To qualify for more scholarships, when should students take the SAT?
1. Take the SAT by Junior Year (11th Grade) Fall or Winter
- Most scholarship programs, including those offered by colleges and private organizations, require SAT scores by the end of your junior year or early senior year.
- Taking the SAT in the fall or winter of 11th grade gives you scores in time to apply for scholarships with early deadlines.
- Early testing also leaves room to retake the SAT if you want to improve your scores.
2. Consider Taking the SAT Multiple Times
- Colleges typically consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates (called superscoring).
- Taking the SAT 2–3 times between junior year spring and senior year fall can increase your chances of achieving a top score that boosts scholarship eligibility.
- Don’t wait too late — retakes in senior year might miss some scholarship deadlines.
3. Be Aware of Scholarship Deadlines
- Many merit-based scholarships require SAT scores by November or December of your senior year.
- Some competitive scholarships have even earlier deadlines, so check each scholarship’s requirements carefully.
4. Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost SAT Preparation
- Higher scores can lead to better scholarship offers.
- Use resources like Khan Academy’s free SAT prep to improve your skills before test day.
Summary Table: Ideal SAT Testing Timeline for Scholarships
| Grade | Best Testing Window | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Grade | Optional | Early practice and familiarization |
| Junior Year (11th Grade) | Fall to Winter (Aug – Dec) | Initial SAT test for scholarship deadlines |
| Junior Year (11th Grade) | Spring (March – June) | Retake to improve scores |
| Senior Year (12th Grade) | Fall (Aug – Oct) | Final retake before scholarship deadlines |
Final Tips
- Register early to secure your preferred test date and location.
- Keep track of scholarship deadlines and plan your test dates accordingly.
- Prepare thoroughly using official practice materials.
- Consult your school counselor for guidance tailored to your college and scholarship goals.