Deciding on When to Take SATs

Okay, so totally stressed but... when should I really be taking my SATs? And just out of curiosity, do people usually take them more than once? Insight, anyone?

I understand your concerns, it can indeed be a bit stressful. Let's break it down. The SATs are usually taken during your junior (11th grade) and/or the first half of your senior year (12th grade) of high school.

When exactly you take the test depends on when you feel ready. You could consider taking it in the spring of your junior year. This gives you a chance to sit for the exam, get your scores, and assess your performance while still having enough time to study and retake the test in the fall of your senior year if necessary.

And to address your other question - yes, many students do take the SAT more than once. In fact, data suggests that students who take the test a second time typically see an improvement in their scores. Remember, the key here is to use the interim period for focused studying or test prep, pinpointing your weak areas from the first attempt.

Just make sure to plan these efforts and leave enough time to meet college application deadlines. And remember to use the resources available to you for preparation - looking at sample questions, taking full-length practice tests, joining prep courses if that’s feasible, and perhaps preparing through the Bluebook™ app which is an official resource.

Remember, nobody expects you to ace the SAT in your first attempt. Taking the test more than once is a common strategy and can help boost your scores. Don't stress out too much and rather focus on consistent preparation. Good luck!