Welcome to our College Admissions Blog!

SPP is your one-stop shop for all your college admissions counseling and SAT/ ACT test prep needs.

Scroll down or Jump to our latest articles:

• College Admissions Info Night - Feb 25th, 2026

• Choosing Next Year’s High School Classes - Why Course Selection Matters for College Admissions

• SAT vs the Enhanced ACT - see the differences to pick the best test for your child

• Timeline for College Admissions - stay on track with what needs to get done in the college admissions process, and by when

• Test Prep: SAT Group Course Schedule for 2025-2026

Looking for different content?

Head to our College Success Blog for packing lists, important convos to have before college, and why College Success might be the right fit to support your or your child.

Check out our SPP Blog to learn about admin updates, upcoming events & more!

We post our content to ALL of the relevant blogs - so you won’t miss out on any important information!

College Admissions Info Night - February 25th

Find your Fit. Find your Future.

Starting earlier expands options—but starting now still allows students to present a clear, compelling story.

Join our SPP Founder and Lead College Admissions Counselor, Sarah Leonard, and our Test Prep Expert and Lead Tutor, Mary Tingstad on Wed, Feb 25th for our College Admissions Info Night.

Sarah & Mary will be addressing the following topics:

• ACT vs. SAT:  the differences between the exams, how to choose which exam to take, how to decide on test dates, and how often to take the exams

• The College Essay: how to select topics, when to begin the writing process, how many essays to write, and other useful tips

• The College Application Process: timeline of the process and what to expect

• The College Search: finding the right college for your student

• Q&A

Applying for college can be extremely daunting and many families don’t learn how strategic this process can be until they’re already in it—which is completely normal. Our team breaks the process down into manageable steps to make it as stress-free as possible. Our goal is to demystify the whole process so that you feel informed and in control!

Be sure to reserve your spot!

Save Your Spot!

Details

Instructors:

• Sarah Leonard - our SPP Founder and Lead College Admissions Counselor

• Mary Tingstad - Test Prep Expert and Lead Tutor

Attendees: Recommended for freshman, sophomores, and juniors in high school or motivated middle schoolers - and their families.

Date & Time: February 25th 7:00-8:30pm

• This meeting will be recorded and will be available by request after the session.

Location:

• Online via Zoom or at our Kirkland Office (608 State Street)

• Light drinks & treats will be served in the office.

Price: Free - be sure to reserve your spot on the form above!

Want to dive deeper into College Admissions? Book a consult to learn how you can work with SPP to help your child reach their college dreams!

Want to dive deeper into Test Prep or tutoring? Book a phone consult with Mary.

Choosing Next Year’s Classes: Why Course Selection Matters for College Admissions

Build your academic story—one smart choice at a time.

Course selection season is right around the corner, and for many families, it can feel like just another scheduling task to check off the list. But the classes a student chooses each year play a much bigger role in college admissions than most people realize.

Colleges don’t just evaluate grades or GPAs in isolation. They look at a student’s academic path over time—how challenging it is, how it progresses, and how well it aligns with the student’s interests and goals.

Colleges Look for Patterns, Not Perfection

Admissions officers are asking questions like:

• Did this student challenge themselves appropriately?

• Do their courses show growth and progression?

• Is there alignment between their interests, activities, and academics?

Thoughtful course choices help tell a clear story. They show intention, curiosity, and readiness for college-level work. Even small decisions—like when to take an honors or AP course, or how to balance rigor with extracurricular commitments—can influence how an application is viewed.

You can’t change past choices, but you can absolutely control how those choices are framed and aligned.

Starting Early Creates More Flexibility—But Every Stage Matters

Starting to think strategically about courses earlier in high school gives students more room to shape their academic profile. That said, meaningful planning can happen at any stage.

• Underclassmen benefit from laying a strong foundation and keeping future options open.

• Juniors can use course selection to reinforce strengths and clarify academic direction.

• Seniors focus on presenting their academic journey clearly and making sure their final year supports their overall narrative.

The goal is never to “fix” the past—it’s to make the strongest possible decisions moving forward.

The right courses today shape tomorrow’s opportunities.

How Seven Points Prep Can Help

Seven Points Prep counselors work with families to:

• Evaluate course rigor and progression

• Align academic choices with college goals

• Identify opportunities for growth without unnecessary stress

• Ensure each year of high school supports a coherent college story

Course selection isn’t just about next year—it’s about building momentum over time.

Plan Ahead with Confidence

Now is an ideal time to pause, look ahead, and make intentional choices before schedules are finalized. With the right plan, course selection becomes a strategic step—not a guessing game.

Applying for college can be extremely daunting and many families don’t learn how strategic this process can be until they’re already in it—which is completely normal. Our team breaks the process down into manageable steps to make it as stress-free as possible.

Our goal is to demystify the whole process so that you feel informed and in control!

Book a consultation with Sarah to get personalized guidance and keep your student on track toward their college goals.

Sarah Leonard is our SPP Founder and Lead College Admissions Counselor

Want to dive deeper into Test Prep or tutoring? Book a phone consult with Mary.

Find your Fit. Find your Future.

College Application Timeline: Checklist

The college process is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s a streamlined timeline to help you stay on track — with ways Seven Points Prep can support you along the way.

Junior Year

• Over the Year:

  • Keep grades strong → SPP Learning Lounge

  • Complete Spanish 3 / core classes → SPP Private Tutoring

  • Build activities & volunteer work → SPP Activities List Curation Workshop

• August: Start SAT/ACT prep → SPP Group or 1:1 Test Prep

• Sept–Dec: Take SAT/ACT 1–3 times

• Jan: Study for finals → SPP Final Review Sessions

• Feb–Apr: Build & refine college list

• May: Prep for AP Exams → SPP AP Review Sessions

• June: Begin early college app work

Senior Year

• June–July: Write personal statement → Personal Statement Launch Workshop

• Finalize college list

• August: Open Common App & start supplements

• Sept–Oct: Finalize apps + FAFSA opens Oct 1

• Nov: Submit applications 🎉

• Dec–Mar: Stay focused → SPP Learning Lounge | Watch for acceptances

• May: Choose college by May 1 | Take AP exams → SPP AP Review Sessions

• June–Aug: FAFSA deadline June 30 | Transition smoothly → SPP College Success Program

By pacing yourself and leaning on expert support, you’ll head into senior year confident and prepared.

Book a 15-minute consult or learn more about SPP’s College Admissions Counseling to start your college journey today!

Which Private SAT Test Prep Package should you choose?

Private Test Prep is best for the student who:

• Learns better 1:1 or wants to go at their own pace

• Has already taken the SAT test and needs to strengthen their score in a specific area

• Has taken our SPP SAT Group Course and needs to dive deeper into one subject

See the SPP difference:

• Masters-level instructors

• Small class size

• Proven proprietary test-taking strategies

• Program designed by a Masters-level educator

• Test Innovators 12-month Valedictorian Subscription (valued at over $200)

• In-person (Kirkland office) or online

Private Test Prep Packages

Our in-person and online test prep provides personalized tutoring tailored to your child’s individual learning needs.

Essentials 1:1 Test Prep

• 12 hours of individualized instruction

• 3 proctored practice tests

• Price: $2250

Elite 1:1 Test Prep

• 24 hours of individualized instruction

• 4 proctored practice tests

• Price: $4250

Who should choose Test Prep Elite? SPP can help you decide!

Both Essentials & Elite Packages include a Test Innovators 12-month Valedictorian Subscription, including:

• Detailed score reports

• Access to additional practice exams & 1400+ practice problems

Build Your Own Private Test Prep Package

Not sure what level of support your student needs? Reach out to SPP and we can customize private test prep for your student. Build Your Own Programs can include:

• One-on-one sessions

• Proctored practice tests

• Test Innovators 12-month Valedictorian Subscription

SAT Test Prep Group Course Schedule for 2025-2026

Check out our Test Prep Schedule for the 2025-2026 Admissions cycle!

Scroll down to view the full list

Or Download PDF Version

SAT Test Dates: 2025-2026

November 8, 2025

December 6, 2025

March 14, 2026

May 2, 2026

June 6, 2026

Group Test Prep Courses have already started for: August 23, September 13, and October 4th tests

Experience the SPP difference:

• Masters-level instructors

• Small class size

• Proven proprietary test-taking strategies

• Program designed by a Masters-level educator

• Test Innovators 12-month Valedictorian Subscription (valued at over $200)

• In-person (Kirkland office) or online

Learn more about SPP’s Group Test Prep Courses

Looking for different test prep?

Check out our Private Test Prep options.

Contact the office for ACT group courses & private test prep.

Want even more SAT practice? Join an additional proctored practice exams.

Fall 2025 SAT Group Course Dates

November 8th SAT Group Course

Times & Dates:

Weekly Course Hours: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Saturday Practice Exams: 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Saturday, September 6 - Practice Test 1

Wednesday, September 17

Wednesday, September 24

Wednesday, October 1

Wednesday, October 8

Saturday, October 11 - Practice Test 2

Wednesday, October 15

Wednesday, October 22

Wednesday, October 29

Saturday, November 1 - Practice Test 3

Wednesday, November 5

Saturday, Nov 8: Official SAT Test at your registered location

Register by September 1st for Early Bird discount

December 6th SAT Group Course

Times & Dates:

Weekly Course Hours: 4:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Saturday Practice Exams: 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Saturday, October 11 - Practice Test 1

Wednesday, October 15

Wednesday, October 22

Wednesday, October 29

Saturday, November 1 - Practice Test 2

Wednesday, November 5

Wednesday, November 12

Wednesday, November 19

Saturday, November 22 - Practice Test 3

Wednesday, November 26

Wednesday, December 3

Saturday, Dec 6: Official SAT Test at your registered location

Register by Sept 11th for Early Bird discount

2026 SAT Group Course Dates

March 14th SAT Group Course

Times & Dates:

Weekly Course Hours: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Saturday Practice Exams: 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Saturday, January 17 - Practice Test 1

Wednesday, January 21

Wednesday, January 28

Wednesday, February 4

Wednesday, February 11

Saturday, February 14 - Practice Test 2

Wednesday, February 18

Wednesday, February 25

Wednesday, March 4

Saturday, March 7 - Practice Test 3

Wednesday, March 11

Saturday, March 14: Official SAT Test at your registered location

Register by Dec 17th for Early Bird discount

May 2nd SAT Group Course

Times & Dates:

Weekly Course Hours: 4:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Saturday Practice Exams: 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Saturday, February 28 - Practice Test 1

Wednesday, March 4

Wednesday, March 11

Wednesday, March 18

Wednesday, March 25

Saturday, March 28 - Practice Test 2

Wednesday, April 1

Wednesday, April 8

No Class LWSD Spring Break

Wednesday, April 22

Saturday, April 25 - Practice Test 3 

Wednesday, April 29

Saturday, May 2: Official SAT Test at your registered location

Register by March 28th for Early Bird discount

June 6th SAT Group Course

Times & Dates:

Weekly Course Hours: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Saturday Practice Exams: 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Saturday, March 28 - Practice Test 1

Wednesday, April 8

No Class LWSD Spring Break

Wednesday, April 22

Wednesday, April 29

Wednesday, May 6

Saturday, May 9 - Practice Test 2 

Wednesday, May 13

Wednesday, May 20

Wednesday, May 27

Saturday, May 30 - Practice Test 3

Wednesday, June 3

Saturday, June 6: Official SAT Test at your registered location

Register by February 28th for Early Bird discount

Should I take the Digital SAT or the new enhanced ACT?

Check out our graphic to learn the differences between the Digital SAT vs Enhanced ACT.

Download as a PDF

Not sure which test to take? Book a free test consultation with a Test Prep Expert.