August 29th SAT Exam Will Be Extremely Popular

Students who missed out on the March, May and June SAT exams (due to cancellations caused by the Coronavirus) will likely be scrambling for a seat, once registration opens this month, for the August 29th SAT exam. Ever since the August test was introduced in 2017 (after a 40-year hiatus), the seats available locally have filled up quickly and many families have found themselves taking a road trip to a distant testing site. This year is likely to produce an even greater frenzy as many rising seniors have not yet tested at all and rising juniors and sophomores are anxious to get a baseline score.

Summer is a popular time for students to prepare for the SAT, without the pressures of school and homework. By taking the exam in August, students have the opportunity to put their newly acquired SAT strategies and skills to the test without waiting for the fall testing dates which, this year, will be September 26th, October 3rd, November 7th and December 5th.

While any high school student can take the SAT on any test date, and ultimately use the scores for college admissions, the August test date is particularly attractive to rising seniors. College-bound students are becoming more aware of the benefits of meeting “early action” (typically November 1st) college application deadlines. So getting the SAT done in August provides time for them to get their scores back and, if necessary, take the test again in the fall.

But younger students are also attracted to the summer SAT exam. Those who are heavily involved in competitive sports, band or other time-intensive activities during the school year often appreciate the opportunity to take the SAT during a more leisurely time of year. Students also realize that the earlier they start to take the SAT, the more opportunities they have to address any areas of weakness in order to improve their scores. When it comes time to file college applications, most colleges allow students to submit only their highest SAT scores. Some colleges even allow students to “super-score,” using their highest Math score from one test date and their highest Evidence-based Reading and Writing score from another. 

Regardless of their motives, students who want to take advantage of the August SAT test date need to register as soon as registration opens this month and should try to choose an air-conditioned test site – so they don’t sweat any more than necessary! 

Susan Alaimo is the founder of SAT Smart. For the past 25 years, SAT Smart’s Ivy League educated tutors have prepared students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP courses, and all high school subjects. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362