<p>As a rising junior, I'm thinking about just registering for the October sitting of the SAT and getting it over wtih. This summer I took a few practice tests from the online course offered by the College Board and got very good scores on all of them. In my mind, taking it in October would allow me to prepare for the PSAT and SAT more or less at the same time and, of course, it would be nice to have it over and done with.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if there is a disadvantage to this approach? Do colleges have any preference as to when you should take your SATs? I'd appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>It doesn't really matter. They don't care if you took it in freshman year and got a 2100 or a 2100 on the last testing session offered. You got a 2100. </p>
<p>I would take it when you feel prepared and ready.</p>
<p>If you really did well on the practice tests, that should be a relatively good indication of how you'll do on the real one. If you're satisfied with those scores, then go for it. You could always take it again if you don't do as well as you'd hope.</p>
<p>Your strategy is very good as it allows time in the spring for you to retake the SAT if necessary. And if not, you're all done and can concentrate on AP's and Subject tests in the spring. You're right about studying for the PSAT & SAT at the same time. The main differences between the two are length, the essay and a little harder math on the SAT.</p>
<p>I took them in December of my junior year, then again in June. Since you're planning on taking them again, stop studying. Just go in there in October without much prep for a few months, and see what you can pull. Then you've got over 6 months to study for another one.</p>