What’s the Best Age to Start Test Prep? Sooner Than You Think
- Two Steps Ahead Tutoring Team
- May 12
- 1 min read

What’s the Best Age to Start Test Prep? Sooner Than You Think
Early Prep = Less Stress
When families think about ACT or SAT prep, many imagine late nights and cramming sessions in the junior year of high school. But the reality is, the best age to start test prep is most effective when it starts early — ideally, in middle school or freshman year. Starting early doesn’t mean diving into full-length practice tests every weekend. It means building the foundational skills — reading comprehension, problem-solving, time management — that students will rely on when the real test day arrives.
How We Help Students Get Ahead
At Two Steps Ahead Tutoring, our test prep is more than drills and flashcards. We help students understand how these tests work, and more importantly, how to approach them strategically and calmly. By introducing concepts gradually and consistently, students avoid burnout and test anxiety. Early preparation also means there’s time to work on weak areas before the pressure mounts. Bottom line? The earlier your student starts, the more confident — and competitive — they’ll be when it really counts.