One of the most common questions I hear from families is:

“When should my student start preparing for the SAT?”

My answer is shaped not only by years of teaching, but by my own experience as a student. The SAT plan I recommend today is the same one I followed myself and it’s designed to reduce stress, build confidence, and protect what matters most in high school.

Here’s what I did, and what I recommend for my students at Doan Math Academy.

9th Grade: Start Early, Study Calmly

I started studying SAT-style math in freshman year.

At that stage, I wasn’t worried about test dates or scores. The focus was simply on:

Building strong algebra and problem-solving foundations
Learning how SAT questions are written
Getting comfortable with challenging problems
Studying at a low-pressure, steady pace

Starting early allowed me to build skills deeply, without stress. This is why I encourage students to begin SAT preparation as early as 9th grade, not to rush, but to learn well.

10th Grade: Take the SAT (Fall & Spring)

I took the SAT for the first time in sophomore year, once in the fall and again in the spring.

This timing was incredibly helpful because:

I gained real test experience early
I learned how the SAT felt—timing, endurance, pressure
My scores gave me feedback, not anxiety
I still had plenty of time to improve

This is why I recommend that most students take their first SAT in 10th grade. It removes the fear of the unknown and turns the SAT into a familiar process instead of a one-shot, high-stakes test.

11th Grade: Focus on AP Classes and College Essays

Junior year is one of the busiest years of high school.

Because I had already taken the SAT in 10th grade, I was able to use 11th grade to:

Focus on AP classes and grades
Invest time in extracurriculars and leadership
Work on college essays without SAT stress

Students may choose to retake the SAT in 11th grade if needed, but it should be strategic and limited. Junior year is not the time to be cramming for a first SAT attempt.

Why I Recommend This Timeline

This approach allows students to:

Start preparing early without pressure
Take the SAT when there is time to grow
Avoid overloading junior year
Approach college applications with confidence

In my experience, as both a student and a coach, timing matters just as much as preparation.

A Final Word

At Doan Math Academy, I don’t believe in rushing students or creating unnecessary stress. I believe in helping students plan wisely so they can move through high school with confidence and peace.

This SAT plan isn’t about perfection.

It’s about preparation, clarity, and trust in the process.

If you’d like help creating a personalized SAT plan for your student, I would be honored to support you.

Ms. Doan’s Proven SAT Plan (From a Perfect-Score Math Coach)