When should you take the SAT?

There are many test dates throughout the year, but it is important to decide when exactly you should take the New SAT. A chart of SAT test dates can be found of course on the collegeboard's website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html, but I will make it clear when Juniors (11th graders) and Seniors (12th graders) should be taking the new SAT.


First of all, I recommend that students do not take the SAT before 11th grade, although feel free to take as many practice tests as you would like! During 11th grade, students should register for either the May of June SAT. What is typically done is a student will register for the May 3 2008 SAT, and will save the June 7th SAT for SAT subject tests. This is an especially good idea for students taking APs, since AP classes will not be done with material by the May 3rd SAT. Remember to register by the appropriate deadline or you will have to pay a late fee.

If however, these dates are unsuitable, then students must take the New SAT and SAT subject tests during 12th grade. The available test dates during 12th grade are: October 6, 2008, November 1, 2008, and December 6, 2008. This means if you are only taking the SAT and SAT subject tests a single time, you can avoid taking the exams on one of those test dates. I recommend you plan to take advantage of all 3 of these test dates however. Remember to plan ahead, and register to take the SAT before the deadlines pass, otherwise you have to pay the hefty $22 late fee!