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:

• 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 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!

Your FULL Junior-to-Senior Year Prepping for College Timeline

The college application process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into manageable steps makes all the difference. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you stay on track from junior year through application season.

Junior Year:

Throughout your Junior Year

• Focus on keeping your grades strong: Attend SPP’s Learning Lounge regularly to receive extra support on all subjects!

• Complete Spanish 3 (or other academic goals that strengthen your transcript): Need help with these harder classes? SPP’s private tutoring can help!

• Gain meaningful volunteer or extracurricular experiences: Join SPP’s Activities List Curation to jumpstart your application early!

• Keep up to date with SPP’s College Admissions Counseling (CAC) Blog for more content related to College Admissions and SAT/ ACT test prep.

August

• Begin SAT or ACT test prep: Check out SPPs 1:1 & Group Test Prep Courses!

• Career exploration: Explore career interests to start shaping your college and major options.

September – December

• Take the SAT/ ACT: Take the test 1-3 times during this window, depending on your testing plan.

January

• Study for finals: Focus on preparing for finals to keep your GPA competitive. Ace your exams with SPP’s final review sessions - hosted before most high school finals!

February

• Start your list: Begin building your college list (or continue refining it if you’ve already started).

March – April

• Narrow your list: Continue researching and narrowing down your list of schools.

May

• Take AP exams: Prepare for AP exams to show colleges your mastery of advanced coursework. Join SPP’s AP review sessions for the extra prep to excel on your AP Exams!

June

• Start college apps: With AP classes wrapped up, use any free time to start early work on college applications.

Senior Year:

June – July

• Write your biggest essay: Begin writing your personal statement. Aim to have a strong draft by the end of July. Attend SPP’s Personal Statement Launch Workshop to make real progress on your essay in just one day.

• Finalize your list: Narrow down your list to your top reach, attainable, and safety schools.

August

• Start the Common App: Add schools to the Common App and begin filling out your information.

• Write your supplemental essays: Begin working on supplemental essays for each college.

September – October

• Finalize your apps: Continue polishing essays and completing applications.

• Apply for financial aid: FAFSA application opens October 1st and is awared on a first-come, first-served basis

• Keep your grades up: Don’t forget SPP’s Final Review Sessions are here to help you succeed at finals week!

November

• Submit your applications: CONGRATS! You did it!!

December-March

• Don’t let ‘Senioritis’ set in: Remember SPP’s Learning Lounge gives you access to a subject matter expert so you can ask questions about your homework!

March-April

• Acceptance letters arrive: Time to start making your decisions!

May

• Pick your college: Regular decision date for most colleges is May 1st

• Take AP exams: Earn college credit with a 3, 4, or 5 on your AP Test. Join SPP’s AP review sessions for the extra practice and confidence you’ll need on test day!

June

• Get Financial Aid: If you haven’t already, apply for FAFSA as the deadline is June 30th

July-August

• Plan for College: College is a big leap; we help students land on their feet! SPP’s College Success program supports students through the transition into adulthood without letting their academics slip.

• Check out SPP’s Success in College Blog for packing lists, important conversations to have before college, and how 30% of college freshman don’t come back for their sophomore year.

By starting early and pacing yourself throughout the year, you’ll reduce stress and head into senior year with confidence. At Seven Points Prep, we help students stay on track with timelines like this, while also providing personalized guidance on essays, applications, and test prep.

Ready to get started?

Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our college admissions experts or visit our college admissions counseling spage to learn how we can support your college journey!

Head back to our College Admissions Counseling (CAC) Blog for more content related to College Admissions and SAT/ ACT test prep.

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.