SAT Test Dates 2025-2026: Complete Schedule, Registration Deadlines & Important Information
Planning your SAT testing schedule is crucial for college admissions success. This comprehensive guide from SATHELP24x7.com provides all official SAT test dates for the 2025-2026 academic year, registration deadlines, score release dates, and everything you need to know about registering for the SAT. Whether you're a junior planning your first test or a senior scheduling your final attempt, this complete schedule ensures you never miss a critical deadline.
You'll find: All 2025-2026 SAT test dates (August through June), regular and late registration deadlines for each administration, score release schedules, step-by-step registration instructions, test day timing, international testing information, and strategic advice on which test dates work best for your college application timeline.
SAT Test Dates 2025-2026: Complete Schedule
All U.S. Domestic SAT Administration Dates
The College Board offers the SAT seven times during the 2025-2026 academic year. Here's the complete schedule with all critical deadlines:
August 23, 2025
Best for: Rising seniors getting scores before early fall applications; students retaking after spring junior year test
October 4, 2025
Best for: Seniors applying Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15 deadlines); juniors getting baseline score
November 1, 2025
Best for: Seniors applying Regular Decision with January 1 deadlines; last chance for some ED2/EA2 programs
December 6, 2025
Best for: Seniors applying Regular Decision; final opportunity for most January 1-15 deadlines
March 14, 2026
Best for: Juniors getting first official score; seniors applying to rolling admission programs
May 2, 2026
Best for: Juniors building baseline score or retaking after March; conflicts with AP exam schedule
June 6, 2026
Best for: Juniors completing testing before summer; last chance before senior year applications begin
Complete SAT Testing Schedule at a Glance
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 9-13, 2025 | September 6, 2025 |
| October 4, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | September 20-24, 2025 | October 18, 2025 |
| November 1, 2025 | October 17, 2025 | October 18-22, 2025 | November 14, 2025 |
| December 6, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | November 22-26, 2025 | December 20, 2025 |
| March 14, 2026 | February 27, 2026 | February 28 - March 4, 2026 | March 28, 2026 |
| May 2, 2026 | April 17, 2026 | April 18-22, 2026 | May 16, 2026 |
| June 6, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | May 23-27, 2026 | June 20, 2026 |
How to Register for the SAT: Step-by-Step Guide
SAT Registration Process
Registering for the SAT is done entirely online through the College Board website. Here's the complete process:
Step-by-Step SAT Registration
- Create a College Board Account: Visit collegeboard.org and click "Sign Up." You'll need a valid email address. If you already have an account from PSAT or AP exams, use the same login.
- Complete Your Profile: Enter personal information including legal name (as it appears on ID), date of birth, address, high school, and contact information. This information must be accurate.
- Select "Register for the SAT": From your College Board dashboard, click on SAT registration.
- Choose Your Test Date: Select from available test dates. Check which dates fit your college application timeline.
- Select Test Center: Enter your zip code to find nearby test centers. Centers fill up quickly for October, November, and December—register early for your preferred location.
- Choose Score Recipients: You can send scores to 4 colleges for free at registration. Additional score sends cost $14 each. You can also wait until after you see your scores to send.
- Upload a Photo: You'll need to upload an acceptable photo that meets College Board requirements. This photo will appear on your admission ticket.
- Review and Pay: Standard SAT registration fee is $60 (domestic). Fee waivers are available for eligible students. Review all information carefully before submitting payment.
- Print Admission Ticket: After registering, print your admission ticket. You MUST bring this to the test center along with acceptable photo ID.
SAT Registration Deadlines Explained
Understanding Regular vs. Late Registration
The College Board offers two registration periods for each SAT administration:
Regular Registration
Closes approximately 4-5 weeks before test date
- Cost: $60 standard fee (domestic U.S. testing)
- Test center selection: Full availability of test centers
- Changes allowed: Can change test date or center until regular deadline without fee
- Best practice: Always aim to register during regular registration period
Late Registration
Opens day after regular deadline closes; runs for approximately 4-5 days
- Cost: $60 + $30 late fee = $90 total
- Test center availability: Limited—only centers with remaining capacity
- Risk: May not get preferred center or date may fill completely
- No changes: Cannot change test date or center after late registration
- When to use: Only if you missed regular deadline or circumstances changed
SAT Test Day Schedule and Timing
What Time Does the SAT Start?
Understanding SAT test day timing helps you plan logistics and avoid stress:
SAT Test Day Timeline
- 7:45 AM: Test center doors open; arrive by this time
- 7:45-8:15 AM: Check-in, ID verification, seating assignment
- 8:15-8:30 AM: Proctors read instructions, distribute materials
- 8:30 AM: Testing begins (approximate—varies by center)
- 10:30-11:00 AM: Testing ends for standard SAT (no breaks during Digital SAT)
- 11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Dismissal after materials collected
Fee Waivers and Financial Assistance
Who Qualifies for SAT Fee Waivers?
The College Board provides fee waivers for eligible students facing financial hardship:
SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility
You may be eligible for fee waivers if you meet any of these criteria:
- Enrolled in or eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Family income falls within USDA income eligibility guidelines
- Enrolled in a federal, state, or local program for low-income students
- Family receives public assistance
- Currently in foster care or ward of the state
- Your school counselor has verified your eligibility
What SAT Fee Waivers Cover
- Free SAT registration: Covers the $60 test fee completely
- Unlimited score sends: Send scores to colleges at no cost (normally $14 each)
- 4 fee waivers total: Can use for 2 SAT registrations and 2 SAT Subject Test registrations (where applicable)
- College application fee waivers: Also qualify for application fee waivers at participating colleges
Changing or Canceling Your SAT Registration
What If You Need to Change Your Test Date or Center?
Making Changes to SAT Registration
- Before regular deadline: Can change test date or test center for free (unlimited changes)
- After regular deadline: Changes cost $30 change fee + any price difference
- During late registration: No changes allowed once late registration submitted
- How to change: Log into your College Board account, go to "My SAT," and select "Make Changes"
- Deadline to change: Typically 5 days before test date (varies—check College Board)
Canceling Your SAT Registration
- Full refund (minus $10 processing fee): Cancel at least 5 days before test date
- No refund: Cancel less than 5 days before test or no-show on test day
- How to cancel: Log into College Board account or call (866) 756-7346
- Important: Canceling prevents scores from being sent; useful if you're unprepared
Strategic Test Date Selection: When Should You Take the SAT?
Choosing the Best SAT Test Date for Your Timeline
Strategic test date selection depends on your grade level and college application timeline:
Recommended SAT Timeline by Grade
Sophomore Year:
- Optional: Take PSAT 10 in spring (March) for practice
- Benefit: Identifies strengths/weaknesses early, allows longer prep time
- Not required: Most students wait until junior year for first official SAT
Junior Year:
- October PSAT: Take PSAT/NMSQT in October (National Merit qualification)
- March SAT: Ideal for first official SAT after content learned in school
- May SAT: Second attempt to improve March score (note: conflicts with AP exams)
- June SAT: Final junior year attempt, get scores before summer
- Goal: Achieve target score by end of junior year, freeing senior fall for applications
Senior Year:
- August SAT: Early score improvement before applications open
- October SAT: Last chance for Early Decision/Early Action (Nov 1-15 deadlines)
- November SAT: Final opportunity for Regular Decision (most Jan 1 deadlines accept)
- December SAT: Backup for Regular Decision; some schools accept, verify policies
- Avoid: Taking SAT for first time senior fall—too risky if score disappoints
Test Date Conflicts and Alternatives
What If You Have a Conflict on Test Day?
Religious Observance Accommodations
If the Saturday test date conflicts with your religious observances:
- Sunday testing available: Request Sunday test administration when registering
- How to request: Contact College Board Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
- Documentation required: Letter from religious leader confirming observance conflict
- Deadline: Must request at least 3 weeks before test date
School-Sponsored Activities
- Athletics/competitions: Plan SAT dates around known tournament schedules
- School events: Avoid dates with prom, school trips, major events
- AP Exam conflicts: May SAT often conflicts with AP exam week—check schedules
- Solution: Register for different SAT date; multiple dates available throughout year
International SAT Testing Information
SAT Dates and Registration for Students Outside the U.S.
Key International Testing Considerations
- Fewer test dates: International students have limited SAT administrations compared to U.S.
- Register early: International test centers fill even faster than U.S. centers
- Higher fees: International testing costs more; check country-specific pricing
- Different registration: Some countries require paper registration or special procedures
- Score delays possible: International scores may take slightly longer to release
- Test center availability: Limited centers in some countries; may require travel to regional hub
What to Bring on SAT Test Day
Required and Recommended Items
REQUIRED Items (Do Not Forget)
- Admission ticket: Print from your College Board account; must be original printout
- Acceptable photo ID: Driver's license, passport, school ID (check College Board for full list)
- No. 2 pencils: Even for Digital SAT, bring as backup (though stylus provided)
- Approved calculator: Graphing or scientific calculator on approved list (Math section)
RECOMMENDED Items
- Snack and water: For 10-minute break (no food allowed during testing)
- Watch: Analog watch to track time (test centers may not have visible clocks)
- Extra batteries: For calculator
- Backup calculator: In case primary calculator malfunctions
- Directions to test center: Know exactly where you're going
After the Test: Score Release and Sending
When Will You Get Your SAT Scores?
Score Release Timeline
- Release date: Approximately 13-15 days after test date for Digital SAT
- Email notification: You'll receive email when scores are available
- View online: Log into your College Board account to see scores
- Batch release: Scores released in waves over 1-2 days (not everyone gets scores simultaneously)
- Multiple choice scores: Available on release date
- Essay scores (if applicable): Take 5-7 additional days (essay discontinued for most administrations)
Sending SAT Scores to Colleges
- Free score sends: 4 colleges included in registration fee if selected before seeing scores
- Additional sends: $14 per college after the 4 free sends
- Processing time: Electronic delivery takes 1-2 weeks to reach colleges
- Rush reporting: Available for additional fee (not necessary for most deadlines)
- Score choice: Most colleges allow you to choose which test dates to send (check individual policies)
- Superscoring: Many colleges automatically superscore if you send multiple test dates
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Test Dates and Registration
How many times can I take the SAT?
You can take the SAT as many times as you want. There is no limit on the number of times you can take the SAT. Most students take it 2-3 times, with score improvements averaging 50-100 points from first to second attempt with preparation. However, taking it more than 4 times may raise questions with admissions officers about your time management and priorities. Quality preparation between attempts matters more than quantity of attempts.
Can I take the SAT and ACT on the same day?
It's technically possible but not recommended. SAT and ACT test dates occasionally fall on the same Saturday, but taking both on the same day is physically and mentally exhausting. Each test is 3-4 hours in the test center. You'd need to register for morning and afternoon sessions at different locations. Most students perform worse when taking both in one day. Instead, take one test, prepare strategically, and retake if needed before trying the other test.
What if I'm sick on test day?
You have options if you're sick on test day: If you're sick before test day, you can change your test date (with change fee) or cancel for refund (before deadline). If you get sick on test day and don't show up, you lose your registration fee. If you start the test but feel too ill to continue, inform the proctor immediately—you may be able to cancel scores and register for a future date with documentation. Always contact College Board as soon as possible about illness-related issues.
When should seniors take their last SAT?
It depends on your application deadlines: For Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15 deadlines), take the SAT no later than October. Most schools accept October scores for ED/EA. For Regular Decision (January 1-15 deadlines), November and December SAT dates work for most colleges, but verify each school's policy. Some accept December scores; others don't. Don't rely on January/February SAT for senior year applications—too risky if colleges don't accept late scores.
Is it better to take the SAT in junior or senior year?
Ideally, take it in both years. The optimal strategy is taking the SAT 2-3 times during junior year (March, May, June) to achieve your target score before senior year begins. This frees up your senior fall for college applications, essays, and activities rather than test prep stress. If you don't hit your target junior year, retake in August or October of senior year. Starting SAT testing for the first time in senior fall is risky—what if your scores disappoint?
Need Help Preparing for Your SAT Test Date?
Now that you know when to take the SAT, it's time to prepare strategically. SATHELP24x7.com offers comprehensive SAT preparation programs that fit your timeline—whether you have 3 months, 6 months, or a full year to prepare. Our expert tutors create personalized study plans that maximize score improvements between test dates.
Ready to ace your next SAT? Book a free consultation to receive a diagnostic assessment, realistic score projections, and a customized preparation timeline aligned with your target test dates. We'll help you prepare efficiently so you achieve your best score when it matters most.