\u2019t be afraid to give yourself a day or two to take a much-needed brain break before test day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>[ KEEP STUDYING: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/sat\/sat-math-topics-what-to-know\/\">SAT Math Topics: What to Know<\/a><strong> ]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"act-schedule\">ACT Test Prep Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the SAT, the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/act\/test-changes-2025\/\">enhanced ACT<\/a> gives you more flexibility and choice on what subjects to take and in what format&#8211;print or digital. The test consists of three mandatory multiple-choice sections in English, Math, and Reading, and two optional sections in Science and Writing. This leaves room for even more block scheduling and can limit your time spent studying for the ACT if not planned right.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With about 9-12 weeks to study for the big test day, spending two to three weeks on each ACT section will help you study the best. Be sure to take into account which version of the ACT you plan to register for as you plan your study schedule. For example, leave plenty of time to brush up on your science skills if you plan to take the optional ACT Science section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take advantage of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/act\/free\/act-free-practice-test\">free online ACT practice resources<\/a> or sign up for an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/act\">ACT prep course<\/a> to level up your prep.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>[ READ NEXT: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/act\/10-must-know-act-math-tips\/\">10 Must-Know ACT Math Tips<\/a> <strong>]&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sat-and-act\">Two-for-One: Studying for the SAT &amp; ACT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you a test-taking mogul about to attack both tests in the same semester? If so, we\u2019ve got you covered! If planned right, you can study for both the SAT and the ACT at the same time. Don\u2019t expect that it will be easy, but also don\u2019t fret. Luckily for you, both tests do cover some similar material.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the ACT, there is an optional Science section and an optional Writing section that can be easily covered by following this schedule if you plan to take these. If you do not plan on taking the optional ACT Science and\/or Writing section, you can modify the schedule accordingly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first two weeks, study for the ACT Science section. For the second two weeks, focus on ACT Writing, which requires you to write an argumentative essay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After studying for these ACT-specific test sections, you can then spend three weeks each on Math and then on Reading &amp; Writing\/English (no essay writing). If you want to make sure you are preparing for each of the test sections properly, break these three-week study sessions into two week-and-a-half sessions in order to spend some time studying the same material by each tests\u2019 standards. By doing all of this, you are covering all your bases in about 10 weeks\u2019 time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep practicing all tested SAT and ACT skills as your test days near to maintain your edge on every section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"plan\">How to Plan Your Test Prep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more help planning your prep time for the SAT and\/or ACT? Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide that will help you organize your study schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 1: Count how many weeks you have before test day.<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s say today is January 22, and pretend that I\u2019m going to take the ACT or SAT on April 8. Pop these dates into a handy <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timeanddate.com\/date\/durationresult.html?m1=01&amp;d1=22&amp;y1=2017&amp;m2=04&amp;d2=08&amp;y2=2017\" target=\"_blank\">online date calculator<\/a>. The calculator tells me I\u2019ve got 76 days, which I\u2019ll divide by 7 to get the number of weeks: 76 divided by 7 is 10.857, so I\u2019ll round up. Okay, that means I\u2019ve got 11 weeks to prep.<\/p>\n\n\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 2: Determine how many hours you\u2019ll prep per week.<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Be realistic! Let\u2019s say that during the week, I\u2019m busy with school and homework and band practice and stuff, so I can only spare one hour a day, three days a week. Some people choose to take Saturdays or Sundays off from test prep to catch up on TV shows or spend time with friends. Just try not to take off both weekend days, as you\u2019ll miss out on valuable study time you don\u2019t get during the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My personal off day is Saturday, and I prep for two hours on Sunday. So that\u2019s 3 + 2 = 5 hours per week of prep. It might not seem like a lot, but consistency really adds up over time and will allow your brain to adequately process the information.<\/p>\n\n\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 3: Check whether you have enough time.<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>First, multiply the numbers you got in Steps 1 and 2. I\u2019ve got 11 weeks to study and 5 hours per week, so my total will be 11 \u00d7 5 = 55 hours of prep. How do I decide if that\u2019s enough? One quick method is to count how many practice tests you want to take.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each test takes between 2 and 3 hours to take and about 6 hours to review. Remember, you should review every problem, right or wrong, that you ever take. You learn nothing by doing questions; you learn by reinforcing your correct behaviors and by finding and fixing your mistakes. That happens in review, which is why it takes twice as long to properly review a question as it does to answer it in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So now we\u2019re looking at 9 hours per practice test (3 + 6). If I want to take five practice tests before my ACT or SAT, I\u2019ll need 9 \u00d7 5 = 45 hours just to take the tests. Hmm, that leaves me only 55 \u2013 45 = 10 hours for all my other prep, which seems awfully light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re happy with your total prep time, move on to Step 4. If not, make an adjustment right here. Either cut back on your prep time (not advised!), push back your test date, or commit to more prep time per week. In this imaginary scenario, I might decide to add an hour of ACT or SAT prep on Saturdays. That one extra hour a week yields an extra 11 prep hours over my 11 weeks, putting me at 21 additional prep hours above my testing time\u2014much better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notice how important planning your study schedule is. If I hadn\u2019t counted my time, I would have sold my ACT or SAT test prep short. And notice, too, how easy it was to course-correct because I planned out my prep.<\/p>\n\n\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 4: Make a calendar and treat your prep like class.<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In my made-up example, I\u2019m going to prep 1 hour each on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and 2 hours on Sunday. I\u2019ll put that in my calendar for the next 11 weeks. That\u2019s the easy part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hard part is committing once the prep is in your calendar, and that requires you to treat your test preparation just like you would treat a class, an important social event, or a school extracurricular activity you\u2019re committed to. It may be tempting to skip test prep if a cool new show pops up on Netflix or your friends invite you out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just ask yourself: would you skip English class to play a video game? Would you skip basketball practice to go to a movie? Imagine that your prep is no different than any other scheduled activity, and you\u2019ll have a much easier time committing to it as the weeks go by.<\/p>\n\n\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_sidebar  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 5: Crush the SAT\/ACT!<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Prep like a boss, and get an awesome test score. If you\u2019re not testing soon, bookmark this page and come back to it when you do begin to prep. A teeny bit of arithmetic and planning up front can help you feel a lot less stressed about your upcoming prep time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"quiz\">ACT vs. SAT Quiz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Trying to decide which college admissions test is right for you\u2013or whether you should take both? Answer our quiz questions to find out!<\/p>\n\n\n<div  class='avia-builder-widget-area clearfix  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_sidebar '><div id=\"custom_html-93\" class=\"widget_text widget clearfix widget_custom_html\"><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><div><div class='op-interactive' id='632dd2170a8ecc76c363c21f' data-title='ACT vs. SAT: Which test should you take?' data-url='https:\/\/kaplannorthamerica.outgrow.us\/632dd2170a8ecc76c363c21f?vHeight=1' data-width='100%'><\/div><script>var og_temp=document.createElement('script');og_temp.async=true;og_temp.defer=true;og_temp.src='\/\/dyv6f9ner1ir9.cloudfront.net\/assets\/js\/nloader.js',og_temp.onload=function(){initIframe('632dd2170a8ecc76c363c21f')},document.querySelector('head').appendChild(og_temp)<\/script><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Sarah Seymour, Executive Director, Pre-College and Heather Waite, Director of Content and Curriculum, Pre-College.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Saying hello to the spring semester doesn\u2019t just mean back-to-school festivities and the start of a new semester. Usually, high schools all around the country are encouraging their students to start registering for upcoming SAT test dates and ACT test dates. This is also a great opportunity to strategically build confidence for test day and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49039,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[129],"tags":[128,147,148],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16381"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16381"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49050,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16381\/revisions\/49050"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}