For years, students have had to plan their SAT testing schedule around the traditional exam dates—March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. But in a major update, the College Board has officially added a September SAT administration for the first time ever!
This additional test date is a game-changer for high school students, especially those gearing up for college applications. Here’s why it matters and how you can make the most of it.
Why Is a September SAT a Big Deal?
Until now, students who wanted an early fall SAT date had to wait until October. But this new September exam offers several key advantages:
- More flexibility. With an extra test date, students now have more opportunities to fit the SAT into their busy schedules.
- Better timing for early applications. If you’re applying early action or early decision, this test could help you finalize your scores in time for deadlines.
- Less pressure on October test-takers. Many students used to scramble for the October SAT, but now there’s an earlier option to spread out the stress.
- A chance to retake before application deadlines. If you’re aiming for a score boost, September gives you a chance to test again before regular decision deadlines.
Who Should Consider Taking the September SAT?
This new exam date is perfect for:
- Seniors looking for a final score boost before early application deadlines in October/November.
- Juniors who want to get ahead and take their first SAT early in the school year.
- Students who want to balance test prep with schoolwork by spreading out their test dates.
How to Prepare for the SAT
With the new test date on the calendar, here are some tips to make sure you’re ready:
- Plan your study schedule early. Since the exam falls right at the start of the school year, summer is the perfect time to prep.
- Take full-length practice tests. The SAT is digital now, so be sure to use official practice exams to get familiar with the format. If you are looking for more practice, check out Curvebreakers Online Diagnostic Digital SAT Practice Testing Platform to access 10 additional exams.
- Register ASAP. Popular test dates fill up quickly, and since this is the first-ever September SAT, demand could be high.
- Set a target score. Know what score you need for your dream colleges and work toward it.
The addition of a September SAT is a win for students looking for more options in their college admissions journey. Whether you’re aiming for your first attempt or a last-minute retake, this new date could be the perfect opportunity to achieve your target score.
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