When Should You Take the SAT or ACT? Best Test Dates

The college admissions process is long and multifaceted, spanning nearly every year of high school. Among the most challenging aspects is taking the SAT or ACT standardized test. With early planning and strategic scheduling, you can maximize your performance. In today’s era, many students are even exploring the digital sat test format, which offers additional flexibility and modern testing interfaces.

Debunking a Common Myth About Test Dates

A persistent myth claims that some SAT/ACT test dates are inherently easier than others because of an alleged “curve” based on the group of students taking the test on that day. According to this myth, taking the test with highly motivated peers would lead to a tougher curve, while a test date with less-prepared students would offer an advantage. This logic, however, is fundamentally flawed.

In reality, neither the College Board nor ACT, Inc. curves their tests according to the performance of other test-takers. Instead, both organizations use an equating process that adjusts for slight differences in difficulty across different administrations. In other words, a score of 1200 on any SAT administration—or even on a digital sat test—always reflects the same level of ability, regardless of when or where it is taken. If curves were truly variable, colleges would have to factor in test dates on your application, but no admissions office has ever indicated such a practice.

Four Key Factors in Choosing Your Test Date

Selecting the optimal test date involves careful consideration of several factors:

1. Deadlines for College Admissions and Scholarships

Your college application deadlines are paramount. It’s advisable to begin your SAT/ACT preparation at least a year before your first major deadline and aim to take the test twice. For regular decision applications (typically due in December or January), your final test should be no later than December. For early action or early decision applications with deadlines in November, plan to complete your test by October. With the advent of the digital sat test, some students are now scheduling tests earlier in the year to ensure prompt score reporting.

2. Content Readiness and School Curriculum

Since both the SAT and ACT test material covered in courses like Algebra II and Geometry, it is best to take the test after you have completed these classes. The digital sat test—while offering a modern testing experience—still requires a solid foundation in math, reading, and writing. Being well-prepared in your coursework will help you adapt quickly to the test’s unique question formats.

3. Personal Schedule and Stress Management

Balance is key. Avoid scheduling the test during particularly stressful times, such as during finals or major extracurricular events. Many students find that taking a test when they are less overwhelmed can lead to better performance. Whether you choose the traditional paper-based exam or the digital sat test, timing your test on a day when you can focus solely on preparation is essential.

4. Dedicated Prep Time

A significant improvement in your score usually comes after investing at least 40 hours of study—more if you have the time. If you opt to take the digital sat test, plan to schedule it when you can devote uninterrupted study time. Effective preparation, which includes taking several full-length practice tests, will help you identify and address your weaknesses.

A Reliable SAT/ACT Testing Schedule for Most Students

For most high school students, following a strategic testing schedule can yield the best results:

Step 1: Take the PSAT as a Junior
Consider the PSAT as an early indicator of your strengths and weaknesses. Although it’s primarily a practice test, it lays the groundwork for your eventual SAT/ACT—and even for transitioning to a digital sat test if you choose that format.

Step 2: Take the February ACT or March SAT as a Junior
After winter break, take your first official test. Use this score as a baseline to guide your preparation for future attempts. Early exposure to the test format—whether the paper version or the emerging digital sat test—can be invaluable.

Step 3: Take the April/June ACT or May/June SAT as a Junior
By now, you should have a clearer idea of where improvement is needed. Schedule your test so that you have enough time during the school year to adjust your study plan.

Step 4: Take the August SAT or September ACT as a Senior
If you still have room for improvement, dedicate your summer to intensive study. The extra months will allow you to focus on areas of weakness and even consider the digital sat test option as an alternative testing method.

Step 5: Last-Chance Testing in Late Fall
If you’re still dissatisfied with your scores, your final opportunity is typically in late fall of your senior year. At this point, if you have already tried the paper version, you might even explore the digital sat test for a fresh experience and possibly reduced test-day anxiety.

Testing Schedule for Intensive Studiers

For students aiming for the highest possible scores, a more rigorous schedule is recommended:

Step 1: Take the PSAT as a Sophomore to get early insights.

Step 2: Take the PSAT/NMSQT as a Junior if you are targeting National Merit recognition.

Step 3: Take the September/October ACT or October/November SAT as a Junior—using your summer break to prepare and even consider the digital sat test as an alternative.

Step 4: Take the March SAT or April ACT as a Junior to refine your preparation based on earlier test feedback.

Step 5: Take the August SAT or September ACT as a Senior—this is another chance to boost your score after several months of focused study.

Step 6: If necessary, take the December SAT/ACT as a Senior for a final effort before application deadlines.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the traditional test format or the innovative digital sat test, the key to success lies in early planning, realistic scheduling, and dedicated preparation. Understand your deadlines, ensure you’re academically prepared, manage your stress, and allot ample study time. By following these guidelines and schedules, you can achieve the scores you need for the best college opportunities.

Remember: the digital sat test is just one of the modern options available, and incorporating it into your testing plan might offer you additional flexibility and comfort on test day. No matter which format you choose, smart planning and focused preparation are your best tools for success.