When Should I Take the SAT for the First Time?

I'm wondering when would be an optimal time to take the SAT for the first time? Is it better to get it out of the way earlier in junior year or would it make more sense to wait until I've finished more coursework? I'm not sure what's best and would love some informed opinions.

Planning when to take your first SAT can be crucial to your study plan and potentially your scores. A common suggestion is to take your first SAT in the spring of your junior year. By this time, you likely would have covered most of the necessary material in your regular school coursework, particularly in math.

Taking the test in the spring also provides you with time to retake the test if you are not satisfied with your initial scores. Notably, many students find they perform better on their second or third attempt after familiarizing themselves with the test format and gaining a better understanding of their personal strengths and weaknesses.

Be sure to leave enough time for revising and retesting before your college application deadlines. Typically, applications for Early Decision or Early Action are due in November of your senior year. Regular Decision deadlines are usually in January or February; however, specifics can vary from school to school, so be sure to confirm those deadlines.

Finally, it's good to take the time to create a robust study plan that gives you enough time to prepare effectively. Make sure to take into account your other responsibilities, like schoolwork, extracurriculars, and any additional standardized tests you may be considering, such as AP exams. Context-specific needs and circumstances should always be considered in these decisions.