Until When Should the SAT Be Taken to Be Eligible for Fall 2021 Admission to US Universities?

Planning to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States for the 2021 academic year? You’ve likely encountered the importance of acing the SAT or ACT as a crucial step in your application process. This article is designed to help you determine the optimal timing for taking the SAT to ensure your application stands out in the fall 2021 admissions cycle. We’ll guide you through the complete procedure and provide expert advice on timing and test strategies.

The Importance of Timing

When considering the SAT for your fall 2021 admissions, the timing of your test is critical. Universities across the board have strict deadlines for applications, and your SAT scores must reach your desired institutions by the specified dates.

Application Deadline Overview

You plan to apply by mid-October, which means you should take the SAT to secure your top tier college applications by the 1st of January. However, given that many students fail to achieve their target score on their first attempt, it’s often too late by the October deadline. Therefore, the next best test date is highly recommended.

Option 1: ACT on October 9, 2020

If you prefer the ACT, consider taking the test on October 9, 2020. This is your last opportunity to register for the exam in 2020, and it offers a critical last chance before the more limited December SAT.

Option 2: December SAT

The December 2020 SAT is another key date for testing. This is the last test you can use for fall 2021 admissions. However, it’s essential to ensure that your scores and application are submitted by the respective deadlines, typically by January 1st for most universities, and as early as November 30th for University of California Schools.

Timing Strategy for Best Results

To maximize your chances of achieving your target score, the optimal strategy is to take the SAT in October or November 2019, aiming for a final test by June 2020. Here’s a step-by-step approach to follow:

1. First Attempt by End of Eleventh Grade / Summer

If you plan to start your undergraduate studies in August or September 2021, your best approach is to finish your SAT testing by June 2020. Ideally, take your first SAT attempt by the end of your eleventh grade or during the summer after, allowing you to retake the test 1-2 times as needed to reach your target score before September if applying in the early cycle, or by November if applying in the regular cycle.

2. Prepare and Plan Ahead

Early planning is crucial. Finish all your testing by June 2020 once you start your senior year. This ensures you can focus on your applications and school commitments without additional stress.

3. Registration and Submission Deadlines

For early action or early decision, deadlines are typically in November or October 2020. For regular action, the deadline is December 2020. Make sure to register for tests well in advance and submit your application and scores by the respective deadlines.

Key Dates and Deadlines

October 9, 2020 – Last date to register for ACT December 2020 – Last SAT testing date for fall 2021 admissions January 1st for most universities – Final application and score submission deadline November 30th – Final application and score submission deadline for University of California Schools June 2020 – Final test date for securing scores in time for fall 2021 applications

Conclusion

With these guidelines and a strategic approach, you can maximize your chances of achieving the best score possible on the SAT and seamlessly submitting your applications by the crucial deadlines. Good luck on your journey to securing a place in your dream US university for the fall 2021 academic year!

Strategies for SAT success include:

First SAT attempt by the end of eleventh grade or during the summer Register well in advance for the ACT and SAT Focus on applications and school commitments once testing is complete Aim for a final test by June 2020 to ensure optimal scores for fall 2021 admissions

Keywords: SAT, Fall 2021 admissions, US universities