The SAT stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test, and it's one of the most important ways that colleges and universities in the United States and many foreign countries evaluate students' academic abilities. In addition to a student's academic ability and school performance, SAT scores can be a decisive factor in the admissions process. With such an important test, you'll want to plan ahead to fit it into your schedule. Let's take a look at when the best time to prepare for the SAT is.
Since U.S. college applications are typically made in the first semester of your junior year, it is possible to take the test in August and October of your junior year. However, it is not time-efficient to wait until the last minute to prepare for a high score, and we recommend that you start as early as possible.
It is generally recommended that students take the test at the beginning of the school year and use their target score as a guide to take additional tests during 10th and 11th grade. This allows students enough study time to understand the SAT test format and content, and to adapt to the demands of each section.
Time and preparation opportunities: College admissions require students to prepare not only for the SAT, but also for other tests, such as school-based measures, AP, IB, and so on. Taking this into account, preparing for the SAT in 10th grade gives students a head start on familiarizing themselves with the test format and content, which can be very beneficial in terms of time management when it's time to start preparing for the real thing.
Opportunity to assess and improve: Taking the SAT early gives you plenty of time to assess your level of learning and work on your weaknesses. This will allow you to prepare more intensively later, aiming for a higher score.
Focus on non-SAT admissions preparation: For most students, 11th and 12th grade is a time when there is a lot of pressure from the realization that time is running out. By securing your SAT scores in 9th and 10th grade, you can put your time to good use by preparing for ECs and leadership activities, writing essays, requesting letters of recommendation, and more.
Once you have your SAT scores, the next step is to prepare for the admission requirements and additional application submissions of your target universities abroad. This may include the following elements
Maintaining your school performance: Along with academic achievement, it's important to maintain your high school grades.
Additional activities: Participating in a variety of extracurriculars (ECs), such as extra test prep, volunteering, clubs, and competitions, can show admissions officers your diversity.
Complete your application: Complete, review, and finalize all documents for admission, especially to help you meet the individual requirements of your target universities.
Studying abroad is a long game, and preparing for and achieving a good score on the SAT is an important first step in getting into a university abroad. Find the best preparation plan for your individual learning style and goals, and find ways to achieve them.
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