<p>Aside from the obvious (studying and timing for college applications), is there a benefit (of higher score) to taking the test in January, for example, as opposed to the summer or fall dates?</p>
<p>Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>Not really…</p>
<p>What about the curve? D2 got hurt badly in the October curve. She would have scored much higher without it. Any strategies for minimizing the impact of the curve?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>The curve is based on the test administered, not the test date.</p>
<p>This has been discussed and debated many times. The simple answer is no it does not make a difference which date you take it. It is a standardized test, so the curve is meant to compensate for any differences in difficulty from test to test. If there is a difference between test dates it is way too slight to pick a certain test date because you think it is “easier.”</p>
<p>This thread has some interesting information, you may want to check it out:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1369016-any-months-sat-curve-easier-mini-study-answer.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1369016-any-months-sat-curve-easier-mini-study-answer.html</a></p>
<p>october tends to yield the most 2400s at my school - but that’s only because the kids that prep during summer (which is pretty much everyone) take it then</p>
<p>Honestly, if you’re counting on the slight fluctuation in curves between the different test dates to get a good score you’re not going about it the right way.</p>
<p>The best date is the one that fits best into your schedule. Consider the time commitments you have re your ECs, etc. Also, you should be sure that you have completed your Algebra and Geometry, and that your knowledge is fresh. One benefit to sitting for the exam earlier, rather than later, is that there may be less pressure because you know that you will have plenty of opportunities to retake before apps are due. Best of luck.</p>
<p>I agree with glido’s post above both in terms of fitting in student’s own schedule AND eliminating the pressure that could arise from running out of test dates before apps are due.</p>
<p>Our guidance dept suggests that all Jrs take their first test Jan of Jr year, but once you factor in the inevitable snow days (well, power outage days due to storms these past two years), the midterms end a day or two before the SAT, leaving the students more stressed than they need to be.</p>
<p>A lot of college-bound juniors I know take it in March, mainly because:
Jan-- nobody is thinking about it.
March-- people are starting to talk about college.
May-- AP test stress.
June-- Finals stress/Subject tests.</p>
<p>I know people who take it earlier/later, but March, for our school year and the way our academic calender is set up, seems to work well.</p>
<p>But…
Don’t ya feel that some tests come WAAAAYY harder than others?? like cr for example… IN nov 2012, one section had 2 paired psgs, 2 small psgs (which i think were also paired), AND yet another psg! SERIOUSLY?! that freaked me out… I also got a waaay lower score in Math as well than i usually used to get in past cc tests from online course and so on… 
</p>
<p>Soo… I don’t know but… I myself am stressing over this sorta… Since last year’s Jan was cancelled in my country cuz of cheating, we all have this feeling this one wud be hard 
(I’m taking in Jan :/)</p>
<p>Maybe it’s stupid to think so…
But finding some tests harder than others, I find very understandable
Again… Just do your best and THAT’S IT! (a paradox coming outa me, but u know…)</p>
<p>I would figure January or October probably have more prepared people taking the test, if that affects the curve.</p>
<p>curves are predetermined from what i hear…so its irrelevant when to take it apart from personal reasons as mentioned above</p>
<p>ALL the data clearly shows that while of course some tests are tougher than others (which is reflected in their curves), no month is reliably harder or easier than any other. This isn’t even a matter of debate; it’s fact.</p>
<p>I am freaking out tho… cuz last year’s Jan got cancelled… It’s like we’re all afraid of this one over here, just a psychological thing (at least I hope so :/)… like cc is gonna take revenge or sth, ya know…</p>
<p>well, if facts can’t calm your “freaking out,” then nothing will. irrational panic is irrational.</p>
<p>^ ehem, thanks bro… really put my hopes high ya know… -_-"
But yeh, i guess, it’s just that all ur “facts” didn’t get me anywhere when Nov 2012’s was tougher than any other cc test I ever took… My scores went down BIG time in that one… and yes i found it all in all waaaay harder than other ones, so am talking outa experience sorta…
Hope that what ur saying would count in Jan tho…</p>
<p>yes nov was hard but u shouldn’t put that in ur mind .
it will only cause u to score low :@
just think that it will be easy ( although it may not ) but that inner motivation would push u on higher scores :D</p>
<p>^hahahaahha… Thanks… will do (ehem try, at least :P)</p>