How To Schedule for the SAT
Dear College Made Simple reader,
Families are often surprised at how quickly students have to plan for the SAT.
In fact, if they wait until senior year, they could be in real trouble.
After all – the first time they take the test will often not be their best. Many colleges require SAT II subject tests – and those happen the same day as the regular SATs – you can’t do both together.
Add to that the fact that there are only seven test dates every year – with the dates coming in clumps, making it difficult to hit them all.
That’s why scheduling for the SAT is so important. Today, I’ll go over an SAT schedule that works well for many students.
-Scott
How To Schedule For The SAT
1: The PSAT
Most schools only look at a student’s best SAT scores – though some may look at previous, lower scores. This most often happens when your best section scores are from different tests, so schools can see lower sections as well.
For this reason, it’s always a good idea to take a practice test before taking the real thing. While most schools don’t hold an off SAT section against you, none will count a bad PSAT score. So, it’s always good to get the jitters out, and learn the pacing and instructions of the SAT with a practice test.
The best time to take the PSAT is in the fall of junior year. If a student can take it earlier, all the better – though scores will likely be better with more schooling under a student’s belt. The general rule is, each year of school is worth about 100 points on the SAT – so feel free to inflate the scores you receive if you take the PSAT as an underclassman.
2: The SAT
As we’ve noted, the more schooling a student has had, the better a score is likely to be. However, one has to leave time to retake the exam if scores are unsatisfactory – and leave time to take SAT II exams as well.
Balancing all this, early in the spring of junior year is the most common – and best – time to take an SAT. This year, there are tests in January, March, and May.
Should that score be low, there’s always a summer test period as well – this year, in early June. Please note – if you’ve taken your SAT in May, you won’t have the results before the registration deadline for the June test (registrations are due about a month before test dates, with late registration available (for a fee) as soon as two weeks before tests).
In general, you might do better scheduling you SAT in January or March – so you’ll have an idea what your score is (assuming your score is available), and can schedule a retest in the summer or fall of senior year.
In Part 2 of our report, How To Schedule for the SAT, we’ll review the SAT II, including a sound timing strategy that can help ensure you get the best possible scores off to your desired colleges.
To your college funding & admissions success,
Scott Weingold
Co-Founder, College Planning Network LLC
Publisher, CollegeMadeSimple.com – The free educational resource of College Planning Network
Related Articles:
How to Schedule for the SAT: Part 2- the “SAT II’s”
The Fee Waiver: How to Avoid SAT and Application Fees
5 Proven Ways to Increase the SAT Score
