Why You Need a Study Plan for the ACT/SAT
If you want to raise your ACT or SAT score, cramming doesn’t work—consistency does.
But with school, homework, and life happening all at once, it’s easy for test prep to fall through the cracks.
That’s where a weekly study plan comes in.
Whether you’re just starting prep or aiming for a final score boost, this step-by-step guide will help you build a realistic, effective study routine that fits your schedule—and delivers results.
🗓️ Step 1: Set a Target Test Date
Choose a test date at least 6–12 weeks away, depending on your starting score and goals.
Knowing your deadline lets you reverse-engineer your weekly schedule and avoid last-minute stress.
✅ Pro tip: Sign up for the test now to lock it in. Accountability matters!
🎯 Step 2: Take a Full-Length Practice Test
Before creating a plan, you need to know your baseline.
Use an official ACT or SAT practice test to assess:
- Current composite score
- Strengths and weaknesses by section (Math, Reading, etc.)
This helps you focus your study time where it counts.
📌 Step 3: Choose Your Study Days
Pick 3–5 days per week when you can consistently dedicate 45–90 minutes to test prep.
Example:
- Mon/Wed/Fri = 1 hour
- Saturday = Full timed section or review
Be realistic. Even 3 focused days can make a big difference if you stick with it.
📚 Step 4: Focus on One Section at a Time
Instead of bouncing around, organize your week by section:
Day
Focus
Monday
Reading
Wednesday
Math
Friday
English
Saturday
Full Review or Practice Test
This keeps prep focused and less overwhelming.
⏱️ Step 5: Use Timed Practice
The ACT and SAT are fast-paced, so time management is key.
Start practicing under real testing conditions at least once a week:
- Use a timer
- Eliminate distractions
- Simulate the pressure
This builds endurance and confidence for test day.
🧠 Step 6: Track Progress Weekly
Each week, review:
- Which question types you missed
- Time spent per section
- Score improvements (use a tracker or spreadsheet)
This helps you stay accountable—and motivated.
🏆 Step 7: Adjust as Needed
Life happens. If your schedule changes, adapt your plan without scrapping it.
Some weeks may be heavier on review, others on practice tests. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
👨👩👧 For Parents: How to Support Your Student’s Study Plan
Parents play a huge role in successful test prep. Here’s how to help:
- Set up a quiet, distraction-free study space
- Encourage check-ins without micromanaging
- Celebrate small wins (like completing a full section)
You don’t have to know algebra to be supportive—just be consistent.
🎯 Sample Weekly Study Plan Template
Here’s a plug-and-play weekly layout you can use:
Monday: 1 hour – Reading section + review
Wednesday: 1 hour – Math strategies + timed drill
Friday: 45 min – Grammar review + English section practice
Saturday: 2 hours – Full timed section or mini practice test
Sunday: Rest or light vocabulary work
Final Thoughts: A Good Plan = A Great Score
Success on the ACT/SAT doesn’t come from last-minute study marathons.
It comes from small, focused sessions done consistently—week by week.
By creating a weekly study plan, you’re not just preparing for a test. You’re building time management, discipline, and confidence that will carry you into college and beyond.
📣 Need help building a custom ACT/SAT prep schedule?
Visit TopTutorsForUs.com to get matched with a coach who can guide you through every step of the way.
Questions about our test prep plans?
We are here to answer your questions and guide you through your student’s education journey.
