Junior year is the launchpad for college admissions testing — but when and how often your student takes the SAT or ACT can make all the difference. The right plan helps students perform their best without feeling overwhelmed.
🎙️Listen to this conversation on Testing Game Plan For The Class of 2027 on the Tests and the Rest podcast.
🎯 How Many Times Should Students Test?
Most students benefit from 2–3 official test attempts:
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First Attempt: Establishes a baseline score and highlights key areas for improvement. This can be a diagnostic tool using our free practice test.
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Second Attempt: Builds on targeted preparation — typically the biggest score increase.
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Third Attempt (if needed): A fine-tuning opportunity to reach merit aid or target-college goals, especially if your colleges superscore.
🧠 Families should build “backup dates” into the timeline from the start. That way, students aren’t cramming or panicking later in senior year. Students with larger score gaps should give themselves more lead time rather than rushing through back-to-back tests unprepared.
Attend our free SAT & ACT Webinar to learn more about all the factors in creating your testing plan.
📅 Recommended Junior-Year Testing Timeline
| Time Period | Key Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Summer before Junior Year | Choose between the SAT or ACT | Take a diagnostic or attend a free SAT vs ACT webinar to determine the best fit. |
| Fall (Sept–Nov) | Begin structured prep | Build foundational skills and a study rhythm before in school winter testing. |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | First official test | Most juniors take the ACT (Feb/March) or SAT (March). Use this for a baseline score. |
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Second test & Stacked Testing opportunities | See below — this is the sweet spot for momentum. |
| Summer (Jun–Jul) | Optional final test | Ideal for goal refinement or scholarship targets. |
| Fall of Senior Year (Aug–Oct) | Final chance for early applications | Last round before early-action and merit deadlines, which is the September ACT or the October SAT |
🔁 Stacked Testing: Our Proven Strategy for Momentum
“Stacked Testing” is a smart, research-backed strategy that has worked wonders for many of the families we serve. Stacked testing means taking two back-to-back SAT or ACT test cycles — for example, March SAT→ May SAT or February ACT → April ACT.
Why It Works
✅ Better knowledge retention: Students stay “in testing mode,” keeping strategies and content fresh.
✅ Momentum & confidence: Back-to-back testing builds a “can-do” attitude that leads to stronger results.
✅ Less long-term stress: Prepping for two consecutive tests reduces downtime and repetition later.
✅ Built-in safety net: If June results arrive late, July prep continues uninterrupted, keeping students ready to improve.
Students taking the state-mandated ACT in February or March can easily “stack” with the April ACT, taking advantage of the My Answer Key (MAK) option for $34 (if ordered before the test date) or $42 (if ordered after the test date) — providing a copy of test questions and answers for targeted review.
💬 We recommend stacking when possible — it helps students build momentum, reach their goal scores earlier, and free up summer for applications and activities.
🧩 Next Steps for Families
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Plan early — register for test dates months in advance at SAT or ACT.
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Choose your fit — SAT or ACT diagnostic guidance is available through Seeley Test Pros/LEAP.
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Leverage stacked testing — maximize retention, momentum, and motivation.
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Use professional feedback — review MAK results with tutors to refine strategies.
🚀 Partner with Seeley Test Pros/LEAP
Our team helps families design personalized testing plans — from choosing the right test to scheduling stacked cycles that work around your student’s academic load and extracurriculars.
📞 Questions about stacked testing or test-prep timelines?
Contact us at info@leaprogram.com or call 513-754-2240.