Getting Set for the SAT: Registering for the Right Test at the Right Time

The SAT is given at select high schools through the United States and in English-speaking schools in many other countries. Even home-schoolers can take the SAT, though not in their own living rooms.  To find the test center nearest you or to request a registration from, ask the college or guidance counselor at your high school. If you're home-schooled, call the nearest public or private high school.  Or, you may register through the SAT Web site (www.collegeboard.com). If you're hitting the SAT for a second time, you can register by phone.  Call the College Board's Customer Service center (within the U.S.:866-756-7346; outside the U.S.: 212-713-7789).  Hearing -impaired test takers can call the TTY Customer Service number (within the U.S.: 888-857-2477; outside the U.S.: 609-882-4118).  If you're stranded on a desert island without phone, Internet, or school office (in which case the SAT is the least of your problems), try writing to the College Board SAT Program, P.O. Box 025505, Miami, FL 33102 for the forms you need.  The SAT costs $47, though fee waivers are available for those experiencing financial difficulties, and extra services - additional score reports, for example - cost more. 

In high-stress situations - Martian invasions, nuclear meltdowns, the cancellation of your favorite TV show - rumors abound (grow and thrive).  So too with the SAT.  You've probably heard that certain versions of the SAT - the ones given in October or November or the ones given in a particular state - are easier than others. Not so.  The SAT makers include a section in the test that serves as a statistical tool to ensure that all the SAT tests, regardless of when or where they're given, are equal in difficulty. This part of the test, called the equating section section, is the one section that you must answer that counts for absolutely nothing (for you).  No matter how well you do on the equating section, or (if you're having a bad day) how badly you blow it, the equating section won't affect your score.  However, because the equating section isn't labeled, you have to take every section seriously.

The SAT pops up on the calendar seven times a year.  You can take the exam as often as you want.  If you're a masochist - you enjoy the pain - you can take all seven tests, but most people stick to this schedule:

Autumn of junior year (about 1 ¾ years before college entrance): Time to take the PST/NMSQT

Spring of junior year (about 1 ¼ years before college entrance): Take the SAT strictly for practice, though you can send your scores in if you're pleased with them.

Autumn of senior year  (a bit less than a year before entrance) The SAT strikes again.  Early-decision candidates prefer taking the test in October or November; regular applicants may choose from any of the three autumn dates, including December.

Winter of senior year (half-year before entrance): Some SAT-lovers take the exam in autumn and again in the winter, hoping that practice will make perfect, at least in the eyes of the colleges.  The high scores won't hurt (and you probably will improve, just because the whole routine will be familiar), but don't put a lot of energy into repeated bouts of SAT fever.  Your grades and extracurriculars may suffer if you're too fixated on the SAT, and you may end up hurting your overall application.

If you're transferring or starting your college career mid-year, you may sit for the SAT in January, March, May, or June.  Check with your counselor or with the college of your choice and go with that recommendation.

Everyone takes the SAT on Saturday except for those students who can't for religious reasons.  If you fall into that category,, your SAT-day will be Sunday.  Get a letter from your cleric (religious leader) on letterhead and mail it in with your registration form.

TIP: In terms of test sites, the early birds gets the worm.  (Did you ever wonder why no one ever deals with the worm's fate?  He got up early too, and look what happened to him.) When you register, you may request a test site, but if it's filled, you'll get an alternate.  So don't delay; send in the form or register online as soon as you know when and where you want to take the exam.