When you should take the SAT
College entrance exams are key milestones in your journey to college. Many students grapple with the timing of their SAT attempt. Opinions vary: some advocate for taking the SAT early to get it out of the way, while others prefer waiting until the last moment, believing they’ll have accumulated more knowledge and experience by then.
Here are some important factors to consider when deciding when to take the SAT
Highest level of Math in SAT
The SAT math includes
- Algebra
- Advanced Math
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
- Geometry and Trigonometry
Students cover all the math topics included in the SAT by the time they complete Algebra 2.
Highest reading level in SAT
The SAT reading includes
- Craft and Structure
- Information and Ideas
- Standard English Conventions
- Expression and Ideas
Most students cover the majority of reading and writing skills needed for the SAT by the time they enter high school.
Preparation for SAT
- Most students find it easier to recall specific details and edge cases close to the time of study. As time passes, although you may become wiser, you might need to revisit and repeat your studies, which may not be the most efficient or effective approach.
- Knowledge of the topics alone is not sufficient to ace the SAT. To solve all problems accurately within the allotted time, it is recommended to practice extensively in simulated conditions.
- Exams like the PSAT serve as a valuable barometer of your strengths and weaknesses. Taking the PSAT in your sophomore year can help identify areas that need improvement.
Balancing academic demands
- Most students become eligible for challenging AP courses. It’s important to consider how many AP classes you plan to take to make your college application stand out.
- During the summer break after junior year, students often plan to catch up on achievements, internships, and part-time jobs.
- Many students enroll in dual enrollment courses during their junior year to boost their GPA. Most colleges require an SAT score for dual enrollment eligibility
Strategy in the nutshell
- The ideal time to take the SAT is after completing Algebra 2.
- You should prepare for six months, dedicating the last four weeks solely to simulated tests.
- t’s recommended to take the exam towards the end of the summer break, allowing you to focus on studies without the pressure of regular academic coursework.
- For accelerated students, this would be during the summer break after sophomore year, which allows them to take more AP courses and dual enrollment classes in junior year to boost their GPA.
- For on-level students, the spring of junior year followed by the summer break would be the perfect time to take the SAT.
Additional considerations
- Students have the option to take the SAT multiple times and can combine their highest section scores across different test dates to create a superscore.
- However, some top-tier colleges require you to submit scores for all your SAT attempts, which may reflect negatively if you have too many low scores.
Recommendation from GURU
Achieving high score in the SAT can be tough. If you have achieved a good score on the first attempt, you should consider taking a second attempt right away to improve your score. On the other hand, if your score was lower than expected, it’s best to take a break, focus on your weaknesses, and then try again after preparation.
