When should you take the SAT test, and who can take it?

Which grade should I take the SAT test in?

Plan around two sittings. Most students score higher the second time, and most colleges look at your best scores. Many superscore, which means they combine your best Math and best Reading and Writing scores from different dates. You can take the SAT as many times as you want.

Work back from your college deadlines. Scores come out 2 to 4 weeks after most weekend tests, and then they still have to be sent. For scholarships, College Board says there’s no single right time, so check each one’s deadline.

Who takes the SAT?

Mostly high school juniors and seniors, but it’s open to anyone. Younger students usually take College Board’s PSAT tests instead: the PSAT 8/9 is meant for 8th and 9th graders, the PSAT 10 for 10th graders, and the PSAT/NMSQT is usually taken in 10th or 11th grade.

Can adults take the SAT?

Yes. There’s nothing in College Board’s rules that stops you. One thing changes: if you’ll be 21 or older on test day, the only ID you can use is an official government-issued photo ID. A student ID won’t do. Fee waivers are for low-income students in 11th and 12th grade, so adults pay the full fee.

Students under 13

You need a College Board account to register, and you can’t set one up on your own until you’re 13. Before that, a parent or guardian fills in College Board’s Account Creation Consent form. A College Board representative then contacts them with the next steps.

Homeschooled students

You register online like anyone else, with no need to go through a local school. When it asks for your high school code, enter 970000. If you’re under 21 and testing in the US, you can use the SAT Student ID Form as your ID, prepared by a notary. Low-income homeschooled students can ask College Board for a fee waiver directly, without a counselor.