As a sophomore, should I take the SAT early?

I know juniors and seniors usually take the SAT, but is it a wise idea for a sophomore to give it a go? Just wondering if it might give me a head start or should I wait until I’m a junior?

It's perfectly acceptable for a sophomore to take the SAT if they're ready, especially to assess where they stand. But keep in mind, most students test in their junior year or early senior year because they have completed more of the high school curriculum that the SAT covers, particularly in math and critical reading. If you've already covered most of the necessary material and feel confident, it could be helpful to try taking it early to get a feel for it or get it out of the way early on. However, it's important not to rush into it without being prepared because a lower-than-expected score might discourage you.

If you do choose to take it now, remember, you can take it again later when you've had more instruction and preparation. Meanwhile, use tools like Khan Academy for SAT practice—it's free and tailored to help you based on your PSAT scores or practice SAT results. This strategy allows you to improve over time, potentially leading to a higher score when you take the SAT during your junior year.