When should grade 11 students take the SAT?

This is a common question I encounter. My response is as follows:
Juniors have six times to plug into the SAT calendar:
    â€¢    May–Junior year
    â€¢    June
    â€¢    October–Senior year
    â€¢    November
    â€¢    December
    â€¢    January
Some people wonder if they should take the SAT in January of their junior year. This is certainly acceptable. The only disadvantage is that for many they may not have had sufficient time to digest the results from the PSAT.

How often should a student take the SAT?
I would not recommend more than twice, expect in rare instances. Generally, two testing dates should give you adequate illustration of your results. Certainly you do not want to make testing one of your after school activities.

Does a test prep course help?
Depends: It depends on what you are willing to invest in it. Mind you, I think you can gain a very similar benefit for a minor cost of a book. In fact, there is even free test prep on the internet:
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What about the SAT II?
Only a few of the more selective colleges actually require the SAT II. ANd only a few actually require three tests. Check here to see a general list, but you should always see specifically what each college requires.

What SAT IIs should I take?
Depends on what your strengths are. Generally you should take tests that showcase your strengths, and where appropriate  tests that illustrate your readiness for a program of study. For example, if you plan to study engineering, you would want to do one in math and probably one in science. Otherwise, it does not particularly matter.

Should I take an SAT II in my native language?
For example, you grew up speaking Chinese, should you take SAT II chinese? Well, this is one of the most contentious issues. About half the colleges feel it does not reveal any real information about you. About half say SURE: We want to see you at your best. So I usually say take it!

An Example of a testing calendar
May: Sat I
June: SAT II (math and one other subject)

Summer; TOEFL

if needed, you can repeat
SAT I in October
SAT II in November (Language)