What Now? Navigating Next Steps After March SAT Results

TL;DR:

• Read Time: 4 minutes
  
• Many students are feeling disappointed with March SAT scores.
  
• Here are three key things to consider before deciding your next move.
  

“I got my March SAT results and don’t think it was my best result.”  -Student

I’ve had many parents ask me about what’s next after the March SAT results. And honestly, it’s a valid question.

March’s SAT came with a rocky start—glitches, stress, and for many students, results that didn’t match their expectations. Several of my students have told me, “That test was hard,” and I always remind them about test scaling and how score reports are calibrated.

Now that your score is in, let’s talk about what comes next.

1. How Close Are You to Your Target Score?

The first thing you should do is compare your SAT score to the average scores of students admitted to your target schools.

👉 Check out the most recent numbers on US News & World Report.

If you’re within 30-50 points, you might be in a great place. A little polish and you’re golden.
If you’re more than 100 points away, it might be time to regroup and retest.

Pro Tip:
Make a list of your top 5 schools and their SAT score ranges. Let that be your compass.

2. Does Your Timeline Make Sense?

Next, ask: When should I take the test again?

The May SAT might seem tempting—it’s the next date available. But remember, May is also:

• AP testing season
  
• Final exam prep
  
• A whirlwind of academic activity
  

If you’re already feeling stretched, you might perform better in June or August, when things slow down a bit.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have the bandwidth to prep properly?
  
• Will I be more focused later in the summer?
  

You want to schedule your next SAT when you’re most prepared—not just when it’s soonest.

3. What’s Going to Be Different This Time?

If you’re thinking of retaking the SAT, here’s the most important question:

What are you going to do differently?

Some ideas to level up:

• Enroll in a structured prep program
  
• Do full-length digital practice tests using Bluebook
  
• Focus on your weak points (like timing, or math grid-ins)
  
• Get feedback from a tutor or teacher
  

Doing the same prep you did last time may not move the needle. Take time to reflect and adjust your strategy.

Final Thoughts

Getting back an SAT score that doesn’t match your effort can be frustrating. But it’s not the end of your college journey. Use your score as data—not a judgment.

✅ Know your target
✅ Own your timeline
✅ Improve your prep game

Whether you’re taking it again or turning your focus elsewhere, the next step is yours to make.