When should you take the SAT? A timeline that leaves room to retake
TutorAura guide · Updated
The College Board suggests taking the SAT for the first time in the spring of junior year (grade 11) and, if you want to raise your score, again in the fall of senior year before application deadlines. That timing means you've covered most of the math and reading skills the test assesses, and leaves time for a second attempt.
The best date for you depends on your application deadlines, your other commitments and how much preparation you need. Here's how to plan it.
Key takeaways
- First attempt: spring of junior year (March, May or June).
- Retake if needed: August to October of senior year, before early deadlines.
- Allow about 2 to 3 months of preparation before your first test.
- Check your colleges' deadlines and score policies before choosing dates.
A typical timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Grade 10 (fall) | Take the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT if your school offers it, to get a baseline |
| Grade 11 (fall) | Take the PSAT/NMSQT; review the skills that cost you points |
| Grade 11 (winter) | Start focused preparation, about 2 to 3 months before your first SAT |
| Grade 11 (spring) | First SAT: March, May or June |
| Summer before grade 12 | Targeted practice on weak areas if you plan to retake |
| Grade 12 (fall) | Retake in August, September or October if needed; send scores before deadlines |
Many schools also offer the SAT on a school day in the spring. Ask your counsellor. For the current weekend dates and deadlines, see our SAT test dates guide.
Why spring of junior year?
- You've learned most of the content. The SAT's math reaches into topics such as quadratics, exponential functions and trigonometry that many students cover by grade 11.
- It leaves time to retake before senior-year application deadlines.
- Your PSAT/NMSQT results from the fall of grade 11 tell you what to focus on.
Taking it earlier is fine if you're already ready (for example, if you've finished the relevant math), but there's little advantage in rushing before you're prepared.
How many times should you take it?
You can take the SAT more than once, and many students take it twice. A second attempt often helps if your preparation between tests is focused on specific weaknesses. Beyond two or three attempts, improvements tend to depend on doing something different in preparation, not just sitting the test again.
Check how your colleges use multiple scores: some consider all scores, some use your highest single sitting, and some superscore (combine your best section scores). See SAT superscoring.
Choosing between specific dates
- Application deadlines. Early action and early decision deadlines are often in November, so October is usually the last comfortable senior-year date for early applicants. Check each college's deadline and when scores must arrive.
- Your calendar. Avoid weeks with final exams, major sports events or performances.
- Preparation time. Count back 8 to 12 weeks from the date to plan your study.
- Test centre availability. Register early to get a convenient location.
Planning your preparation
Once you've chosen a date, start with a timed practice test to see where you are: try our free Digital SAT practice test. Then follow a plan that targets your weakest skills; our SAT study plan has 12-week, 4-week and 2-week versions, and how to improve your SAT score covers what to do between attempts.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take the SAT?
The College Board suggests the spring of junior year for a first attempt, with a retake in the fall of senior year if you want to raise your score.
Can I take the SAT in grade 10?
Yes, but most students benefit from waiting until they've covered more of the math. The PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT is a good baseline in grade 10.
How many times can you take the SAT?
You can take it more than once; many students take it twice. Check how your colleges treat multiple scores.
What's the last SAT date for early applications?
It depends on each college's deadline, but October is often the last comfortable date for November early deadlines. Check each college's policy.
Sources
- When Should You Take the SAT?. College Board Blog.
- How many times can a student take the SAT, and when should they take it?. College Board.
- Should I Retake the SAT?. College Board BigFuture.
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