<p>Although I haven't even bought prep materials yet, I'm planning on starting to study for the SAT this summer like most rising juniors. </p>
<p>But I have no idea when I should even take the test.</p>
<p>When is everyone else going to take it? And how are you prepping?</p>
<p>I plan on taking it in January, that way I can study over winter break and have it somewhat fresh in my mind for the test. I just bought Barron’s Hot Words for the SAT which is okay, but a lot of the words are pretty basic/ones I’ve already learned in English class. I ordered Direct Hits Core Vocab and I plan to get the Toughest Vocab edition as well and the Blue Book. I also ordered Erica Meltzer’s “The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar” for the Writing Section. So far I’ve been doing about 15-20 minutes each day reviewing some vocab or math skills I need work on.</p>
<p>I’m registered for the November test and I have a shelf-full of SAT prep books. I think I will mainly focus on Barron and College Board’s prep books. I plan on studying grammar and vocab as well as taking a ton of practice tests. >.< This is going to hurt. I’m also waiting for my ACT scores meehhhhh!!! :(</p>
<p>hey, I just finished my junior year, and I can give you guys some advice. First off, I recommend not studying for the first time, just so you can see where you stand (and also as a wake up call, if you don’t do so well- this worked for me, I scored only a 1980 which was not near my potential, without studying, so for the 3 weeks before the next exam, I studied my ass off, and raised it to a 2240), and then study your ass off for the next one. I think the first time you take it should be in either November or in January, but not both. Take one of those without studying, and then prepare for either the March, or May one. Then, you have time to take subject tests in May (which is good because it corresponds with your AP tests, so you will already be preparing) or in June. And also, if you feel that you can still do better, you have another opportunity in October to study even more and take the SAT again.</p>
<p>And BellLander, trust me, studying for 10 days over winter break won’t cut it. The SAT tests you more on how you think, than on what you know, so you probably should study for more time, at least 3 weeks in advance (but only if you’re really willing to spend time EVERYDAY studying and practicing), if not more.</p>
<p>@satman1111 Did you find it hard managing AP homework + studying/practicing? My only concern is finding time between homework and sports to actually study.</p>
<p>Januaryy 
I just need to work on my math a little if i want the score i intend on getting</p>
<p>I took the June SAT for real, now I’m hoping to see what I got.</p>
<p>if you really are determined to do well, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the time to practice and study. Like you, I had sports (swimming, as well as tennis), which were very time consuming, as well as 5 AP classes with homework, studying, etc, but I was so determined to do well, that I found the time. All you really need is a couple hours every other day to practice and do a test (though I did have an advantage because I was good at math, and only had to practice for critical reading and writing). Also, it’s not like you need to do an entire practice test everyday. Do a couple sections a day, and that’s just as good. I went through 10 practice tests in 3 weeks, doing a couple practice sections a day, and brought my cr up 90 points to a 680, and writing up 180 points to an 800 with a 12 essay. </p>
<p>And finally, it’s not like you need to practice for the entire year before taking the SAT. I practiced a lot for 3 straight weeks, and I was good. So as long as you can manage your time well for 3 or 4 weeks, then you should be good.</p>
<p>October 2013. First time.</p>
<p>Also October 2013 first time.</p>
<p>scores just out, 2360 for me. m/cr/w 800/760/800</p>
<p>*** NOTE ***
DO NOT take the test without preparation. It is a very bad idea to take any test without preparation. You can get an estimate of your score range by practice test. Do not use a real test for practice. That would decrease your chance your college application.</p>
<p>Now to answer OP’s question. </p>
<p>You should thoroughly prepared for the test over the summer until you reach a plateau or at least your target score range. Then take the first test in November-January. Don’t forget that you will have PSAT in October. Hopefully, you should be done with it at your first attempt. If not, do a retake in March (or April) after some review in Spring/mid-winter break. Again, you should treat your retake (if you are retaking) as your final attempt.
Leave April-May for AP preparation and test. Also leave the June test for SAT2. Then you should have the whole Summer to prepare for school visitation, essay writing, and college application.</p>