SAT Test Dates 2025-2026

SAT Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Registering for the SAT is straightforward when you follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a College Board Account

• Visit collegeboard.org
• Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner
• Provide your personal information, including name (as it appears on your ID), date of birth, and email
• Create a secure password
• Verify your email address

Step 2: Choose Your Test Date and Location

• Log into your College Board account
• Select "SAT" from the menu
• Click "Register for the SAT"
• Choose your preferred test date from available options
• Search for test centers near you by ZIP code
• Select your preferred test center (test centers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis)

Step 3: Complete Your Registration

• Upload an acceptable photo (must meet specific requirements)
• Review and confirm your personal information
• Select if you want to send scores to colleges (4 free score reports available)
• Answer optional survey questions

Step 4: Pay Registration Fee

• Standard registration fee: $60 (U.S.) or $101 (International)
• Late registration fee: Additional $35
• Test center or date change: $35
• Fee waivers available for eligible students (see below)

SAT Registration Fees (2025-2026)

SAT Fee Waivers: Who Qualifies?

The College Board provides fee waivers to eligible U.S. students facing financial hardship. Benefits include:

• Two SAT registrations at no cost
• Unlimited score reports to colleges
• Four free college application fee waivers
• Free access to official SAT practice on Khan Academy

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify for fee waivers if you:

• Are enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program
• Have a family income within USDA Food and Nutrition Service guidelines
• Are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program for low-income students
• Live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home
• Are homeless or a ward of the state
• Participate in TRIO programs (Upward Bound, etc.)

Important SAT Registration Deadlines

Regular Registration

Register approximately 4-5 weeks before your test date to:

• Avoid late fees ($35 additional)
• Have better test center availability
• Get your admission ticket with enough time to review details
• Make changes if needed without rushing

Late Registration

Late registration is available for an additional $35 fee, typically ending about 2-3 weeks before the test date. However:

• Test center availability may be limited
• Your preferred location might be full
• You'll pay significantly more
• Less time to prepare with a confirmed test date

Registration Deadline Extensions

In rare cases, deadline extensions may be available, but these are not guaranteed and typically require special circumstances.

Choosing the Best SAT Test Date for You

For High School Juniors

• Spring (March, May, June): Ideal for first-time test takers who have completed most of their coursework
• Fall (October, November): Perfect for retakes with summer preparation
• Strategy: Take it once in spring junior year, analyze results over summer, retake in fall if needed

For High School Seniors

• August: Great if you need to improve scores before early applications (U.S. only)
• October/November: Last chances for regular decision applications
• December: Final opportunity for some regular decision deadlines (verify with colleges)
• Warning: Don't take your first SAT in senior year—start junior year to allow time for retakes

Strategic Considerations

• School Schedule: Avoid test dates that conflict with major school projects, AP exams, or important events
• Preparation Time: Give yourself at least 8-12 weeks of preparation before your test date
• College Application Deadlines: Ensure score release dates align with your application timeline
• Retake Strategy: Space SAT attempts 2-3 months apart to allow time for focused improvement

SAT Score Release Schedule

With the Digital SAT, scores are released much faster than with the old paper test:

• Multiple-choice scores: Available within 10-13 days after the test date
• Score notification: Email alert when scores are ready
• Score access: View scores online through your College Board account
• Score reports: Can be sent to colleges immediately upon release

What's Included in Your Score Report

• Total SAT score (400-1600)
• Section scores for Reading and Writing, and Math (200-800 each)
• Subscores showing performance in specific skill areas
• Cross-test scores for Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science
• Percentile rankings comparing your performance to other test-takers

What to Do After Registering

1. Download the Bluebook App

The Digital SAT is administered through the Bluebook app. Download it to:

• Take practice tests in the actual testing format
• Familiarize yourself with the digital interface
• Practice with the built-in calculator and annotation tools
• Ensure your device is compatible

2. Create a Study Plan

With your test date confirmed, create a structured study schedule:

• Take a diagnostic practice test to identify weak areas
• Allocate specific study time each week
• Schedule regular practice tests
• Review and track your progress

3. Prepare Test Day Materials

• Admission Ticket: Print or save digital copy
• Photo ID: Valid, government-issued ID with photo and name
• Device: Laptop, tablet, or school-provided device (fully charged)
• Backup Device: Optional but recommended
• Calculator: Optional approved calculator as backup to Bluebook's built-in calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Reminders