It is Not Too Early to Prepare for Your Next BIG Standardized Test!

Test Takers - I am talking to you!

I know, I know — the holidays just ended, and you’re still shaking off that post-break haze (yes, I know it’s been four weeks already but can’t I still imagine we are on break!). The last thing you want to think about is the mountain of standardized tests coming your way — SATs, ACTs, AP exams, State Testing. But hear me out — now is actually the perfect time to do a quick check-in to see if you (or your class) are on track to cover all the content before April or May.

Don’t worry — I’m not saying you need to grab your books tonight and start hardcore studying. Instead, let’s make a road map. In January or early February, take a little time to find out what topics your upcoming test covers. If you’re not sure, head over to collegeboard.org and log into your account (you’ll already have one if you registered for the SAT, ACT, or any AP exam). Once you’re in, check your dashboard — it’ll show exactly what skills and topics the test includes.

Here’s a quick example for the SAT Math section:
Topic Number of Questions
Algebra 13–15
Advanced Math 13–15
Problem Solving & Data Analysis 5–7
Geometry & Trigonometry 5–7

So… what does this mean? How do you know if you’ve covered these topics? The best way is to grab a sample test. There are plenty of free practice exams on College Board’s site (and they’re usually included in your registration fee). When you go through the questions, honestly ask yourself: Could I answer this right now?
For the ones you can’t, jot down the topic. And don’t panic if the list feels long — that’s totally okay! This is all about figuring out where you stand.

Once you have your list, check where you are in your math class.
    • If your course is asynchronous (you’re moving at your own pace with support from a teacher when needed), make sure you’ll finish your full course by April or May. That usually means you should already be done with the first semester and into at least the first unit of semester two.
    • If your course is synchronous (in a classroom or live online with a teacher), you’ll have less flexibility with timing. So take your topic list to your teacher! Ask if the remaining topics will be covered this semester — or if there’s any review material for things that might’ve been taught earlier. Teachers are tired, sure (we all are!), but trust me — they’ll love that you’re being proactive.

Now that you’ve got your list and a plan, it’s time to zoom out and calendar it. Check how many weeks you have until your test. As of this writing, there are about 16 weeks until the AP exams. That sounds like plenty of time… until you realize you probably still have a whole semester (around 15 weeks) of new material to cover.
Here’s the trick: break everything into small, weekly chunks. Save the last two or three weeks for review and practice tests — not learning brand new stuff. Doing it this way keeps things manageable (and way less overwhelming).

Once you’re on track, the best thing you can do next is start taking timed practice tests. This helps with pacing — one of the biggest challenges students face. Many feel rushed or blank out under timed pressure. Don’t worry — that’s normal! Skim the questions first, skip the tough ones, and circle back later. You’ll be amazed how often the right answer comes to you once you relax.
Take a test now if you can — just to see where you stand. If it doesn’t go great, that’s okay! You’ll know exactly what to focus on for your next few months of prep.

Teachers — This Part is for You
If you’re a teacher prepping your students for state tests, deep breaths — you’ve got this too. You’re probably staring at the curriculum map wondering if you’ll fit everything in… while factoring in fire drills, assemblies, and of course, flu season. (It’s always something!)
Here’s the good news: the same plan works for you.
    • Look up your state’s test blueprint and map it out against your pacing guide.
    • Note what’s left to cover, and look for overlaps where your existing lessons already hit key skills.
To keep things fresh, sneak in daily warm-ups using old test-style questions as discussion starters. Add some hands-on review days to break up the routine. (Shameless plug here: we’ve got lots of interactive review ideas that make test prep fun.)
But the most important thing you can do? Help students de-stress the exam. They already hear things like:
    • “We’re counting on you!”
    • “You have to do well!”
    • “If scores drop, we lose funding!”

All of that pressure doesn’t help anyone. Remind your students that tests are just one snapshot — a way to find gaps and see where more support is needed. Also let them know there will be questions they aren’t supposed to know. Seriously — every standardized exam includes a few experimental questions that don’t count toward their score.
These are meant to test future question ideas, and even top students struggle with them. But the worst thing students can do is freeze when they hit one. Teach them to recognize those moments and think, “Maybe this is one of those test questions — no big deal,” and move on. That mindset alone can make a huge difference.

Also, something I preach is "One test does not define you." I tell my students all year that what matters to me is that they show up everyday and try their best.We all have bad days and we hope that doesn't happen on a test day but if it does it isn't the end of the world. I've seen what they can do in class and that is what matters. So just try to relax and show everyone else what they have shown me all year. In fact, one year I stood in the hallway and cheered as they called all the Algebra 1 kiddos down to take their test. Was it silly? Absolutely. Did my students have a good laugh? They sure did. Were my kids a little more relaxed when they walked in that testing room? For sure. Sometimes with testing, students just need to know that you believe they can do it. 

Standardized testing doesn’t have to be scary. With a little planning (and a calm head), you can totally rock your exams. Small steps now mean less stress later — and before you know it, you’ll be soaring through test day like a pro.