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

If your child is eyeing competitive schools like Georgetown, UVA, or the Ivies, the best time to start SAT prep is about 4 to 6 months before their planned test date. Why? Because the SAT is not just a test—it’s a strategy sport. D.C. students already juggle packed schedules with AP classes, Model UN, varsity sports, and volunteer work, so cramming is rarely effective. Starting early gives your child time to master tricky content, build stamina with full-length practice tests, and develop test-day confidence without sacrificing sleep or sanity. It also leaves room for a potential retake—because yes, superscoring is a thing and colleges love it. At Cardinal Education, we customize each timeline based on your child’s school calendar, academic load, and goals. The earlier you start, the smoother the journey—and the better the score.