While high schoolers can take either the SAT or the ACT just about any month of the year, certain test dates work better than others for certain groups of students. For example, any rising junior or senior who can prep over the summer benefits from the August SAT and September ACT. On the other hand, AP students should assiduously avoid taking the SAT offered in May.
As far as advantages and disadvantages go, the November administration of the SAT seems surprisingly neutral. November isn’t an amazing time to take the SAT, but it’s not horrible either. Who might choose to take the SAT this month?
SENIORS who haven’t gotten serious about their college applications by now should shift into high gear, even if they missed their shot at Early Action or Early Decision applications. Any 12th grader still striving for a higher SAT score cannot afford to dismiss November.
JUNIORS will already get a taste of College Board testing through the October PSAT, so why not let the good times roll into November? We always recommend that high schoolers should test as early in 11th grade as makes sense based on their goals and schedule. The November SAT lands after fall activities end but before winter ones really ramp up, which makes this a perfect time to test.
The December SAT and ACT dates hold special significance as both the final testing opportunities for most seniors and the deadline for juniors to nail down their best scores before the busier second half of 11th grade. The November SAT can serve both of those purposes with a month to spare, assuming a student finds time to prepare adequately. For these reasons and because students will encounter very few scheduling conflicts during this time of year, consider November a good time to take the SAT.
Mike Bergin