March 31. 2026
Maureen Howells
As you consider summer activities for your rising junior, here’s something to consider; the summer between 10th and 11th grade may be the single best window for SAT preparation. Why?
Junior year fills up fast.
The fall of 11th grade brings the PSAT/NMSQT; the version of the test that actually counts for National Merit Scholarship consideration. Students who score in the top 1% can be named Semifinalists, a distinction that opens doors to scholarships and strengthens college applications significantly. That’s a high-stakes moment, and it comes early.
Meanwhile, junior year itself tends to disappear quickly. AP courses, dual enrollment, college visits, club leadership, all fill the schedules of students who are busier than ever, and consequently have less time to practice.
Experts describe the PSAT as “a dress rehearsal for the SAT” and a summer prep program is your student’s chance to rehearse well.
Students who benefit most from extra time and extra practice.
For students with executive function challenges, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences, summer prep isn’t just helpful; it can be genuinely transformative. Building familiarity with the test format, developing pacing strategies, and practicing in conditions that mirror the real test all reduce anxiety and build confidence. Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to cope with challenges like anxiety or ADHD and summer gives students the time to do that work without the weight of a full school schedule pressing down on them. In addition, students who have executive function challenges or learning difficulties benefit a lot from extra practice. When extra practice meets extra time, the results can be outstanding. I found this to be very true when working with students with the ACT, where two of my students have gotten a 36 on the Reading section. Familiarity and practice helps students improve their scores.
What summer prep looks like
A focused summer program covers the content and strategies students need, includes full-length practice tests under realistic conditions, and helps students understand where they are and where they’re going before the PSAT/NMSQT arrives in October.
Preparing the spring and summer before the PSAT/NMSQT can help students overcome test nerves through immersive practice, and practicing in conditions similar to those on test day can improve confidence significantly, and also allow students to experiment with strategies that work for them.
This summer I am offering PSAT and SAT preparation for students in a small group or individually. We will start meeting in June. For more information, contact me at maureen@mhreadwriteconnect.com, or call (270) 846-9292.