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Home / SAT Exam / When Should You Take the SAT?

When Should You Take the SAT?

Last Updated on Jun 07, 2025

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If you are wondering when should you take the SAT, it depends on your academic schedule and goals. The SAT is administered on a weekend seven times a year: in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. Some schools also offer the SAT on a school day, which is more convenient and flexible. It is essential to know and prepare ahead of time so that you can choose a test date that suits your commitments personally and academically. Ideally, most students tend to take the SAT in spring when they are high school juniors, and in case their scores do not meet expectations, they may retake it during fall when it is senior year. If you are a junior in high school, then this is the right moment. Plan for a March or May SAT with sufficient time in advance to understand the PSAT score report and dedicate it to targeting weak areas.

Did You Know Facts about When Should You Take The SAT?

  • The SAT is offered seven times a year in the U.S.—in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. This provides information on When Should You Take the SAT and choose a date that works best for them.
  • The Digital SAT is more concise than the traditional paper-and-pencil version, with a duration of about 2 hours and 14 minutes, whereas the previous test lasted 3 hours.
  • A SAT School Day is when it is offered for students to be taken in schools during regular hours.
  • Spring junior year is the Key. This spring is a great time to take the SAT because you would have covered most of the math and reading content in the first half of your school year.
  • The SAT Exam for March 2025 will be held on Mar 8, 2025. 
  • Close to 1,973,891 students from the class of 2024 sat for the SAT.

Know How to Reschedule the SAT and its deadlines!

When Should You Take the SAT: 6 Key Factors to Consider

Choosing when you should take the SAT will greatly impact your test performance and college application timeline. It is crucial to consider a few factors before settling on your test date. To make an informed decision, you should understand your preparation needs, school schedule, and college deadlines. Here are the critical factors to consider:

  • SAT Prep Time: Allow at least enough prep time to master the material you need to be on top of, especially in case you sit for the test to improve your scores.
  • College application deadlines: Allow yourself enough prep time to take the SAT early and before the application deadlines and know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?
  • School Schedule: Choose a date not clashing with other school exams or events.
  • Retake Opportunities: Plan to take the SAT early in your junior year, leaving time for a retake if needed.
  • Availability of SAT School Day: Check if your school offers the SAT during school hours for a more convenient option.
  • Seat Availability and Test Centers: Register early to secure a seat at your preferred test center.

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When Should You Take the SAT for the First Time?

Even though you are allowed to take the SAT beginning from your freshman year, the majority of students take it for the first time in the spring of their junior year. You would have covered most of the required key courses, for instance, algebra, reading comprehension, and writing, by this point. Many students then take the SAT again in the fall of their senior year to increase their scores, especially if they are targeting a certain SAT Score for Ivy League Schools or scholarships. Taking the SAT early gives you the flexibility to retake it if needed while still allowing time for college applications.

SAT Weekend

The SAT is administered seven times a year around the world on specific SAT Test Dates. These SAT test days are Saturdays in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. We recommend taking the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall, before the college application deadline. Most students who retake the SAT improve their scores, and some take the test many times. There is no commitment to disclose your results with schools, so you have nothing to lose by taking it.

SAT School Day

Many states, districts, and schools participate in SAT School Day, which allows students to test at their school during school hours in October, March, and April. Ask your counselor if your school intends to administer the SAT on a school day. If you previously took the SAT on a Saturday, you can retake it on a SAT School Day. If you are taking it on a SAT School Day, you can retake it on one of the national Saturday test dates. As you can see, taking the SAT is a big decision that requires some planning.

SAT Prep and Practice

SAT Prep and practice are all about getting ready for the SAT test by studying and practicing questions. You can use books, online resources, or take prep courses to review the topics covered in the test, like math, reading, and writing. Practice tests help you get used to the format and timing of the exam. The more you practice, the better you'll understand the types of questions and improve your score. Start preparing early and create a study plan to give yourself the best chance at success.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, taking the SAT is an important step in the college admission process, and thorough planning is essential for success. Whether you take it on a weekend or during SAT School Day, you must consider your academic schedule, prep time, and college deadlines. Preparing early with constant practice might help you gain confidence and increase your score. Remember that you can always retake the SAT to improve your performance without feeling obligated to divulge every score. Choose the test date that works best for you and begin preparing immediately!

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 9, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025. 

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

When Should You Take the SAT FAQs

You can take the SAT at the end of freshman year; however, the majority of students first take the SAT in the spring of their junior year in order to ensure enough time for preparation and material covered in course.
There is no limit to how many times you can take the SAT. Many students take it more than once, especially if they want to improve their scores before applying to colleges.
Ideally, you should sit for the SAT for the first time in your spring junior year. This gives you enough time to prepare for the test and then retake it in the fall of your senior year if necessary before college applications close.
Prepare in advance by going over topics of math, reading comprehension, and writing. Pre-test materials, practice tests or SAT courses can familiarize you with the test format. Then it could improve your own test-taking technique.
Yes, many schools offer SAT School Day. This allows students to take the test during school hours in October, March, or April. Contact your school counselor to determine if this is an option.