December SAT for Regular Decision: Last Chance to Boost Your College Application
Test Preparation
Aug 16, 2025
Learn how the December SAT can be your last chance to enhance college applications before Regular Decision deadlines with effective strategies and tips.
Taking the December SAT is your final opportunity to improve your college application before Regular Decision deadlines, which typically fall between January 1 and January 15. Here’s why it matters:
Scores arrive in time for Regular Decision: December SAT scores are usually released by late January, aligning with college evaluation timelines.
Superscoring advantage: You can combine your highest section scores across multiple test dates, potentially increasing your overall score.
Even small score improvements matter: A 50–100 point boost can elevate your application, making you more competitive for selective schools or merit scholarships.
With about 8–10 weeks to prepare, focus on a structured study plan that balances SAT prep with school responsibilities. If your score falls short, many colleges still accept January scores or offer test-optional policies.
December SAT and Regular Decision Timeline
Important Dates and Deadlines
The registration deadline for the December SAT typically falls in November, with an option for late registration if you're willing to pay an extra fee. It's crucial to plan your registration and study schedule carefully to align with the early January deadlines for Regular Decision applications.
Colleges are generally familiar with the December SAT timeline and often structure their admissions processes to accommodate these scores. However, double-check each school's specific deadlines and registration details to ensure your scores are submitted on time.
Make a list of schools that accept December SAT scores to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Colleges That Accept December SAT Scores
The majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. accept December SAT scores for Regular Decision applications. This includes everything from highly selective private institutions to competitive public universities. Many state university systems also accommodate these scores.
If you're applying through Early Decision II, verify that the school allows December SAT scores for that round. Each institution's admissions guidelines will outline whether they accept these scores, so be sure to confirm.
Score Release and Submission Timeline
December SAT scores are typically released a few weeks after the test date, giving you enough time to submit them to your chosen schools. The College Board sends your scores directly to the colleges you've selected, and any additional score reports can be sent within a few days if needed.
Most admissions offices are flexible and will accept December SAT scores even if they arrive shortly after the application deadline, as long as your main application materials were submitted on time. To avoid delays, make sure you know each school's designated code for score submissions well before the test date.
Using Superscoring to Improve Your Application
How Superscoring Works
Superscoring takes your highest section scores from different test dates and combines them into one composite score. For instance, if you scored a 650 in Reading and Writing on one test and a 720 in Math on another, your superscore would be 1,370.
Many U.S. colleges accept superscoring because it highlights your strongest academic abilities across multiple attempts. This approach allows admissions officers to see your best potential, even if your performance varies between sections.
The December SAT is particularly useful for superscoring. It offers one last chance to improve either your Math or Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score before Regular Decision deadlines. Even if your overall December score isn’t your highest, excelling in one section can significantly boost your superscore. This makes the December test a key opportunity for fine-tuning your application.
How to Submit Multiple Scores
Here’s how you can make the most of superscoring:
Log in to your College Board account, go to the "Send SAT Scores" page, and search for your target colleges by name or code.
For schools that accept superscoring, select the test date with your highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and the test date with your highest Math score. Keep in mind, colleges will see all section scores from the test dates you choose to send, not just the highest ones.
To submit scores for superscoring, you’ll need to send complete score reports for each test date you want considered. The College Board doesn’t allow you to send individual section scores; full reports from each date are required.
You can send up to four free score reports from the time you register until nine days after your test date. After this period, additional score reports cost $12 each. If you’re in a time crunch, rush orders are available for $31 plus the regular fee, with delivery in 1–4 business days. Students with fee waivers can send unlimited score reports at no cost.
To prepare effectively, tools like ChatSAT’s analytics can help pinpoint which sections need the most focus. By reviewing your performance across practice sessions, you can target your study efforts on the section that could give your superscore the biggest boost.
Superscoring vs. Single Test Scores
Aspect | Superscoring | Single Test Score |
|---|---|---|
Score Potential | Combines best section scores from multiple dates | Based on performance from one test date |
College Acceptance | Accepted by most U.S. colleges for Regular Decision | Accepted by all colleges universally |
Cost Considerations | Requires sending multiple score reports | Only one score report needed |
Preparation Strategy | Focus on improving one section per test date | Requires strong performance in both sections |
Risk Management | Poor performance in one section doesn’t hurt overall score | One bad test day affects the entire score |
Some colleges and scholarship programs require you to send all your SAT scores, even if they use superscoring. This means they’ll see every test attempt, but they’ll still use your best section scores when making admissions decisions. Always check the score-use policy for each school before deciding which test dates to send.
The December SAT is especially helpful for superscoring strategies. If you’ve already achieved strong Reading and Writing scores earlier, you can focus your December preparation on Math. This approach ensures you’re in the best position to create a strong superscore for Regular Decision applications.
December SAT Study Guide: 3-Week Cram Plan!
8-10 Week SAT Study Plan
With the December SAT approaching, this 8–10 week plan is designed to help you prepare effectively without overwhelming your schedule. Starting your prep in early October gives you enough time to make real progress while managing schoolwork and college applications.
Weekly Study Schedule
Weeks 1-2 (Early October): Foundation Building
Kick things off with a diagnostic test to assess your starting point and pinpoint weak areas. Dedicate 8–10 hours weekly to mastering the basics in Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Stick to a consistent routine to build momentum.
Weeks 3-5 (Mid-October): Skill Development
Increase your study time to 10–12 hours per week. Focus on one section per day, zeroing in on areas where you struggled during the diagnostic test.
Weeks 6-7 (Late October/Early November): Practice Integration
Take a second full-length practice test and analyze your results. Allocate 12–15 hours weekly to mixed practice sessions, combining different question types to simulate test conditions and improve stamina.
Weeks 8-10 (November/Early December): Test Readiness
Each week, complete a full-length practice test under timed conditions. Shift your focus to reviewing mistakes and refining test-taking strategies rather than learning new material.
To get the most out of this plan, pair it with personalized tools that adapt to your progress.
Personalized Study Tools
Enhance your study sessions with tools designed to target your specific needs:
ChatSAT's Urgency Detector: This tool adjusts your study plan based on practice scores and the time left until test day. It helps you focus on topics that will yield the biggest score improvements in the least amount of time.
AI Study Director: This feature creates a dynamic week-by-week calendar tailored to your progress. For example, if quadratic equations are tripping you up in Week 4, it schedules extra algebra practice while postponing less critical topics.
Targeted Lessons: Each session begins with short, focused lessons addressing your weak points. Instead of generic materials, you'll get clear explanations of the concepts holding you back. Plus, the Ask-Why button offers instant clarifications to prevent confusion from piling up.
Adaptive Practice Tests: These tests adjust their difficulty based on your performance, ensuring you're always challenged at the right level - keeping frustration in check while pushing you to improve.
Study Milestones
Tracking your progress with clear milestones helps ensure you're on track to hit your target score:
Week 2 Milestone: Complete a diagnostic test to set your baseline score and identify your top three improvement areas for each section.
Week 4 Milestone: Take your first progress-check practice test. Aim for a 30–50 point improvement if you've been following your plan.
Week 6 Milestone: Complete a full-length practice test under test-like conditions, including breaks and timing. Your goal is to score within 50–70 points of your target.
Week 8 Milestone: Take your final practice test. By now, you should be consistently scoring within 20–30 points of your goal.
Week 10 (Test Week): Keep it light. Focus on reviewing key strategies, getting enough rest, and preparing everything you need for test day.
Plan for at least three full-length practice tests during this period. Schedule them for Saturday mornings to mimic the actual SAT timing, helping your body and mind adjust to peak performance.
Between practice tests, aim for 2–3 focused review sessions each week. Use ChatSAT's analytics to identify the question types costing you the most points and prioritize those areas.
Managing SAT Prep With School and Activities
Juggling SAT prep alongside school and extracurricular commitments can feel like a tightrope act, but with a solid plan, it’s entirely doable. Let’s break down how to manage your time effectively and adjust your study plan as needed to stay on track.
Time Management Tips
Block out focused study sessions. Instead of scattering your SAT prep throughout the week, aim for dedicated blocks of time. Early morning sessions - like 6:30 to 7:15 AM - can be incredibly productive since your mind is fresh. On weekends, carve out longer study periods, ideally 2–3 hours in the morning, to make up for lighter prep on busy weekdays.
Take advantage of small pockets of time. Those 15-minute gaps between activities or during your commute can be perfect for quick reviews of vocabulary, math formulas, or flashcards. These micro-sessions may seem small, but they add up over time.
Plan around your school calendar. Sync your SAT prep with your academic schedule. During lighter school weeks, ramp up your study hours. When things get hectic, focus on maintaining progress rather than overloading yourself.
Trim down extracurricular commitments if needed. If you’re involved in multiple activities, consider scaling back on less critical ones during your 8–10 week prep period. A strong SAT score will likely have a bigger impact on your college applications than attending every single club meeting.
Stay accountable. Study with friends who are also preparing for the SAT, or check in regularly with a parent, teacher, or counselor. This accountability can keep you consistent, even when your schedule feels overwhelming.
When school gets particularly demanding, your SAT prep strategy needs to adapt.
Adjusting Your Study Plan
Your approach to SAT prep should shift as academic pressures fluctuate. For instance, during midterms or other high-stress periods, you’ll need to adjust your strategy without losing momentum.
Stick to flexible daily minimums. On weeks packed with major tests or projects, scale back to just 15–20 minutes of SAT prep each day. Use this time wisely by focusing on areas that offer the biggest opportunity for improvement, rather than general review.
Adjust intensity levels. On regular weeks, you might work through full practice sections and detailed explanations. But during crunch times, switch to quick drills targeting your weakest areas. This way, you’re still making progress without overloading yourself.
Prioritize key topics. If time is tight, focus on one area rather than spreading yourself too thin. For example, if you’re struggling with advanced algebra and reading comprehension, tackle one first to see meaningful progress instead of minimal gains in both.
Plan for recovery after busy periods. If school projects or AP exams force you to scale back on SAT prep for a week, make a plan to catch up. Redistribute missed content over the remaining weeks to avoid falling behind.
Adapt based on practice test results. As test day approaches, your practice test scores will reveal where you need to focus. If a November practice test uncovers unexpected weaknesses, shift your attention to those areas, even if it means adjusting your original plan.
The balance between school and SAT prep will naturally shift from week to week. Some weeks, school will take priority; other weeks, you can dedicate more time to your SAT studies. The goal is to keep moving forward without burning out, so you’re fully prepared when test day arrives.
If Your December SAT Score Is Lower Than Expected
Getting your December SAT scores back and realizing they’re lower than you hoped can feel like a setback, especially with Regular Decision deadlines looming. But don’t panic - this is just a moment to regroup and adjust your approach. By understanding where you stand, you can refine your college list and figure out your next steps.
Updating Your College List
Take a fresh look at your list of schools, especially how they’re categorized as reach, match, or safety options. If your score is 50–100 points below what you anticipated, some of your reach schools may now be out of range, while others might shift into the match category. Schools where your score falls in the 25th–50th percentile of admitted students are still worth considering, but you’ll need to lean on other parts of your application, like essays and extracurriculars, to stand out.
Understand test-optional policies. Many colleges still offer test-optional admissions, but the specifics can vary widely. Some truly don’t consider scores if you don’t submit them, while others may allow you to submit alternatives like AP scores. Certain schools even have different rules depending on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state applicant, or based on the program you’re applying to. Do your homework here.
Focus on colleges where your score is competitive. Look for schools where your SAT score is within or above the middle 50% of admitted students. These should form the core of your updated list. Use tools like official admissions data to find schools that align with your academic strengths and career aspirations.
Leverage other strengths in your application. If you have strong grades, standout essays, or unique extracurricular achievements, you can still aim for a few reach schools. Just make sure the majority of your list is realistic based on your current score.
Options After December
Once you’ve updated your college list, consider ways to strengthen your profile. Even if your Regular Decision applications are already submitted, there may still be opportunities to improve your standing.
Check if colleges accept January or March SAT scores. Some schools allow later test scores to be submitted after the application deadline. If you plan to retake the SAT, let admissions know when they can expect your updated results and be ready to explain your reasoning.
Take advantage of spring SAT School Day testing. Many high schools offer the SAT during school hours in March or April. While this won’t help with Regular Decision deadlines, it could come in handy if you’re waitlisted or decide to reapply after a gap year.
Prepare for summer test dates if you’re considering transfer applications. If you’re starting at a community college or a less competitive four-year school with plans to transfer, use the extra time to work on improving your SAT score for future applications.
Explore subject-specific alternatives. Some colleges let students showcase their abilities through department exams or portfolios, especially for programs in areas like art, music, or technical fields. Depending on your major, these options might carry more weight than standardized tests.
Quick Score Improvement
If you’re planning to retake the SAT in January or later, it’s critical to focus your preparation on areas where you can make the biggest gains. A targeted study plan based on your December score report will help you make the most of your time.
Analyze your score report for weak spots. The College Board provides a detailed breakdown of your performance, highlighting which question types and topics caused trouble. Use this to zero in on areas that need the most attention.
Platforms like ChatSAT can guide you through focused review sessions. Features like its Urgency Detector prioritize topics based on your timeline and potential score impact, helping you make the most of your prep time.
Prioritize high-impact areas. For math, focus on algebra and advanced math concepts, as these often offer the biggest potential point increases. In the Reading and Writing section, concentrate on grammar rules and reading strategies that apply across multiple question types.
Target areas that affect your superscore. Many colleges combine your highest section scores from different test dates. If your math score was strong in December but Reading and Writing fell short, focus your prep on improving the verbal sections.
Set realistic expectations. With focused preparation, most students see gains of 30–60 points between test dates. Larger improvements, like 100+ points, are possible but often require addressing foundational gaps, which may take more time than you have before January.
The key is to focus on what’s within your control and keep moving forward, rather than getting stuck on what didn’t go as planned in December.
Conclusion: Getting the Most From Your December SAT
The December SAT is your last opportunity to strengthen your college applications before most regular decision deadlines. Since scores are typically released about two weeks after the test, you'll still have time to send them to schools with January deadlines.
Focused preparation can make a big difference. An 8–10 week study plan that fits alongside your schoolwork gives you the best shot at improving your scores. On average, students who retake the SAT and take advantage of superscoring see an improvement of 40–70 points, which could have a significant impact on your college applications. This approach not only helps you perform well on test day but also gives you the flexibility to adjust your college list based on your results.
Speaking of superscoring, it’s a game-changer. Your December SAT doesn’t need to be flawless across all sections. Instead, focus on building on your strongest areas from previous attempts to maximize your overall score.
Technology can also be a huge help. Tools designed to pinpoint your weaknesses and track progress make your study sessions more effective, helping you inch closer to your target score with every session.
Even after test day, your preparation journey isn’t over. If your December results aren’t what you hoped for, you’ve still gained valuable insights and skills. These can help you revise your college list, consider test-optional schools, or even plan for future opportunities like transfer applications. The work you put in now opens doors later.
Finally, don’t forget to register by the deadlines to avoid extra fees.
FAQs
What is SAT superscoring, and how can it help if I take the December test for Regular Decision?
Superscoring the SAT involves combining your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create a new, higher overall score. Many colleges accept this method, allowing you to showcase your best performance in each section, even if those scores are from different test sittings.
If you're planning to take the SAT in December, superscoring offers a final chance to boost your application. By emphasizing your top section scores across all attempts, you can enhance your overall competitiveness - especially if certain sections didn’t go as planned on earlier tests. It’s a smart way to strengthen your Regular Decision application before deadlines hit.
What should I do if my December SAT score isn’t as high as I hoped, with Regular Decision deadlines coming up?
If your December SAT score didn’t turn out as you’d hoped, don’t stress - there are still plenty of ways to enhance your college application. Start by checking if your target schools allow superscoring, which means they’ll consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates. If your application deadlines allow, you might also consider retaking the SAT to improve your score.
While you’re figuring out your next steps, shift your focus to other parts of your application. Emphasize your GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statement to highlight what makes you stand out. If there were specific circumstances that impacted your score, it might be worth contacting admissions offices to explain the situation or let them know you plan to submit updated scores. Remember, colleges look at the bigger picture, so this is your chance to let your other achievements take center stage.
What are the best strategies to prepare for the December SAT while balancing school and extracurriculars?
Preparing for the December SAT while balancing school and extracurriculars can feel like a lot to handle, but with a little planning, it’s completely doable. The first step? Create a study schedule that works for you. Use a planner or an app to map out your study sessions and set clear goals for each week. Keeping it realistic is key - don’t cram too much into one day.
Break your study time into short, focused sessions - think 25 to 50 minutes with quick breaks in between. This approach helps you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. Sharing your plan with someone like a parent, teacher, or mentor can also help keep you on track and motivated.
The earlier you start, the better. A good rule of thumb is to begin preparing 8 to 10 weeks before the test. This gives you enough time to review, practice, and fine-tune your skills. And if your score isn’t quite what you hoped for, remember that many colleges accept superscores, so you’ll have another chance to highlight your best efforts.