When is the best time to take the SAT? | SAT Test Dates 2025

Though the college board suggests that students take the SAT for the first time during the Spring Semester of 11th grade, we are going to give a timeline that starts at the end of 10th grade. That is, the fall semester of 11th grade. The math section of the SAT tests Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a little Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus. The exam has 4 content sections for math:

1. Heart of Algebra:

2. Passport to Advanced Math:

3. Problem Solving and Data Analysis

4. Additional Topics

When should you take the SAT for the first time?

Typically, students will see most of these topics by the end of 10th grade. As such, we suggest taking the SAT for the first time, August, the start of junior year. Hiring someone to prepare you for the first attempt is optional. The first attempt is usually to help you get over the first time “jitters” as well as give you a starting point of where you are and how much you need to prepare for future attempts.

When should you retake the SAT?

If you take the SAT for the first time and score well (1300 or higher), you may choose not to retake it. However, most students decide to take the SAT more than once and that is okay! The perfect time to take the SAT for the second time is the Spring of your junior year. We recommend March since you can order your test score breakdown for that test date. Ordering your test score ,breakdown is a great way to see what areas you need to improve on, IF, you choose to take the exam a third time.

Is three times too many to take the SAT?

Although it is not a bad thing to take the SAT more than three times, you should aim to take the exam a maximum of three times. The good thing about taking the SAT multiple times is you can super score. Super score means that the college board will take the highest score for each section for each of your exams. We recommend taking the third attempt at the SAT exam the August of your senior year. At this point, we hope that you have prepared enough to gain your dream score. Also, getting all attempts completed by the beginning of your junior year, gives you the opportunity to focus on college applications the first semester of your senior year.

So, when is the best time to take the SAT?

All of our students who have scored above the 95th percentile on the SAT agree that you will need to set aside two to three hours per day to commit to studying. It would be ideal if you are able to clear your schedule and shave off some of the extracurricular activities you may have. That would be the perfect time to take the SAT!

SAT Test Dates 2025

March 8, 2025

May 3, 2025

June 7, 2025

Anticipated

August 23, 2025

September 13, 2025

October 4, 2025

November 8, 2025

December 6, 2025

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