<p>I think it depends on the kid. My D took the SAT for the first time in January without any practice and did very well. Took it again in June “for real” and had a significantly lower score. Why? 1) she was tired out from studying for AP tests, an insane extra-curricular schedule and studying for NYS Regents exams. 2) she suffers from test anxiety. She was well rested and relaxed going into the test in January because “it didn’t count.” She decided twice was enough and used her January results in her applications.</p>