Do Seniors Take the SAT?

Hey guys, I've been hearing conflicting information on this. Do high school seniors generally take the SAT during their senior year? If so, when should I plan to take the SAT in my senior year to ensure colleges receive my scores by application deadlines? Thanks!

Yes, high school seniors can and sometimes do take the SAT during their senior year. However, ideally, you should have completed your SAT testing by the end of your junior year to allow ample time for score reporting and to show that you have been proactive in your college planning journey. That being said, seniors who still want to improve their scores often take the SAT in the fall, usually in August, September, or October.

Taking the SAT early in your senior year allows time for you to receive your scores and for the colleges to receive the scores before application deadlines. When selecting a test date, keep in mind that score reports are typically sent about 2-4 weeks after the test date.

Also, consider the application deadlines for Regular Decision, Early Action, or Early Decision, as well as other components such as your school work, extracurricular activities, and college essay writing when planning your SAT testing schedule.

Remember that some colleges have gone test-optional and no longer require SAT or ACT scores, while others are still requiring them. It's best to research the specific colleges on your list to see what their current standardized testing policies are. Good luck!