If you're in high school and thinking about college, you've probably heard of the Scholastic Aptitude Test—better known as the SAT. It's one of those educational milestones that can seem daunting, but with the right information, you can make smart decisions about when to take it, how many times to attempt it, and whether you even need to take it at all. Let's dive into what you need to know.
Do You Have to Take the SAT?
Let's start with the big question: Is the SAT mandatory? The answer is not as straightforward as it once was. Before the pandemic, the SAT was a cornerstone of college applications, especially for more competitive schools. However, the landscape has shifted significantly in recent years.
Many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, meaning you don't have to submit SAT scores as part of your application. These changes were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which made it difficult for students to take standardized tests. As a result, schools had to rethink their admissions criteria.
As of now, some schools are permanently test-optional, while others have extended their policies temporarily. A few institutions have even gone test-blind, meaning they won't consider SAT scores at all, even if you submit them.
But here's the catch: Just because a school is test-optional doesn't mean you should skip the SAT altogether. For some students, a strong SAT score can enhance their application, especially if other parts of their academic record are less impressive. Additionally, if you're aiming for merit-based scholarships, many of these still require SAT scores.
“The SAT continues to play a pivotal role in predicting academic readiness and persistence for colleges and universities across the United States and beyond,” said Morgan Appel, Assistant Dean of Education and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies that develops and administers Test Preparation and other Pre-College programs.
When Do You Take the SAT?
Timing your SAT is crucial. Most students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. This timing allows you to complete most of your core high school coursework, which the SAT tests, and gives you a chance to retake the exam in the fall of your senior year if you want to improve your score.
However, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some students might take the SAT earlier, in the fall or winter of junior year, especially if they're enrolled in advanced classes or feel prepared. Taking the test early can give you peace of mind and free up your senior year for other priorities like college applications, extracurriculars, or enjoying your final year of high school.
On the flip side, if you feel you need more time to prepare, taking the SAT later in your junior year or even during the summer before your senior year can be a good strategy. Just keep in mind that most colleges have application deadlines in the fall, so plan your testing schedule accordingly to ensure your scores are ready in time.
How Many Times Can You Take the SAT?
There's no limit to how many times you can take the SAT. That said, taking the test more than a few times might not be the best strategy. The College Board, which administers the SAT, offers the exam seven times a year, giving you plenty of opportunities to take it.
Most students take the SAT two or three times. This approach allows you to familiarize yourself with the test format, identify areas for improvement, and potentially boost your score. However, retaking the SAT multiple times won't necessarily lead to a significantly higher score each time, especially if you don't change your preparation strategy.
One thing to consider is "superscoring." Some colleges will consider your highest scores across multiple SAT attempts, combining your best section scores from different test dates. This means if you do better in Math on one test and better in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing on another, the college might take the best score from each section to create a new, higher composite score.
Should You Take the SAT?
Whether or not you should take the SAT depends on your college goals and the specific schools you're targeting. If your top-choice colleges are test-optional, you might be tempted to skip the SAT. However, if you're confident you can achieve a strong score, submitting it could still give your application a competitive edge.
For students applying to highly selective schools, especially those that still require standardized test scores, taking the SAT is essential. Even if the school is test-optional, a strong SAT score could help differentiate you from other applicants.
Additionally, consider your strengths as a student. If standardized testing isn't your forte, and your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars tell a compelling story, you might focus on other parts of your application instead of stressing over the SAT. On the other hand, if you're a strong test-taker, a good SAT score can complement your academic achievements and give you a broader range of options when applying to colleges.
The Post-Pandemic SAT Landscape
The pandemic left a lasting impact on college admissions, and the SAT is no exception. Two key changes have impacted how students, families, and instructors need to adjust their SAT preparations to be effective and successful.
Digital Test
One change was replacing the paper format with a digital SAT. The revised exam is shorter than previous versions, providing more time per question, and offers a streamlined testing experience for students and educators.
At UC San Diego Extended Studies, SAT Test Prep instructors have adapted their courses to instruct to the latest version of the SAT. They review the new rules about the digital format, particularly for students who may have previously taken the paper-based format. They dive into the Bluebook testing app, which is the delivery vehicle for the actual exam and related practice sessions. Instructors focus on helping students learn content and strategize about how the digital format can help or hinder their success.
Test-Optional Policies
The shift to test-optional policies sparked a broader conversation about the role of standardized testing in evaluating student potential. Some argue that the SAT unfairly advantages students with more resources for test preparation, while others believe it provides a standardized measure that can highlight students' abilities in ways that GPA and extracurriculars might not.
As you navigate your college application journey, stay informed about the policies at your target schools. Check their admissions websites for the most up-to-date information on whether they require SAT scores and how they consider them in their decision-making process.
Next Steps: Free UC San Diego SAT Workbook
While the SAT may not be the requirement it once was, it remains a significant component of the college application process for many students. By understanding when to take it, how many times to take it, and whether it fits into your overall application strategy, you can make informed decisions that best position you for success.
To help you prepare for the exam, UC San Diego Extended Studies Education and Community Outreach, which offers a range of SAT Test Prep courses, extends a free UC San Diego SAT Workbook.
“Given the financial burdens associated with high-quality test preparation and as part of a steadfast commitment by the authors to advancing equity in postsecondary admissions, we are proud to offer this resource to students and families at no cost,” said Dean Appel.
The UC San Diego SAT Workbook is designed to equip you with the approaches, knowledge and skills needed to become proficient in all sections of the SAT exam. Use it to gain strategic insights into the test through comprehensive practice elements that can help you achieve your best score.
“We hope that the UC San Diego SAT Workbook becomes an indispensable asset as you begin your college admissions journey,” added Dean Appel.