Taking the SAT During School?

Get Ready for SAT School Day

Taking the SAT in School? This article will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.

What is SAT School Day?

Many schools throughout the country now offer SAT School Day, which lets you take the SAT at your own school on a weekday, during the school day. Your school may also offer the SAT on a Saturday and you can participate in either or both—some students find they do better testing in school, others prefer to keep the test separate from a normal school day.

Hear some of your peers talk about their experience with SAT School Day and get more information for your parents at satschoolday.org/parents.

Is it the same as a Saturday SAT?

Yes, the SAT during School Day is a real live SAT like the weekend SAT, but your school decides whether to offer it with or without the essay portion of the test.

If you’ve taken a PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, or PSAT/NMSQT test, you’ll recognize the same types of questions and similar formats on the SAT. Check out this blog post for more details on these tests and their similarities to the SAT.

My school says it’s optional for me to take it—should I?

Yes! Taking the SAT at your school and at a time your brain is used to doing schoolwork will give you great confidence to perform your best. And remember:

• The SAT tests what you’re learning in class and will use in college.
• Taking the SAT is the best way to show off skills and knowledge colleges care about.
• The SAT is widely accepted at U.S. colleges for admission.

How should I prepare?

• Practice: Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy^® helps you focus on the skills you need to improve with a free, personalized study plan. You’ll also have access to 8 full-length practice tests and interactive videos, lessons, and test-taking tips.
  • Research shows that just 6–8 hours of practice on Khan Academy is associated with an average score increase of 90 points from the PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT.
• Sign Up for a Saturday SAT too: Plan to take the SAT a second time, while the content is fresh in your mind. We always recommend you take it at least twice to ensure you perform your best. Connect your College Board and Official SAT Practice accounts for personalized practice support to help focus on just what you need to improve. Find a test center near you and register.
  • You could earn a $2,000 Improve Scholarship from the College Board Opportunity Scholarship program for practicing for 6 hours with Official SAT Practice and improving your score by 100 points from PSAT/NMSQT to SAT or SAT to SAT. So be sure you opt in with the same College Board account you used to register for the SAT.

You’ll find more information on SAT School Day and upcoming administration dates here.