When should my child start preparing for the SSAT?

We generally recommend kicking things off at least 4 to 6 months before your target test date. The SSAT covers a lot from verbal and reading skills to math concepts. Giving your child this lead time allows them to really dig into all the material, master the tricky concepts, and learn important test-taking strategies without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It also leaves plenty of room for them to take multiple full-length practice tests. These are important for getting comfortable, gaining confidence, and building stamina. 

If you’re aiming for fall admissions, which means taking the SSAT between October and December, then summer is the perfect window to start tutoring and practice tests. This way, your child can make steady progress and you avoid that stressful last-minute cramming. The test prep tutor can also fine-tune their study plan as they go based on how your child is performing. Early preparation really helps set up your child for success.