Curriculum

The PSAT and SAT test very similar Reading, Writing, and Math skills, but they serve different purposes. The PSAT is primarily a practice and assessment exam that helps students understand their current level and prepare for the SAT. For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT can also be used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The SAT is an official college admissions exam. Students can choose to submit their SAT scores to colleges as part of the application process.

Because the two exams cover very similar skills and use similar digital formats, preparing for the SAT also prepares students for the PSAT. The PSAT is slightly shorter and has a different scoring scale, but the strategies and academic skills needed for both tests are largely the same.

Students can take the PSAT more than once during high school, depending on their school’s testing schedule. Many students take it in 10th grade for practice and again in 11th grade.

The junior-year PSAT/NMSQT is the most important, as it is the attempt that can qualify eligible students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Earlier PSAT exams are excellent opportunities to gain testing experience, identify strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for both the junior-year PSAT and the SAT.

You can take the SAT as many times as you would like—there is no official limit. However, we generally recommend that students take the SAT no more than three times. Ideally, each attempt should have a purpose, with sufficient preparation and improvement between test dates. Taking the exam repeatedly without addressing weaknesses is unlikely to produce meaningful gains.

For most students, two to three well-prepared attempts provide enough opportunities to improve their scores and take advantage of superscoring while avoiding unnecessary testing.

We generally recommend that students take the PSAT in 10th grade for practice and again in 11th grade, when the PSAT/NMSQT can qualify eligible students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Taking the PSAT as a sophomore gives students an opportunity to become familiar with the test, identify strengths and weaknesses, and determine what they should work on before junior year. By 11th grade, students should approach the PSAT more seriously and prepare in advance, especially if National Merit recognition is a goal.

The PSAT/NMSQT is typically administered by schools in October, and registration is generally handled through the student's high school.

We generally recommend taking your first SAT during the spring of your junior year, typically in March, May, or June. By this point, students have completed most of the coursework covered on the SAT while still having plenty of time to identify weaknesses and improve.

Students who want to improve their scores can then prepare for a second attempt in August, September, or October, before most senior-year college application deadlines.

Ideally, students should begin preparing several months before their first official SAT rather than waiting until senior year. This provides enough time to build the necessary skills, become comfortable with the Digital SAT, and make meaningful improvements between attempts.

A “good” SAT score depends on the colleges you are considering. Rather than focusing on one universal target, students should research the typical SAT score ranges of the schools on their college list and set a goal accordingly.

For more selective universities, students should generally aim to score within or above the middle 50% SAT range of admitted students. We help students establish a realistic target score based on their starting point, college goals, and available preparation time.

Most students should plan to prepare for the SAT for approximately 2–4 months before their official test. However, preparation time depends on a student's starting score, target score, academic foundation, and weekly study schedule.

Students seeking significant score improvements may benefit from starting earlier. Consistent, focused preparation over time is generally more effective than trying to study everything in the weeks immediately before the exam.

Students can register for the SAT online through the College Board website. You will need to create or sign in to your College Board account, select your preferred test date and testing location, provide the required personal information and photo, and complete the registration and payment process.

We recommend registering as early as possible, as nearby testing centers can fill up quickly. After registering, students should also download the Bluebook testing application and complete the required exam setup before test day.

Important: Students must register for themselves using their own College Board account; a parent or counselor cannot complete the registration on their behalf.

Register for the SAT HERE