9/28/2013

Dear ArborBridge,

I am a student in Moscow and I plan on applying to University in the US in the fall of 2014. I know I need to take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and the TOEFL. The consultant at my school tells me that I should start my preparation now – but I am confused. What should I take first? The SAT? The TOEFL? What do you recommend?

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Hi!

This is a great question – the good thing is that you are right on time. Your counselor is correct; you should begin preparation now for your examinations. But what to prep for first? I always tell students to look at the possible schedule of test dates for the upcoming year. For the SAT, most students in your grade are looking at the January, May, June, and October 2014 SAT Test dates.

In general, the TOEFL is offered every weekend. So, there are plenty of test dates to consider- for example, for the next three months you can take the TOEFL in Moscow on the following dates:

  • Fri., Oct 11, 2013
  • Sat., Oct 12, 2013
  • Sat., Oct 19, 2013
  • Sun., Oct 27, 2013
  • Sat., Nov 09, 2013
  • Sat., Nov 16, 2013
  • Sun., Nov 17, 2013
  • Sat., Nov 23, 2013
  • Sun., Nov 24, 2013
  • Sun., Dec 01, 2013
  • Sat., Dec 07, 2013
  • Sun., Dec 15, 2013
  • Sat., Dec 21, 2013
  • Sat., Dec 28, 2013

To find current test dates, check the TOEFL website.

Therefore, the best tactic would be to schedule the SAT for January, and then take the TOEFL in the month or two after. In general, the SAT is more difficult in respect to content than the TOEFL is. So, if you have prepared for the SAT, you should be sufficiently prepared for the TOEFL.

When in Doubt, Take a Diagnostic Test

I always recommend taking a diagnostic test so you will know what to expect from your results. If you take a diagnostic TOEFL test after you take the January SAT, and your scores are still not where you want them to be, you will have time to prepare for a March or April TOEFL.

But what if I am applying in the fall of 2015?

If you are planning on applying to university in fall of 2015, then I would recommend prepping for the TOEFL first. Since you are young to take the SAT, you can start with TOEFL since it is more basic. What you learn for TOEFL will build a foundation for your SAT Critical Reading and Writing preparation.

I hope this was helpful!

For more information about ArborBridge SAT and TOEFL prep, visit our programs page.