Hey guys, I'm a bit confused about the whole timing for the SAT. I've overheard seniors talking about it but haven't been able to get a clear answer from them. When should I ideally take the SATs as a junior? Any insights?
Usually, high school students take their first SAT in the spring of their junior year. This schedule gives you enough time to fully prepare for the test, and also leaves plenty of room for retakes in the summer or fall of your senior year if you feel you can improve your score.
Before you register for a test, consider your academic and extracurricular commitments. You don’t want to be preparing for the SAT while also studying for finals, AP exams, or dealing with significant extracurricular responsibilities like a big performance or the end of a sports season. Also, it’s important to remember that as of 2024, the SAT went fully digital and the total test duration is now around 134 minutes.
Finally, make sure to plan your test dates in relation to your college application deadlines. You want your scores back in time for your earliest applications if you're planning on submitting them. In most cases, for an Early Decision or Early Action application in November, an August or October SAT test date will allow your scores to arrive in time.
Remember, the most important thing is to ensure you have ample time to prepare for the SAT. Success on these tests is about understanding the content and being familiar with the structure and timing, all of which comes from systematic and steady preparation. So pick a date that complements your preparation schedule and commitments.
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