If there is one topic that can send both seniors and parents into a quiet spiral, it is standardized testing. The ACT. The SAT. The scores. The retakes. The prep courses. The “my friend’s kid got a 34 and only studied for two weeks” stories. It can feel like a lot — because honestly, it is a lot. And if your family is somewhere in the thick of it right now, just know: that feeling is completely normal, and you are not behind.

Here is what we want to share with you this month: there is no magic formula, but there is a smarter way to approach this season. The families who come out of test prep feeling calm and confident are not the ones who crammed the hardest — they are the ones who had a plan, stayed consistent, and kept things in perspective. So let us break it down together.

ACT vs. SAT — Which One Should Your Senior Take?

This is usually the first question, and the good news is: there is no wrong answer. Both tests are widely accepted at colleges and universities across the country, and admissions offices treat them equally. The real question is which one plays to your senior’s strengths.

Here is a quick comparison: The ACT has four sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — plus an optional writing portion. It moves quickly and rewards students who think fast. The SAT has two main sections — Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, plus Math — and tends to give a little more time per question. The ACT leans slightly more on content knowledge (especially in Science); the SAT leans on reasoning and application.

The most practical advice? Have your senior take a free practice test for each one. Some students look at the science section and think, “No thanks.” Others find the SAT’s reading passages feel longer and more draining. An hour with a practice test can tell you more than any comparison chart.

Test Dates to Know for the Class of 2027

Always verify exact dates at act.org and collegeboard.org before registering — and register early, because popular test centers fill up fast.

ACT windows (approximate): September, October, December, February, April, June

SAT windows (approximate): August, October, November, December, March, May

A Simple Prep Timeline That Actually Works

September: Full-length practice test under real conditions. This is about finding weak spots, not stressing over the score.

October–November: Core study phase — 1–2 hours, 3x per week. Work the weak areas. Consider a prep course or tutor if more structure helps.

December: Another full-length practice test. Compare to September. Adjust the plan.

January–February: Final targeted review of what still needs work.

March–April: Light review only. Prioritize sleep, low stress, and confidence.

Free and Low-Cost Resources Worth Bookmarking

• Khan Academy — free, official SAT partner, highly personalized
• ACT Academy — free, official ACT resource
• PrepScholar blog — free strategy and honest test breakdowns
• Princeton Review / Kaplan — paid, but both offer free trial content
• Your local library — often has free prep materials and digital platforms; worth a call
• Your school’s guidance counselor — underutilized and often knows about free local options and fee waivers

What Actually Moves the Score

Consistency beats cramming. Every time. Understanding why you got a question wrong matters more than answering more questions. Sleep and low stress before test day are not optional — a well-rested brain performs measurably better. And most students improve significantly between their first and second attempt. Many colleges superscore, pulling your best section scores across multiple test dates. One result is rarely the final word.

A Note from Lisa

I am a portrait artist, not a test prep coach — but I spend a lot of time with seniors and their families during one of the most in-between seasons of life, and I see how much pressure you are all carrying right now. Test scores are one piece of a much bigger picture. While your senior is busy preparing for their future, please do not forget to capture who they are right now — because this season is moving faster than it feels.

Ready to Capture This Chapter?

At Heritage Row Photography, we create heirloom-quality portraits meant to live on walls and last for generations — not sit in a digital folder. Every session begins with a complimentary consultation. Fall spots fill quickly, so reach out at heritagerowphotography.com.