I hope you’re all enjoying the start of fall—even if we’re still waiting for that cooler weather here in Miami!

Now that the school year is underway, I want to share the biggest ACT/SAT preparation mistakes we see—and how a thoughtful plan can help students reach their goal scores with less stress.

Mistake #1: Stopping preparation while waiting for scores

A student begins tutoring, studies consistently, takes an official exam—and then pauses everything while waiting for the results.

This is one of the most common patterns we see getting in the way of progress. Those weeks matter. Stopping and restarting interrupts the routine students have worked hard to build and can mean spending valuable time reviewing skills they had already developed.

Taking an exam is a checkpoint. Until a student reaches their goal score, preparation should continue.

In our experience, students who stay consistent with tutoring and daily practice tend to reach their goals sooner. The goal is to make steady progress, achieve the score, and finish testing—not stretch the process out through repeated stops and starts.

Mistake #2: Starting too late

The ideal starting point is the summer before 11th grade.

There is a lot to learn: content, pacing, question types, test strategies, how to use Desmos effectively on the SAT, and how to apply those skills under the pressure of timed testing.

Then, when junior year begins, they already have a study routine and can focus on strengthening their skills.

If your student is already a junior and hasn’t started, there is still time to create a plan. The key is to begin now and stay consistent.

When should a student take their first official exam?

The first step is a full-length practice exam. From there, we consider the student’s starting score, goal score, schedule, and readiness.

We want the first official exam to reflect meaningful preparation. At JC Academy, we often recommend planning for approximately three attempts, with adjustments based on progress. Multiple attempts can also support superscoring, which combines a student’s strongest section scores across test dates where colleges accept it. Students who reach their goals sooner may not need all three attempts.

For the SAT, a timeline we have seen work well is:

• June: Begin tutoring before the start of 11th grade and establish consistent practice.
• October or November: Take the first official exam, depending on readiness.
• December: Test again while continuing preparation.
• March: Retest after focused winter study.
• Later spring: Consider another attempt only if needed.

ACT students need a timeline built around the ACT’s available dates. For either exam, the plan should fit the student—not simply the next date on the calendar.

Why we prefer to avoid relying on late spring testing

In our experience, March SAT testing often brings some of the strongest improvements after consistent winter preparation.

By May and June, many students are balancing AP exams, finals, and end-of-year demands. We have seen that exhaustion affect their preparation and performance. That’s why we encourage students to prepare early and aim to reach their goal scores before June.

The goal: Enter senior year ready for college applications

One of the most stressful situations we see is a senior trying to improve ACT/SAT scores while also completing college applications.

Ideally, students use the summer before senior year to work on their main college application essay, then enter the fall ready to focus on applications, supplemental essays, and deadlines.

Having testing completed by then takes a major task off their plate. Although some students will still need a senior-year exam, we want that to be a planned option rather than a last-minute scramble.

Start early. Stay consistent. Give your student time to finish strong.

At JC Academy Miami, we help families build a preparation plan around each student’s starting point, goals, and schedule.

If your student is getting ready to begin ACT/SAT preparation or is already studying, and you have questions or need guidance, we’re here to help. Reply to this email with their grade, most recent ACT/SAT or practice-test score (if available), and their goal score or colleges of interest. We’ll help you determine the next steps and create a realistic preparation timeline.

🌟Tutor Spotlight: Ina!

Now in her third year with JC Academy Miami, Ina is a valued member of our tutoring team. She excels at helping students understand challenging math and science concepts, bringing patience, clear explanations, and encouragement to every session. Parents consistently share wonderful feedback about her work and the support she provides their children.

Born and raised in California’s Bay Area, Ina earned her bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her passion for marine science began while volunteering at a summer camp, where she later worked teaching children about the San Francisco Bay. She has since earned her master’s degree in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.

Ina also serves as the Youth Learning Coordinator and Camp Coordinator at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, here in Miami. She helps coordinate educational programs that inspire curiosity and a love of science, oversees seasonal camps, and develops engaging, hands-on activities—including those for the upcoming winter camp in December. She also coordinates the museum’s after-school program and manages educator scheduling to keep these programs running smoothly.

I’m proud to have Ina on our team and grateful for the expertise, care, and dedication she brings to her students!

To learn more about Ina, click here to see her profile on our website:
https://jcacademymiami.com/our-team/academic-tutors/tutors-ina-franke/