Question for peeps who've already done this--is scheduling an SAT for May of my junior year a solid plan? I'm trying to leave some room just in case I need a retake. Thoughts on this timing in terms of college application deadlines?
Absolutely, scheduling an SAT for May of your junior year is a wise strategy. It positions you well before application season kicks off in the fall of your senior year. If you get the score you're aiming for, fantastic – you can shift your focus to other parts of your application. If not, you have plenty of time for a retake, possibly in August or October.
If you do decide to retake, it's also nice to have the summer to prepare, since that tends to be a less hectic time for students. Remember to register early for a retake slot since these can fill up quickly, especially early in the fall of your senior year. You also want to be mindful of Early Decision/Early Action deadlines, to be sure you've received a score you're satisfied with by then.
Overall, a May test date will give you plenty of flexibility in your testing and overall college journey—well done putting together such a strong plan! You'll be in great shape if you apply this thoughtfulness to the rest of your college prep, and good luck on test day!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.