Can I Take the SAT Despite Being Out of School for 6 Years?

Many individuals who are re-entering the academic world after a long hiatus often face the same question: Can I take the SAT even though I haven’t been in a classroom for over 6 years?

Being out of high school for 6 years does not preclude you from taking the SAT. Schools hosting the test can be rented venues, equipped with suitable rooms and desks for exam takers, similar to a regular high school setting but more flexible.

Importance of Preparation: Do not let the recency of your last formal education stop you. Your SAT scores can be crucial for securing scholarships and, in some cases, might be the deciding factor for college admissions.

Preparing for the SAT

Thorough preparation is key to performing well on this test. Many colleges and universities have average test scores for their admitted students available on their websites. These can serve as a benchmark for your expected performance. Aim to score higher than these averages to put yourself in a favorable position for college admissions.

Here are some steps to prepare for the SAT:

Study the websites of the colleges you're considering for average scores of the currently admitted class. Many college admissions offices publicly post such information.

Determine the average school where students are admitted and strive to do better than that. This can significantly increase your chances of securing a place in your desired institution.

Consider seeking professional help through services like Kaplan, which offers test preparation courses tailored to adult learners.

Explore college options that do not require standardized tests as part of their admissions criteria, especially after serving in the military.

Locating Test Centers

If you are searching for a test center that will be convenient for you, you can visit this SAT test center locator site. This resource can help you find a testing location near your current residence or place of employment.

Why do I Need to Take the SAT?

Primarily, the SAT is tailored for high schoolers aspiring to go to college. For those who are past their early twenties, admission processes can be slightly different. State or private colleges typically do not require the SAT for admissions, unless specific programs have limited seats and specific criteria that require standardized test scores.

Note, however, that my understanding might not always be accurate. In some cases, the process may indeed require the SAT. For instance, my father was able to enroll in a college without the SAT, but this was the exception rather than the rule.

Overall, the SAT can help open many doors for scholarships and admissions, so investing time in preparation and finding the right test centers is well worth it.