<p>I’m totally lost about when i should take the SAT. I’m considering taking the test in December. I’m a junior and I heard it is best to take it a little early to give yourself time to progress over the year into senior year. </p>
<p>The thing is I can’t take it in January (because of AcaDec competition) and I can’t take it in May (because of the SAT II’s). I also dispite signing up for it in June because it is right before finals.</p>
<p>Now that leaves me with the March 1st date. Sadly I found out if i want to do Science Olympiad I can’t take the March 1st date because that is the competition date. </p>
<p>So yes as you can see I’m totally screwed. I’m completly lost. Which way shall I turn?</p>
<p>Besides the main question I have a few other small ones:</p>
<li><p>Is it a myth that colleges average test scores?</p></li>
<li><p>Would a low test score look bad for me and possibly put me at a disadvantage?</p></li>
<li><p>Is there a such thing as a refund?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I’m now starting to think about taking the ACT even though I live in SoCal.</p>
<p>My advice… Start taking the ACTs. Only the best score will be seen. SAT…Don’t take it unless you feel ready. Dont trust your “being a smart student”. Ive seen so many smart students go in, thinking the SAT would be common sense, come out with a low score. Just take a practice, and see how u feel. Then when you feel ready, take it. But the act, just keep taking it i would say. And why wouldnt u take it even if u live in SoCal? Do they not offer it? THe ACT is equivalent to the SAT to all (i think?) colleges</p>
<p>Take the ACTs this spring, the SATs next fall (Sept/Oct). If your ACTs are better comparatively, only submit those. If they are about the same, then submit either/both. If the SATs are better, then just submit those. The UCs don’t require scores in until at earliest, November, so you have time. Don’t stress about it.</p>
<p>And yes, it’s a myth that colleges average scores. They don’t. The UCs take your best SAT score from a single sitting; others may take the highest score from each SAT section.</p>
<p>You are not at a disadvantage if you only submit the ACT.</p>