Earlier than you think. Most LA students begin SAT prep in 10th or early 11th grade, depending on their target schools and test timeline. We recommend starting prep at least 3–6 months before your planned test date. That gives your student time to review content, build endurance, and take multiple full-length digital practice tests.

Los Angeles students are often juggling APs, sports, clubs, and college tours, so spreading out the prep is key to avoiding burnout. We’ll start with a diagnostic test to assess where your student stands and build a smart, personalized timeline from there. If they’re aiming for early decision or highly selective schools, starting sooner can offer a major edge. We also help students time their prep around the PSAT or school-based SAT testing days. No matter the schedule, we’ll help you plan it out, down to the last Scantron bubble.

The SAT has gone digital, and it’s a whole new ball game. The test is now shorter, adaptive, and entirely computer-based, which means every section adjusts in difficulty based on student performance. Sounds intimidating? Not with the right prep.

The digital SAT still tests reading, writing, and math, but the format rewards efficiency and strategy more than ever. Our tutors help students learn the layout, master the online calculator tools, and understand how to pace themselves on adaptive modules. We also show students how to avoid common digital pitfalls, like rushing through the first module or overthinking when the questions get harder. Our practice exams simulate the real digital experience, so nothing on test day feels unfamiliar. Whether your student is tech-savvy or nervous about the switch, we’ll make sure they’re ready to excel on the new SAT.

Absolutely. Even in a test-optional world, a high SAT score can still boost an application, sometimes significantly. At competitive schools, a strong score can tip the scales in your favor, especially if your GPA is on the edge or you’re applying from a highly saturated school or zip code (hello, West LA).

The SAT isn’t just about getting in—it can also impact merit-based opportunities and course placement. Many admissions officers use strong test scores as a fast track to confidence in your academic ability. While it’s true that some students get accepted without scores, it’s a lot easier to stand out when you’ve got a great one. At Cardinal Education, we help students decide when and where to send scores, and we tailor prep to match their full college admissions strategy.

Good grades are great, but the SAT is a different beast. Even top students can be caught off guard by the test’s pacing, trick questions, and adaptive scoring. It’s not about memorizing content—it’s about recognizing patterns, managing time, and making smart choices under pressure.

Our SAT prep is designed for students who are already strong and want to get stronger. We take their existing academic skills and translate them into SAT success. We teach test-specific strategies that aren’t covered in school, run full-length digital mocks to build stamina, and provide detailed feedback that helps students continuously improve. Think of it this way: school shows how you do over a semester. The SAT shows how you perform in three hours. We make sure those three hours count.