Taking the SAT: What grade should I be in?

Hey y'all! I'm wondering when most students usually take the SAT. Should I aim to take it during my junior or senior year of high school? Is it better to take it a few times to improve my score? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hey there! Most students typically take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year, so around March or May. This allows them to have enough coursework under their belt to perform well on the test and gives them an opportunity to retake the test if needed.

Keep in mind that taking the test multiple times is not uncommon, and it can be a good strategy for improving your score. Many students find that they perform better on their second or third attempt since they become more familiar with the test format and can focus on areas in which they need improvement.

It's a good idea to begin preparing for the SAT during your sophomore year or early in your junior year, as this gives you ample time to study and practice. If you're aiming to apply early decision or early action to any colleges, you may want to consider taking the SAT during the fall of your senior year (around August or October) at the latest, as those deadlines usually fall in November.

By taking the SAT during the recommended timeframe, you'll have time to send your scores to colleges well in advance of regular decision deadlines, which often occur in January.

In summary, you should aim to take the SAT during the spring of your junior year and consider retaking it if needed. Start preparing early to ensure that you’re well equipped to perform your best when test day comes. Good luck!