Best SAT Test Date

"My counselor told me to take the SAT in March of my Junior year." If I hear another counselor argue that the March SAT is the best test date for all students, I'll scream . Why March? After one semester of Pre-Calculus are you better prepared for questions about integers? Probably, the opposite. Is it better to start SAT prep during the winter holidays? Is it easier to manage 3 AP classes, high school soccer, and SAT prep in the months before the March test?

We encourage our students to begin prep in the Summer before 11th grade. Although practice test scores will largely dictate when a student is ready to take a live exam, we generally target the November or December SAT. This provides our students with three major advantages. One, our students experience less stress because the bulk of prep takes place during the Summer. This means a few less hours on the beach, of course. Two, high scoring students increase their chances of earning a National Merit Scholarship on the PSAT in October. Three, our students can focus on extracurriculars in the second part of 11th grade.

So, as you pick the right SAT test date, evaluate the months leading up to the test. Will you be playing a sport? Will you be in the school play? Is your family vacationing for 3 weeks? Only YOU can pick the best test date.