Which Month Has the Easiest SAT Curve?

A study by the American Test Anxieties Association reveals that an astonishing 16-20% of students have high test anxiety, while another 18% suffer moderate amounts of anxiety. That’s almost 40% of high schoolers. In light of these figures, it’s no surprise that myths abound about ways to make the test-taking process less fraught. 

While you might have heard that taking the SAT during certain months can yield better results curve-wise, the truth is that this exam is equally difficult at all times of the year. The College Board doesn’t curve tests based on student performance, so there’s no greater benefit associated with taking the test in January than in December. Keep reading to learn how the SAT is curved and what steps you can take to raise your scores in the coming months. 

How Is the SAT Curved? What Is Equating? 

Rather than curving the SAT based on how well students perform, the College Board uses an equating process in assigning scores. In other words, test makers recognize that not all versions of the SAT are equally difficult; some tests just happen to be harder or easier for students. To that end, the College Board adjusts raw scores to accommodate minor differences in test difficulty across various months. The idea is that earning a 1600 should mean the same thing whether you take the SAT in January 2018 or June 2019. Known as equating, this statistical process ensures that scores are fair and accurate for everyone who takes the SAT.

Tips for Scheduling the SAT 

While there’s no guaranteed benefit to taking the SAT in a given month, students should take care when scheduling this all-important exam. 

One of the most important aspects to consider are the admissions deadlines your chosen colleges. After all, you don’t want to risk turning in your scores too late to be considered. Most schools have regular decision deadlines in December and January; the very last test date possible to submit scores on time would be November and December, respectively. Students who want to apply early decision or early action, with November deadlines, will need to take the SAT by October, at the latest. Of course, this can vary by school, so be sure to check with the colleges on your list. 

You should consider scholarship deadlines as well when signing up to take the test. For example, some colleges automatically consider you for merit scholarships if you submit a complete application (including test scores) by an earlier date than the RD deadline. At Purdue University, that deadline was November 1 this year. In this case, you would’ve wanted to have received your scores by October as well. For those eligible for the National Merit Scholarship, you also have to submit your SAT scores by fall of senior year, typically October.

Additionally, students should make sure they’ve taken all the necessary courses prior to scheduling the test. For example, students should wait to take the SAT until they’ve completed both Geometry and Algebra II. 

Studying is also crucial if you hope to excel on the SAT, as getting a high score is often about familiarizing yourself with the test’s format and themes. To that end, students should avoid taking the SAT when they’re especially busy with other activities like varsity sports, AP exams, or school plays.