For juniors and seniors in high school, finding the right time to take the SAT can be challenging, especially when factoring in schoolwork, studying, and extracurriculars. The SAT is a digital standardized test created by College Board to assess students’ readiness for college and provide opportunities for scholarships. Although many universities are currently test-optional, when SAT scores are not required on applications, countless students still spend an excessive amount of time preparing for this exam while also balancing other commitments. Junior Delia Kirkpatrick commented, “When I toured [the University of Rhode Island] URI, a test-optional school, they recommended that I not submit my SAT score because other applicants may have higher scores, which lowers my chance of getting approved for academic scholarships. I took the SAT early with the hope that it would increase my chances of standing out to colleges.”
Despite a majority of students being occupied with extracurricular activities, the SAT accommodates such schedules by offering seven exams per year. Since it is offered so frequently, College Board suggests “taking the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall before college application deadlines.” Therefore, taking the SAT during both junior and senior year is ideal.
A major factor determining when to take this exam relies heavily on one’s schedule. For example, if a student is constantly preoccupied with school sports, theatre, or other events, taking the SAT during the late spring or summer may allow for a higher test score than taking it during the jampacked school year. This is because school-related events begin to end, allowing for more time to prepare. Completing the SAT at various times throughout the year could greatly benefit those with relatively idle agendas. After finishing taking the tests throughout a year, one could examine his/her scores to determine which test produced the highest score. If a student finds the November SAT score to be the highest after taking it each season, he/she may choose to take another November SAT the following year.
Although no two SATs are identical, many questions revolve around similar ideas, including geometry, algebra, and grammar concepts. Topics seen in math class such as geometry, algebra, and Algebra 2 are commonly asked on the SAT, along with complex grammar and reading comprehension passages. Math teacher Maria Mantikas explained, “I think you need to know geometry concepts for the SAT, and Algebra 2 makes it easier, so I think kids should wait until they are at least midway through Algebra 2.” Mantikas also mentioned that math on the SAT is more complex than typical high school math, so taking it after completing those courses could improve one’s score.
The SAT is an assessment that requires a lot of studying and preparation. “I read somewhere that after the third time, you don’t really improve your score that much. On the other hand, if you super score your score, taking it more times could help. As far as when to take it, your score is based on who else is taking it at that time. I think many more people take it in May and October, so you are competing with all of them. I guess that could be good for you, depending on the type of student you are,” Mantikas added. Deciding when the right time to register for this exam can be just as challenging as the work that goes into preparing for it, but recognizing that everybody performs differently on the SAT helps narrow one’s decision down to just availability.
