Should I Take the August SAT?

For those of us who have been teaching the SAT for years, an August test date just sounds weird. For decades, the first SAT of the schoolyear has traditionally been offered in October, but never as early as the end of August. This new development, however, offers some solid reasons to consider sitting for the test next month.

Another shot for seniors: For rising seniors, it used to be that you had one last shot at the SAT if you took it in October, after which it was probably too late to try again and still get scores to colleges before admissions deadlines.  This new test date, however, affords seniors who haven’t quite reached their goal two more opportunities to improve on the test (August and October), and this provides a real boost and a great chance for those trying to maximize their performance.

An early start for juniors:  For rising juniors, the August SAT is an opportunity to get a jumpstart on standardized testing. With the ACT looming in September not to mention SATs and ACTs pretty much every month after that, this earlier SAT can help get you in test-taking mode for what will be a year full of tests. This early start can change a student’s entire test-taking trajectory.

A jump on school: Held a mere two weeks or so before most schools open (this year’s date is August 26^th), the August SAT can be looked at as a good primer for the upcoming year. A chance to “shake off the rust” and get your brain back in learning shape, taking the SAT at the end of August can serve as a good segue into the super-busy, unrelenting junior year.

Identify areas of concern: The earlier you take the SAT, the more time you have to work on problem areas. Getting this test under your belt before the schoolyear even begins means more time to improve upon weaknesses and areas of concern. Why wait to find out later that you need help in a section when you can start improving now?

Time to prepare: A great thing about this August SAT is that the date allows you to prepare without simultaneously having to endure the rigors of school. While, perhaps, studying over the summer is not the ideal way to spend your time off, at least it allows you to have a singular focus on the task without also being overwhelmed by school assignments and activities. In fact, summer is a great time to invest in tutoring. Without the pressures of schoolwork and extracurricular activities, this is a good time to get the best return on investment when it comes to hiring a trained pro to help you get ready for the test.

Tackle the nerves: Standardized testing is, without a doubt, anxiety-inducing. But starting early can help you to deal with the nerves before they get out of control. There is something to be said for getting the first one done—often, the subsequent tests seem less daunting once you’ve survived the first go-round.

This brand new August SAT test date is a great opportunity for students to make the most of the standardized test process. Much more than just a summer nuisance, this chance to take the test is helpful to both junior and seniors, allowing them to get a jump on things, as well as to have another shot at SAT success.

Written by Phil Lane

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