When should my child start preparing for the SSAT?

If your child is applying to top private schools in Washington, D.C., we recommend starting SSAT prep about 4 to 6 months before the test date. That might sound early, but in the world of competitive admissions, early prep is like early boarding—you get the best seat. Starting early gives your child time to build familiarity with the exam structure, sharpen skills section by section, and grow confidence along the way.

D.C. students are often juggling APs, honors classes, violin practice, debate tournaments, and maybe even Model UN, so last-minute cramming is rarely the move. Our approach spreads out the workload to make prep more manageable and less panic-inducing. It also leaves room for mock tests, review sessions, and reinforcement in areas that need extra love (hello, math section). The earlier you start, the less stressful it becomes—and the better the results.