SAT Testing - How to Take Action & Do Your BEST

The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.  That doesn't mean only juniors and seniors need to be thinking about the SAT!  Freshman to senior...all students in high school can take action when it comes to the SAT test to ensure they do their best.

What can I do to plan and take action?  Below is a guide to help you:

High School Freshman

Learn about the SAT Subject Tests

Although most students take SAT Subject Tests beginning in their junior year, there are some tests that you should take as soon as possible after taking the subjects — courses, for example: World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry and Physics.

High School Sophomores

Ask if the PSAT/NMSQT® is offered to 10th-graders

While it’s usually given in the 11th grade, the PSAT/NMSQT is also often offered in the 10th grade. By taking it this year, you’ll receive a score report to help you improve your performance on next year’s exams.

Think about taking the SAT Subject Tests

Are you taking any courses this year that are related to an SAT Subject Test? For some subjects, it’s best to take those exams at the end of the year, while the material is still fresh in your mind.

High School Juniors

Take the PSAT/NMSQT

Sign up for the test, which is given in October. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is the best way to get ready for the SAT.

Plan for spring tests

You can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day. Plan your testing schedule carefully if you want to take both types of tests.

Get ready for the SAT

• Visit the SAT Practice section to take free practice questions and a free full-length official practice test.
• Be sure to sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day for daily practice.
• Use the access code on your PSAT/NMSQT score report to sign into My College Quickstart. With this personalized planning kit, you can prepare for the SAT using a study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT results.

Get ready for the SAT Subject Tests

• Visit the SAT Subject Tests Practice section to get free practice questions and answer explanations for all 20 tests.

Take the SAT

Send scores to colleges and scholarship programs

If you know which schools you'd like to receive your scores, then consider sending them in the spring of your junior year. Colleges see this as a sign of interest and may use scores to qualify you for special campus visits programs, information sessions in your hometown or for scholarships.

High School Seniors

Take the SAT again?

If you plan on taking the SAT again, the beginning of senior year is the best time. Research shows that students who take the SAT a second time usually improve their score.

Improve your performance

• Use My SAT Online Score Report to review your strengths and areas for improvement
• Visit SAT Skills Insight to understand the skills needed to take you to the next level
• Visit the SAT Practice section and be sure to sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day for daily practice.

Take SAT Subject Tests™

 If you continue to study the subject and take the test again, your score should reflect your increased knowledge.

Send scores to colleges and scholarship programs

Many colleges and universities have application deadlines in December or January of your senior year. If you haven’t sent your scores to any institutions or if you would like to send more score reports, now is the time.

Great Resource for More Information:

The information provided here is from the College Board.  For more information, visit their website.