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Noah
Student
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
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What is the best time to take the SAT?
Is it easier to get a higher score during certain months? For example, I imagine many people taking the test in August will have just completed some sort of summer bootcamp, which would make it more difficult to do well for those who didn’t (assuming more people who take it are more prepared and therefore do better).
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT
Whether you need to take the SAT depends on the admission requirements of the colleges or universities you’re applying to. Some institutions have adopted test-optional policies, especially in recent years. Even if your school doesn’t require test scores, submitting a strong SAT score can enhance your application by:
• Demonstrating your academic preparedness.
• Eligible for certain merit-based scholarships.
• Showing that you meet the prerequisites for specific programs or honors colleges.
WHEN TO TAKE THE SAT
It's a good idea to take the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year. This will give you time to take it again in the fall of your senior year. Be sure to confirm the last possible date you can take the test with the colleges you are applying to. The SAT is given 7 times per year: January, April, May, June, October, November and December.
WHAT'S A GOOD SAT SCORE
Generally, you want at least a 1000 for any four-year college, at least a 1200 for higher tier schools, and at least a 1400 for an Ivy League. However, every school is different, and the best idea to figure out what a good SAT score is for the college of your dreams is to Google search [college name] class profile and look at the range of scores for the most recently admitted class.
SAT HAS GONE DIGITAL
As of 2024, the SAT has gone digital, but is still taken at testing centers and schools. Here's what you can expect on the digital exam. The SAT is taken on a laptop or tablet. Students without a laptop or tablet can request one from College Board. You must do so at least 30 days prior to your exam date:
• The exam is now shorter, at around 2 hours.
• Reading passages have been reduced.
• Calculators can be used for the math section.
COST TO TAKE THE SAT
It costs $68 to register for the SAT. There’s an additional $30 fee for late registration, an additional $25 fee to either change your testing center or cancel your registration altogether, and an additional $35 fee to cancel your registration after the cancellation deadline.
Whether you need to take the SAT depends on the admission requirements of the colleges or universities you’re applying to. Some institutions have adopted test-optional policies, especially in recent years. Even if your school doesn’t require test scores, submitting a strong SAT score can enhance your application by:
• Demonstrating your academic preparedness.
• Eligible for certain merit-based scholarships.
• Showing that you meet the prerequisites for specific programs or honors colleges.
WHEN TO TAKE THE SAT
It's a good idea to take the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year. This will give you time to take it again in the fall of your senior year. Be sure to confirm the last possible date you can take the test with the colleges you are applying to. The SAT is given 7 times per year: January, April, May, June, October, November and December.
WHAT'S A GOOD SAT SCORE
Generally, you want at least a 1000 for any four-year college, at least a 1200 for higher tier schools, and at least a 1400 for an Ivy League. However, every school is different, and the best idea to figure out what a good SAT score is for the college of your dreams is to Google search [college name] class profile and look at the range of scores for the most recently admitted class.
SAT HAS GONE DIGITAL
As of 2024, the SAT has gone digital, but is still taken at testing centers and schools. Here's what you can expect on the digital exam. The SAT is taken on a laptop or tablet. Students without a laptop or tablet can request one from College Board. You must do so at least 30 days prior to your exam date:
• The exam is now shorter, at around 2 hours.
• Reading passages have been reduced.
• Calculators can be used for the math section.
COST TO TAKE THE SAT
It costs $68 to register for the SAT. There’s an additional $30 fee for late registration, an additional $25 fee to either change your testing center or cancel your registration altogether, and an additional $35 fee to cancel your registration after the cancellation deadline.