When should my child start preparing for the ACT in Washington, D.C.?

If your child has their sights set on top colleges, don’t wait until the last minute to crack open that ACT book. The sweet spot for starting prep? A solid 4 to 6 months before test day. Why so early? Because the ACT isn’t just a test—it’s a high-speed academic obstacle course disguised as multiple-choice. And let’s face it, D.C. students are already juggling enough with AP classes, debate club, violin lessons, and maybe a little Model UN on the side.

Starting early gives us room to build real skills, smooth out the rough spots, and run full-length practice tests without turning our living room into a stress factory. Plus, test dates at local centers fill up faster than brunch in Dupont Circle.

At Cardinal Education, we map out a prep plan that works with your student’s schedule (not against it) so when test day rolls around, they’re not just ready… they’re relaxed, focused, and ready to score big.