When is the best time to take SAT for the first time?

<p>Is taking SAT Spring of junior year more advantageous compared to Fall or Winter? In the fall, students had summer to study for, in spring they had almost a year to learn more at school. What are the pros and cons in your experience?</p>

<p>I took it for the first time on June 5th after about 5 months of extensive preparation, but looking back I wish I had taken it earlier, like in May. If I don’t get the results I need, I’ll have to take it again in October, leaving less time for subject tests. Basically, if I were you (and depending on how many AP’s you take) I would take it on May 1st. Good luck :)</p>

<p>What would you say about taking tests in the fall or winter of junior year?</p>

<p>Well, speaking from experience, take them relatively early if you can. I first took it the May of Sophomore year. The proctor cut one of the sections short, so this gave me ample time to retake it. I took it in November and got a 2220, and had enough time to take it one more time last may and get a 2330. Also, I was able to sprinkle in 4 subject tests in that time.</p>

<p>Summary: Starting early can’t hurt, unless you plan on getting only 1 2400 to make colleges think you’re legit.</p>

<p>My goal was to be finished testing by my junior year, leaving my senior year for applications and for emergency testing if necessary. I took the SAT in my junior year’s December and April (or May? maybe June… I took the Subject Tests too).</p>

<p>The sooner the better! This gives you plenty of time to retake if you want to improve your scores. And like applicannot said, if you get the scores you want earlier, that leaves more time to focus on EVERYTHING else you have to be stressed about senior year (applications, interviews, etc.).</p>

<p>Best time to take it is in the fall of the Junior year, as close to the PSAT as possible. Then the study time does double duty.</p>

<p>^That is my plan! DOuble duty. Killing two birds w/ one stone!</p>

<p>In general, earlier is better – gives more time for retakes. January is good because you can order QAS which is especially nice when it’s your first test and you want to see what you need to work on.</p>

<p>I think sophomore year is too early. Early junior year is what i recommend. Gives you plenty of times for retakes. You don’t want to take it too many times though, it looks shady to colleges.</p>

<p>^ I think at least one take in your sophomore year couldn’t hurt.</p>

<p>I’d like to know, too, haha. I plan on taking the SAT for the first time in May/June of my sophomore year. I’ll have just finished Algebra II, and I figure I best not let the math fade from my mind…</p>

<p>Is October of Junior Year a good time? That’s my plan right now… study like crazy and kill the SAT and PSAT early in the year :)</p>

<p>Oct Junior year is good. Should have plenty of time to study in the summer and that will help the PSAT too. If you get a good score, then you can move on. Otherwise, lots of chances to retake.</p>

<p>Alright I think I will register soon haha</p>

<p>I agree that sophomore year is too early. Firstly, there’s the PSAT - just take that. Secondly, studies show your scores will increase each year. Not to mention, you could always self-proctor an exam for yourself in your sophomore year.</p>

<p>I personally recommend taking it january junior year for the first time; this allows you some time to practice the SAT essay and get the january QAS; then take it may or june the second time
At least that’s what I did and it worked out great.</p>

<p>I took mine in December of Junior year - probably would have taken it in November but I had a conflict. Regardless, take it when you are ready - if you have studied for the PSAT then you should probably be fine for the SAT (though you yourself should gauge your readiness). Don’t take it early though for the sake of having a score to work off of - you want to have your best score, and you want to have it as quickly as possible, because junior year there are obviously lots of things going on and to take the SAT load off early is important.</p>