When to take the SAT — looking for advice

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about taking the SAT. When is a good time to take it and what factors should I consider when scheduling it? Thanks!

Hello! It's wise of you to start thinking about the SAT early. I'll provide some general guidelines that can help you plan when to take the test, keeping in mind that everyone's situation will be different.

1. Familiarize yourself with the SAT test dates: Each year, the College Board offers several SAT test dates that you can select from. Look at the test dates for your junior and senior years, and make sure to note registration deadlines to ensure you have enough time to register.

2. Consider your academic schedule: It's crucial to consider your current and future academic workload. Ideally, select a test date when you feel your coursework will be manageable and you can dedicate adequate preparation time to the SAT. Avoid scheduling the test during periods of high academic stress such as midterms or finals.

3. Allow time for test retakes: Many students take the SAT more than once to improve their scores. By taking the test for the first time in the spring of your junior year, you'll have the opportunity to retake it in the summer or fall of your senior year if necessary.

4. Plan around extracurricular activities and personal commitments: Take into account your extracurricular activities and personal commitments when scheduling your SAT. You'll want to avoid times when you have important events, competitions, or performances that could interfere with your preparation.

5. Factor in college application deadlines: Keep in mind that your scores need to be ready for college application deadlines. It's ideal to have your highest score by the time you apply in the fall of your senior year. This way, you can ensure that your scores will be available before Early Action (EA)/Early Decision (ED) deadlines in November and Regular Decision deadlines in January.

Based on these guidelines, a good starting point for most students is to take the SAT for the first time between March and June of their junior year. This gives you plenty of time to prepare, retake the test if needed, and have your scores ready for college applications. Ultimately, though, you'll want to choose the SAT test date that best aligns with your individual circumstances and commitments. Good luck!