Should Your Student Take the March SAT?

The March 14th SAT is approaching, and many parents wonder if their student should register. The answer isn't one-size-fits-all—it depends on your college plans, grades, and scholarship goals.

When You DON'T Need the SAT

  • UC and CSU students: California's public universities don't even look at SAT scores. They're not optional—they're simply not considered. If your student plans to attend a UC or CSU (both high-ROI, affordable options), skip the SAT and focus on enriching their studies instead.

  • Students with GPAs below 3.5: Unless your student has very high grades (3.8+), most colleges won't use the SAT score for meaningful scholarship opportunities. Don't add unnecessary stress to their college journey.

When You DO Need the SAT

  • Private college applicants: If you're considering selective private schools (USC, NYU, Howard, Hampton, Emory, etc.) and willing to take on the cost, your student needs the SAT.

  • Scholarship seekers: Significant scholarships only go to students with BOTH high GPAs (3.8+) AND high SAT scores at selective private colleges.

  • Out-of-state students: If attending California schools from out of state or vice versa, check individual school requirements.

The Prep:

  • Books aren't enough. Today's students need structured teaching to learn critical thinking strategies and test-taking skills. Quality SAT prep requires experienced instructors who know how to teach reasoning and problem-solving.

  • Time commitment matters. Our 8-session prep program runs on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for 4 weeks. If your student is unavailable (year-round sports, track club, seven-on-seven football), when will they realistically prepare?

  • Athletes face challenges. With sports being year-round in California, finding prep time becomes nearly impossible. Think strategically about timing.


Before registering for March SAT prep, ask yourself:

  • Is my student targeting private colleges or public schools?

  • Does my student have the GPA (3.8+) to make the SAT score matter?

  • Can my student commit to 8 Saturday/Sunday sessions?

  • Have I reviewed the return on investment for expensive private schools?

Register for Princeton Review-Based SAT Prep

We offer high-quality, affordable SAT prep with experienced teachers. We'll call within hours to screen, interview, and ensure you understand the program details.

Next
Next

Understanding College ROI