These two months are the most convenient for me and I'm not sure which to take it on. If I am unsatisfied with my score I'll be retaking it in May no matter which month I choose to take it. I could get a little more prep in if I choose to take it in March but apparently March curves are very harsh as well as the actual test?
So which date should I take it on? (curve:difficulty ratio).
Do you need to take subject tests as well? That could affect the answer.
My D took in March and early June last year. In retrospect that is a pretty small window to be able to study more (she did pull up her scores, but finding time to actually study was pretty tough). There is something to be said for taking January and then May/June (not sure what this year's dates are, we are beyond worrying about this ). So study over winter break and take it in January. Then depending on how you do, you can plan out additional studying from Feb until the test.
apparently March curves are very harsh as well as the actual test?
I believe you are you are referencing a popular urban legend.
However, there is no statistical difference among the various SAT tests across the calendar.
Take the test when (and as often) as you want or need.
And even if there was a small difference, thinking and worrying about it will only screw with your head and affect your performance.
Don’t think about excuses.
Take it in January for this simple reason -- you never know what will happen. D took it in January, signed up to take it again in March, woke up SAT morning in March with a 102 fever (having gone to sleep feeling fine). She couldn't get out of bed, and if she had dragged herself to the test, she would have bombed.
She took it in May; took it again in October. She couldn't do a June one because it was the same day as Subject Tests.
Less could mean only the people who did poorly before and are taking the SAT one last time their Junior year in an attempt to boost their score.
Therefore March would mean an "easier curve."
As I said, there is no proof that one month's test is any harder than any other month.
Urban legend.
And, as also mentioned, thinking such thoughts leads to defeatism.
). So study over winter break and take it in January. Then depending on how you do, you can plan out additional studying from Feb until the test.
