Standardized tests like SAT/ACT measure general math/english knowledge gathered all throughout high school. I don't see a lot of value taking it too early in h.s. since your son/daughter probably hasn't yet had the more advanced math courses. If your child is only a mediocre student, spending money for SAT/ACT tutors will probably yield minimal improvements. Tips/tricks/practice tests/coaching aren't going to suddenly make an average student get amazing SAT/ACT scores, regardless of the sales pitch given by those selling such services.
I strongly disagree with this.
4 kids here. All took the ACT in 7th grade through Duke Tips. Didn't expect them to do outstanding on the test, but I did want them to take the test to see what the test is like and to know that they would need to pay attention in their classes as they went along through the next 4 years. The each scored at least a 20--not bad for a 7th grader to get a baseline and experience taking the test that would be required of them later in high school. It also helped them to know that mom and dad were not just blowing smoke about needing to get good grades and to study and take harder classes.
Fast forward to Sophomore year. We had each of them to take the ACT again to get a feel for what they knew and had learned and for the teen to understand his/her weaknesses and be able to schedule the needed classes and pay attention in those classes that they were weak in.
By mid Junior year, the kids began to take the test with some seriousness. DD is a junior now. She knows that English and Language are her stronger suits. Math not as strong. She also has a friend whose strength is math. They and another peer studied for the ACT in October. And tutored each other during that session in the areas that they were weak in. DD is behind on some of her high school math courses (just did not get the classes on her schedule until this year), but all 3 of them improved their scores well into the 30s. They are each now eligible for serious merit aid at the schools they are interested in. They also have a young male teacher who is hosting tutoring sessions after school for the standardized tests. By the looks of the scores, it's paying off. Also, DD had an amazing orthodontist who gives back to the kids by hosting ACT prep workshops free to current and former patients. DD took advantage of that as well. All tutoring and studying was free.
DD took the PSAT last year to understand what it was like. This summer she took the SAT and got her score. She then knew her weaknesses and the same kids studied together for the PSAT. Their scores (and there is only one shot at a good PSAT score-the test in October of junior year) are each a few points above our state's last year cut off for national merit. So the prospects of National Merit Semifinalist look pretty good-again--merit $ at schools they choose to go to.
So with some studying and taking a few ACT and PSAT tests, DD will save us several thousands of dollars.
I know this because my oldest three followed similar paths and have completed a total of 11 years of school with very little out of our pockets. Oldest has his masters with no debt. DS #2 is in year 4 of his program. Again, no debt. DS #3 is in year 2. When these 3 received their scholarship letters, the schools said the value of the scholarships for room, board, tuition and some returned to my kids in their pockets was over $40,000 each. I don't know anywhere where the return on investment can compare.