When should you take the SAT

Cracking the SAT exam is a dream of every student. It is one of the most critical exams for students who want to pursue higher studies. Also, the SAT is tough, considering the amount of syllabus and the determination it needs to ace the exam. Many students get confused about when to take up the SAT exam. They receive advice from many sources like their peer groups, teachers, parents, and social media.

We believe no age or grade that can determine when to take up the SAT. It depends more on a student’s perseverance and the level of knowledge the student has attained. Moreover, the student should be active enough in various curricular activities along with their studies, to prove themselves in the exam. Yes, many good colleges ask for the activities a student has participated in all these years, along with their SAT score. 

As far as the SAT exam is concerned, it becomes difficult for students to set every aspect of the test and its timeline. They get confused about the subjects and end up failing. It is hence essential to know when to take up the exam and when it’ll be helpful for them. Here are some points that can help you resolve your concerns:

• High school: Most of the students prefer to take up the exam in junior year of high school or in grade 11. Considering the syllabus of the SAT, taking it up in grade 11 is most beneficial as a student is prepared with many tough topics of math along with the advantage of participating in various extra curriculum activities. The score of the SAT exam is valid for five years. Hence is valid when your child needs to show it up in the college they aspire to join. It would be best if you are sure whether your child can devote a considerable amount of time to additional studies.
• Middle or High school: Taking up the exam in middle school or grades 9 or 10 of high school is highly difficult, as many topics are not covered in their academic curriculum. Moreover, the math complexity level is high for students to learn the subject. However, the students who desire to analyze themselves through the SAT exam can go for PSAT/SAT coaching and try appearing for the exam conducted by the College board to boost their confidence level.
• Check out the calendar: Before taking up the SAT exam, students need to tick the checklist. Below are the checklist points:
• The first thing that students need to check is if they are prepared enough for tough algebra. Students have to be prepared adequately for pre-calculus sums, geometry, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2, which might be tricky in the exam.
• Secondly, students should have taken part in curricular activities the year before. Many colleges check the activities and hobbies students have participated in.
• Thirdly, students have to analyze through SAT mock test, whether they are obtaining a decent score in the exam. A student must prepare thoroughly since the beginning of the year, otherwise, they shouldn’t take up the exam.

• Available dates: The SAT exam is conducted seven times a year. Check the suitable date according to your knowledge and convenience. August, October, November, December, March, May, and June are the months in which the SAT exams are conducted. So select the date according to your child’s needs.
• Practice: It depends whether a student wants to practice more or not before taking up the final SAT exam. Some students give the SAT exam very early to evaluate their preparation for the SAT and do the practice. Students can do this, provided they work hard on those topics which they couldn’t grasp. It is an excellent idea to do a lot of practice before the actual SAT exam, which will be counted for a student’s college score.

We hope you have got clarity on when your child should take the SAT exam, now all you have to do is choose the right material and help. 

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