Why Students Should Start Test Prep Over the Summer with Educational Resources
With summer in full swing, students often look forward to sun-soaked days filled with relaxation and adventure. However, for those eyeing high-stakes tests like the ACT or SAT, summertime can be more than just a break—it can be the perfect opportunity to get ahead in test prep. Here are several compelling reasons why starting test preparation during the summer can give students a significant advantage.
Flexibility and Reduced Stress
Unlike the bustling school year, summer provides students with a unique opportunity: time. With no classes, homework, or extracurricular activities tugging at their schedules, students can dedicate focused time to test prep without the chaos that often accompanies the school year. This means they can engage in low-stress, consistent study sessions—instead of cramming at the last minute—leading to better retention and a deeper understanding of the material. Study sessions at Educational Resources can keep motivation up and balance relaxation with learning.
Room for Reflection and Skill Improvement
One of the primary challenges posed by the ACT and SAT is the breadth of material and the pressure of timed testing. Summer is the perfect season to embrace a slower, more thoughtful approach to mastering important concepts. Students can revisit challenging topics, practice different strategies, and even seek out additional resources like tutoring or online courses without the burden of a packed academic schedule. This reflective period allows students to identify their weaknesses and target them directly, paving the way for real progress.
More Testing Opportunities
Typically, students take the ACT or SAT multiple times before achieving their desired scores. By starting preparations early, students can take their first test sooner and capitalize on the opportunity to retake it later if necessary. Knowing they have ample time to improve can significantly ease pre-test anxiety. Additionally, students will be in a strong position to analyze their performance on practice tests and adjust their strategies accordingly, ensuring each attempt is more effective than the last.
Time for Balanced College Applications
Standardized test scores are just one piece of the college application puzzle. By completing testing during the summer, students can reclaim valuable time in the fall to focus on the other crucial aspects of their applications, such as crafting compelling essays, refining their resumes, or obtaining strong letters of recommendation. By alleviating the stress of simultaneous test preparation and application writing, students can present their best selves to prospective colleges.
A Competitive Edge
Starting test prep in the summer not only strengthens academic skills but also gives students a competitive edge in the college admissions process. As they prepare early, they are positioned to submit applications with well-rounded profiles that showcase both strong test scores and thoughtful, well-crafted narratives about their experiences, values, and aspirations.
Test Prep at Educational Resources
At Educational Resources, we understand that preparing for these tests can be very overwhelming for many students. We believe that choosing the right prep course can make a significant difference. Our distinctive approach sets us apart, helping students achieve success with expert instructors who provide techniques through one-on-one tutoring and group sessions. On average, students who have completed our ACT test prep courses raise their score by 3 points, with some achieving perfect scores of 36.
We maintain a comprehensive curriculum that covers all ACT components—English, Math, Reading, and Science—emphasizing test-taking strategies, time management, and stress reduction. By starting test prep during the summer, students can get a head start on studying subjects that they may need more help with, so that they are prepared when the time comes to take the ACT or SAT.
Our supportive community encourages collaboration and maintains open communication with parents, sharing test scores and follow-up options after each session. With a proven track record, our program equips students not just for the test but for future success.
Contact Us Today
Ultimately, while summer is indeed a time for relaxation, it can also be a strategic period for students to focus on their future. By dedicating time to test prep, students can relieve the pressure of the upcoming school year, build confidence in their abilities, and take control of their college admissions journey. Contact us today to learn more about our test prep & tutoring programs.
About the Author: Lindsay O’Brien
Lindsay O'Brien is the active Executive Director of Educational Resources in Louisville, KY. Previously, she spent over 10 years as a teacher before transitioning to tutoring and standardized test preparation.