SAT and ACT Timing

The stated purpose of the SAT and ACT are tests that colleges use to predict how well students will do in their freshman year in college. Whether or not it is an accurate predictor of performance is open for debate (clearly there are a host of other factors that contribute to freshman grades.)

The Practical Purpose of the SAT

The bottom line is that the SAT and ACT help colleges make application decisions. With thousands and thousands of applicants, the SAT or ACT score is a number that provides a quick comparison between two students. The good news is that most students can maximize their test scores by practicing test taking and problem solving strategies beforehand.

When Should Students Take the test?

Most students take their first shot at the SAT in the spring of their junior year. The March sitting is popular, because it is several months before exams and end of the year distractions. Taking this approach, students can then re-take the test in the fall of the senior year if they feel the need for a better score. I see an increasing number of students taking the test in March, and then taking it again in May or June. By taking this approach, these students would then have a third and final sitting in the fall of the senior year.

Can I take it Earlier?

Some students ask if they can take the SAT or SAT in the fall of their junior year. My answer is yes, as long as students feel comfortable with the Algebra 2 on the tests, and they feel they have the time to prepare. The junior year is an important year for grades, so students need to make sure they are doing well in their classes as well.

Scheduling is Important

SAT Subject tests are given on the same dates as the SAT. This means you must space out your SAT and your subject area tests so that you are well prepared for all the tests. This takes planning to time the tests for optimum performance. By the beginning of the junior year, parents should sit down with their students to work out a schedule for taking the SAT and subject area tests. See the article below for more information about the subject area tests.

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