Opportunity of the New September SAT

Student: “I can’t take the October SAT because Georgia Tech’s Early Action deadline is October 15th”

College Board: “We’ve got you covered!”

Summer break is here, and while many students are enjoying some well-earned rest, parents across the country are deep into planning mode. One big question we hear at Clayborne this time of year is: Should my student take the new September SAT?

It’s a smart question. The College Board has introduced an additional test date this fall on September 13, 2025, providing even more flexibility for students navigating college admissions timelines. In this post, we’ll help you determine whether signing up for the September SAT is the best fit based on your student’s goals, schedule, and preparation level—and also discuss whether the August SAT could still play a role.

Why the September SAT Matters

The September SAT fills an important gap, providing students another excellent opportunity early in the academic year:

1. Ideal for Early Decision and Early Action – Many colleges have Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadlines in October or November. The September SAT ensures scores arrive well before these crucial deadlines.
2. Maximizes Summer and Early Fall Prep – Students who begin or continue their preparation during the summer have additional weeks in late August and early September to fine-tune their strategies and confidence before test day.
3. Reduces Pressure of Senior Year – Taking the SAT in September can help students lighten their load during an already busy fall semester packed with rigorous courses, extracurriculars, and college applications.

Benefits of the September SAT

1. Strategic Timing – The mid-September test date allows students who started summer prep ample opportunity to reinforce their skills after school resumes.
2. Timely Results for Flexibility – Scores arriving in early October provide ample time for: Scheduling an additional retake if necessary, finalizing college lists and decisions, and shifting focus to polishing college applications.
3. Optimal for Continued Preparation – Students who’ve engaged in structured summer prep programs or tutoring can leverage these additional weeks to achieve peak readiness and confidence for the September test.

Who Should Take the September SAT?

• Rising seniors applying Early Decision or Early Action who want to ensure timely score delivery.
• Students who’ve had consistent summer prep but desire a few extra weeks to maximize performance.
• Juniors seeking an early baseline to shape their prep plan without the pressure of late fall tests.
• Students aiming to reduce academic stress during the peak of senior year activities.

When the August SAT Still Makes Sense

While emphasizing the new September SAT, the August SAT remains valuable in specific scenarios:

• Students who have already completed extensive summer prep and feel ready for an immediate assessment.
• Seniors looking for the earliest possible scores to inform immediate retesting decisions if needed.

When It Might Be Better to Wait

The September SAT might NOT be ideal if:

• Your student hasn’t started any prep yet, and may benefit from additional weeks leading to the October test.
• Your summer was heavily disrupted, and consistent preparation wasn’t possible.
• Your student is not applying in an early action/decision admissions pool and plans to take a late Fall test.

Conclusion

There’s no universal right or wrong answer to choosing between the August and September SAT. What matters most is aligning the test timing with your student’s unique preparation timeline, confidence, and college goals. At Clayborne, we excel in helping families craft personalized, strategic testing plans.

Ready to discuss a tailored approach for your student’s SAT journey? Contact us today!