Solutions  Absolutely Accurate Information

Planning Ahead

What is the deadline to take the exams?

Most colleges require that the SAT or ACT be taken by December of the senior year.

Early Decision or Early Action applicants will need to take it by October of their senior year

But UC and CSU applications are due November 30. How can I take the SAT or ACT in December?

UC & CSU ( except SDSU ) will accept your test scores from December because they will not review applications until January.

What is the ideal testing timeline?

Sophomore Year:

May - take AP exams     

June - take Subject Tests

Junior Year:

October - take PSAT only if you are going for National Merit Scholar. Otherwise, waste of time & money. 

October - May - take SAT/ ACT   

May - take AP exams  

June - take Subject Tests

Senior Year:

October - LAST SAT / ACT test date for Early Action or Early Decision

October/ November/ December - re-take SAT / ACT/  SAT Subject as needed    

November - college apps

December - LAST SAT or ACT test date accepted by most colleges

May - AP exams

Can you take the SAT or ACT more than once?

Yes. Most students take the SAT and ACT twice, once their Junior Year, and once their Senior Year. Schools will usually take the highest score. But too many re-takes will look bad.

How many times SHOULD I take the SAT / ACT?

2-3 Times. Few Students get their very highest score their first try. Even Michael Phelps didn't break the World Record on his first shot.

All CSU & UC will take your highest scores. Top-tier private schools ( Stanford, Harvard, etc ) will want to see every single score.

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