Nick's position
How long should my child prep before an SAT or ACT test date?
“Plan on 6 to 12 weeks of prep before any test date that counts, so your child can show all their potential.”
Nick Standlea
Six to twelve weeks is the window I trust. Shorter, and a student is cramming. Longer, and they burn out or the plan loses its edge.
It is very doable. One or two sessions a week, with homework in between. It is work a student does, not a season they give up.
Start with a free mock test, pick the exam where the percentile came out higher, and then put the 6 to 12 weeks on the calendar ahead of a test date that counts.
The facts behind it
Where should we start?
With a free mock SAT and a free mock ACT, then prepare for the one where the percentile came out higher.