When do you take the SATs?

I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about the SATs. I'm not entirely sure when people usually take the SAT for the first time. Should I aim to take it in the spring, or is it better to wait until senior fall?

Most students aim to take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. This ensures that you have learned most of the academic content covered on the exam in your high school classes. Additionally, taking the SAT in the spring provides you with enough time to receive your scores, assess your performance, and determine if you need to retake the exam.

You could then retake the SAT in the summer between your junior and senior year or in the fall of your senior year if needed. This way, you'll have the chance to improve your scores before most college application deadlines, which typically are in the late fall or winter of your senior year.

Remember that it's important to start preparing for the SAT well in advance of your test date, as a solid study strategy can greatly improve your performance. It's also useful to take a few practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. Tools like the Bluebook™ app can provide a preview of what the digital SAT will look like and offer a full-length practice test.

Also, the SAT is fully digital now which you have to take while physically at a school or testing center.