By Aviv Weiss, Khan Academy Districts
SAT prep isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but one question comes up again and again from principals, counselors, and district leaders:
“When should we start?”
It’s a fair question. Start too early and students may forget what they’ve learned. Start too late and they may not have time to build skills or confidence. The truth lies somewhere in the middle—and with the right plan, timing can become your greatest advantage.
We spoke with Khan Academy Districts SAT program specialists and district leaders across the country to find out: What’s the optimal SAT prep timeline—and what makes it work?
The four-month timeline: why it works
Across hundreds of school and district implementations, one prep window consistently delivers strong results: four months of consistent, structured practice.
This timeline gives students
- time to take a diagnostic Bluebook™ test,
- space to build skills and review mistakes,
- multiple opportunities for timed practice, and
- a sense of progress before the big day.
Explore the recommended prep structure from Khan Academy’s SAT experts.
What to do, month by month
Here’s how districts and schools break down their SAT prep calendar:
Month 1: Diagnose and launch
- Administer the first Bluebook™ digital SAT practice test.
- Review results and create skill groups using Khan Academy data.
- Begin goal setting and platform onboarding.
Month 2: Build skills
- Focus on high-impact SAT skills using Khan Academy’s official tools.
- Use Khanmigo to provide AI-powered tutoring.
- Encourage weekly goals (e.g., 45 minutes of practice).
Month 3: Push for growth
- Administer a mid-point practice test.
- Shift from remediation to test-taking strategies.
- Offer teacher-led sessions or small group coaching.
Month 4: Simulate and refine
- Administer a final Bluebook™ simulation.
- Support students with anxiety-reduction strategies.
- Celebrate growth and finalize logistics for the official test.
Get the full story on how Bluebook™ and Khanmigo support a data-driven SAT journey.
Start earlier with advisory or semester courses
Some schools begin prep even earlier—especially when they integrate SAT practice into the following:
- Semester-long SAT electives
- Weekly advisory or seminar periods
- Embedded practice in English or math classes
This model helps students build confidence slowly, without cramming.
Read about how Garland ISD closed skill gaps using yearlong support.
What if students are behind?
Starting earlier may be essential for students who need more support. Khan Academy’s tools make it possible to
- scaffold instruction using Khan Academy’s adaptive learning platform,
- give students 1:1 AI tutoring on SAT prep,
- offer flexible access—in school, after school, or at home, and
- monitor progress using district-level dashboards.
In fact, our research shows that students who use Khan Academy’s SAT prep for at least 18 hours per year experience significantly greater score gains.
Final word: start with a plan, not just a date
The best SAT prep timelines are more than calendars—they’re road maps. Whether your district starts in January, September, or the summer, success depends on
- equitable access for all students,
- consistent, high-quality practice, and
- timely data to guide interventions.
Ready to build your timeline?
👉Schedule a strategy session to customize your district’s approach.
👉Download the SAT Prep Playbook to get started.
