Disclosed herein are methods of processing 7xxx aluminum alloys using a rapid pre-aging step, along with alloys prepared according to the methods. The aluminum alloy products described herein have high strength when subjected to a rapid pre-aging step, as described above, and subsequent thermal treatment, such as paint baking or coating. The alloys prepared and processed according to the methods described herein can be used, for example, in automotive, transportation, electronics, and industrial applications.