SAT Prep
Are you ready for the SAT?
- Have you taken the PSAT?
- Have you used your PSAT Score Report to review the items you missed?
- Are you familiar with the directions for each type of SAT question?
- Have you completed Algebra II and English II?
- Have you taken challenging academic classes?
- Have you met with your school counselor?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, see your school counselor before registering for the SAT.
2020-21 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
| Test Date | Registration Deadline ($52/$68 w/essay) |
Late Registration (fee applies) |
|---|---|---|
| August 29 | July 31 | Aug. 11 (mail); Aug. 18 (online/phone) |
| September 26 | August 26 | September 15 |
| October 3 | September 4 | Sept. 15 (mail); Sept. 22 (online/phone) |
| November 7 | October 7 | Oct. 20 (mail); Oct. 27 (online/phone) |
| December 5 | November 5 | Nov. 17 (mail); Nov. 24 (online/phone) |
| March 13 | February 12 | Feb. 23 (mail); March 2 (online/phone) |
| May 8 | April 8 | Apr. 20 (mail); Apr. 27 (online/phone) |
| June 5 | May 6 | May 18 (mail); May 26 (online/phone) |
When should my child take the SAT?
- The SAT is usually administered seven times a year: October, November, December, January, March, May and June, but additional dates have been added.
- Most students take the SAT in their junior year.
- Many students find it to their advantage to take the test more than once; however, simply re-taking the test without additional preparation will not be beneficial.
- Students should have completed or be enrolled in Algebra II and English 11.
- Students are encouraged to meet with their school counselors to determine the most appropriate testing date.
How can my child prepare for the SAT?
- Students should take challenging academic courses every year, including English, math, science, social studies, foreign language and fine arts.
- Students should read regularly, both fiction and nonfiction. Make reading a priority over television and computer time.
- Students should work on expanding their vocabularies. Learn prefixes, suffixes and roots. Look up unfamiliar words in the dictionary. Subscribe to one of the word-a-day email lists. Study a foreign language.
- Students should get involved in clubs, organizations and sports. College Board research links participation in extracurricular activities in high school to higher SAT test scores.
- Students should use their PSAT Score Reports to target specific areas for practice.
- Students should become familiar with the SAT format and types of questions by practicing with official SAT materials.
Where can I find practice materials?
Visit the College Board website to access the following free materials:
- Official SAT Question of the Day can be emailed to your child’s inbox daily.
- Free Practice Questions in critical reading, math and writing.
- Free full-length Practice Test with score report and answer explanations online.
- Purchase The Official SAT Study Guide or borrow a copy from your child’s school.
- Visit word-a-day websites such as Dictionary.com or Merriam-Webster.
- Contact your child’s school counselor or student achievement specialist regarding school-based materials and opportunities.