Hi there,

The SAT test itself should be approximately the same level of difficulty regardless of when you take it or whether or not you also do the essay portion of the exam. In order for a test to be standardized, the test needs to cover the same material each time it is given, and produce an approximately similar distribution of scores.

The SAT is not curved, and the scores are calculated the same way each time the exam is given, so your score is not affected by the performance of other test takers.

For more information on the SAT and how it is scored, I suggest visiting the SAT website.

Hope this helps!