Timing is everything in college admissions—and standardized testing is no exception.
We recommend that most students take their first official SAT or ACT in spring of junior year. Why?
- Algebra II is usually completed by then
- It allows for 2+ retakes before college deadlines
- It creates time to prep strategically (without burnout)
Most students see peak scores after 2–3 attempts, especially when using superscoring policies. Many colleges now combine the highest section scores from multiple test dates, making even small improvements impactful.
What's the Worst That Can Happen?
If your student takes a test and isn’t satisfied with their score, they don’t have to submit it. Colleges can only see scores that are sent directly through the College Board or ACT.
Starting early simply gives you options—without risk.
Ready to register? Use our free tool to see registration deadlines, availability, and score release dates for upcoming SAT dates.
Next Read: Which Test Should Your Student Take—SAT or ACT?
Wondering whether testing is worth it? Read our full guide on SAT/ACT relevance in 2025 →
