SAT Exam Info

SAT Testing Dates 2026 & 2027 Complete U.S. Schedule with Registration Deadlines, Score Release Dates & Expert Strategy

Quick Answer: The SAT is offered 8 times per year in the United States. Remaining 2026 SAT test dates are March 14, May 2, and June 6, 2026. The 2026–2027 school year begins with August 22, 2026. The standard SAT registration fee is $68. All dates below are verified from the official College Board calendar.

8 U.S. SAT Dates Per Year Digital SAT Format $68 Standard Registration 2026–2027 Planning Guide

SAT Testing Dates 2025–2026 | Full Official Schedule
SAT Testing Dates 2026–2027 | Confirmed College Board Dates
SAT Score Release Dates 2026
How to Register for the SAT in the U.S. (Step-by-Step)
SAT Registration Fees 2026 | Every Cost Explained
SAT Fee Waivers | How to Get the SAT for Free
What Is the Digital SAT? What U.S. Students Need to Know
How to Pick the Right SAT Test Date for You
Best SAT Test Dates by Grade (Freshman through Senior)
SAT Score Choice | What Colleges Actually See
SAT vs. ACT | Which Test Should You Take?
SAT School Day | Free SAT Through Your School
Frequently Asked Questions
Month-by-Month SAT Prep Timeline

SAT Testing Dates 2026–2027 Full Official U.S. Schedule

The table below contains every SAT test date for the 2026–2027 school year. All dates and deadlines are confirmed by the College Board and apply to U.S. students. All registration deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Important: Students who need to borrow a device from the College Board must register and request their device at least 30 days before test day, earlier than the standard registration deadline.

SAT Test Date	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline	SAT Scores Available
March 14, 2026	February 27, 2026	March 3, 2026	March 27, 2026
May 2, 2026	April 17, 2026	April 21, 2026	May 15, 2026
June 6, 2026	May 22, 2026	May 26, 2026	June 19, 2026

Upcoming dates (registration currently open as of March 2026)

Sunday Testing: If your religion prohibits Saturday testing, Sunday testing is available for all of the dates above. No documentation is required, but you must request it during registration.

SAT Testing Dates 2026–2027 Confirmed College Board Schedule

The College Board has officially confirmed all SAT test dates for the entire 2026–2027 school year. Registration deadlines for these dates will be posted by the College Board as each date approaches, check back here for updates.

Fall 2026 SAT Test Dates

SAT Test Date	Registration Opens	Est. Registration Deadline	Est. Score Release
August 22, 2026	Spring 2026	August 7, 2026	September 4, 2026
September 12, 2026	Summer 2026	August 28, 2026	September 25, 2026
October 3, 2026	Summer 2026	September 18, 2026	October 16, 2026
November 7, 2026	Summer 2026	October 23, 2026	November 20, 2026
December 5, 2026	Summer 2026	November 20, 2026	December 18, 2026

Spring 2027 SAT Test Dates

SAT Test Date	Est. Registration Deadline	Est. Score Release
March 6, 2027	February 19, 2027	March 19, 2027
May 1, 2027	April 16, 2027	May 14, 2027
June 5, 2027	May 21, 2027	June 18, 2027

Estimated deadlines are based on College Board's consistent historical patterns (typically 4 weeks before the test date for regular registration, ~3 weeks for late registration). Always confirm at satsuite.collegeboard.org before registering.

SAT Score Release Dates 2026 When Will You Get Your Scores?

One of the most anxious waits in a student's year is that gap between test day and score day. Here is exactly what to expect for every remaining 2026 SAT date:

SAT Test Date	Scores Expected
March 14, 2026	Around March 27, 2026
May 2, 2026	Around May 15, 2026
June 6, 2026	Around June 19, 2026

How SAT scores are released

Scores are posted directly to your College Board account (mysat.collegeboard.org)
You will receive an email notification when scores are available
Because the SAT is fully digital, testing materials no longer need to be shipped scores typically arrive within 13–14 days of test day
If you submitted score reports to colleges at registration, they are sent automatically once scores are released
You can send additional score reports after release for $15 per report

Important for seniors applying ED/EA

November and December SAT scores arrive too late for most Early Decision I deadlines (typically November 1). If you need scores for an ED I application, the October SAT is your last safe date. Always check your specific school's score submission policy.

How to Register for the SAT in the U.S. Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Registering for the Digital SAT takes about 15 minutes. Here is the complete process:

Create or Log Into Your College Board Account

Go to mysat.collegeboard.org and create a free account. Use your full legal name, it must match the photo ID you will bring on test day exactly. Even a middle name discrepancy can cause check-in problems.

Complete Your Profile

Fill in your grade, school, address, and other profile information. This determines your eligibility for fee waivers and connects you to the Student Search Service.

Upload Your Photo

You must upload a recent, clear photo of yourself. The College Board reviews photos and can reject submissions that don't meet requirements. Do this early, rejections can delay registration.

Choose Your Test Date and Testing Center

Browse available test dates and find an open testing center near you. Popular testing centers in major U.S. cities fill up weeks before the registration deadline. Register as early as possible, waiting until the deadline is a gamble.

Request a Fee Waiver (If Eligible)

If you qualify for a fee waiver (see Section 6 below), apply it at this step. Fee waivers eliminate the $68 registration fee entirely.

Pay the Registration Fee

The standard SAT fee is $68. Pay by credit card, debit card, or check. A late registration fee of $34 applies if you register after the regular deadline.

Download Bluebook™ and Complete Exam Setup

This is the most important new step for the Digital SAT. After registering, you must download the Bluebook™ app on your testing device (laptop, tablet, or school-issued Chromebook), complete exam setup within Bluebook before test day, and generate your digital admission ticket, which you must bring to the testing center.

Print Your Admission Ticket

You cannot enter the testing center without your admission ticket. Print it out and keep it with your photo ID.

Need to Reschedule?

To change your test center: log in, select your registration, and pay the $34 change fee
To change your test date: you must cancel your current registration and re-register for the new date. Cancellation fees may apply depending on timing
You can cancel scores until Thursday after the test through your College Board account

SAT Fees 2026 Every Cost You Need to Know

Understanding SAT fees helps you plan and avoid surprise charges. Here is the complete fee schedule for the 2025–2026 school year, verified from College Board:

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Standard SAT Registration	$68	Covers the full Digital SAT
Late Registration	+$34	Applies after regular deadline
Change Test Center	$34	To move to a different testing location
Change Test Date	N/A	Must cancel and re-register; cancellation fees apply
Cancel Registration (by deadline)	$34	Partial refund of registration fee
Cancel Registration (after change deadline)	$44	No refund
Standby/Waitlist	Currently unavailable	Check College Board for updates
Included Score Reports	4 free	Sent at registration to colleges of your choice
Additional Score Reports	$15 each	Sent after scores are released
Essay Score Verification	$55
Device Borrowing	Free	Must request at least 30 days before test day

Pro tip: The four free score reports included with registration are sent at the time you register before you even see your scores. You can choose to send scores to colleges after you see them for $15 per report, which gives you more control. Many students opt to skip the free reports and pay $15 per report strategically after reviewing their results.

SAT Fee Waivers How to Take the SAT for Free

If you are a U.S. student from a lower-income household, you may qualify for a College Board SAT Fee Waiver, which completely eliminates the $68 registration fee. Fee waivers also waive the late registration fee.

Who Qualifies?

You are enrolled in or eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
You are in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs, Upward Bound)
Your family receives public assistance
You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home
You are a ward of the state or court
Your family income falls at or below the 185% of the federal poverty level

How to Get a Fee Waiver

Fee waivers are distributed through your high school counselor — not directly through the College Board. Ask your guidance counselor before you register. Once you have a waiver code, enter it during the online registration process.

What the Fee Waiver Covers

4 additional free score reports (beyond the standard 4)
Free application fee waivers at participating colleges
Free access to College Board's SAT prep resources through Khan Academy

What Is the Digital SAT? What Every U.S. Student Needs to Know in 2026

As of March 2024, all SAT administrations in the United States are fully digital. There is no longer a paper version of the SAT for U.S. students taking the weekend test.

Section	Questions	Time
Reading and Writing (Module 1)	27 questions	32 minutes
Reading and Writing (Module 2)	27 questions	32 minutes
Math (Module 1)	22 questions	35 minutes
Math (Module 2)	22 questions	35 minutes
Total	98 questions	2 hours 14 minutes

The Digital SAT is shorter than the old paper SAT - roughly 2 hours and 14 minutes of actual testing time, compared to 3+ hours for the old format.

Adaptive Testing: What It Means

The Digital SAT uses multistage adaptive testing. Your performance on Module 1 of each section determines the difficulty level of Module 2. Students who perform well on Module 1 receive a harder Module 2 but also have the opportunity to earn higher scores. Students who struggle on Module 1 receive an easier Module 2 with a lower score ceiling.

This means every student's test experience is slightly different — do not panic if a friend's Module 2 felt harder than yours. That likely means you did well on Module 1.

What to Bring to the Digital SAT

Your testing device - laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed and exam setup completed
Admission ticket (printed or on your phone)
Acceptable photo ID - school ID, driver's license, or passport (name must match registration exactly)
Acceptable calculator - The Digital SAT has a built-in Desmos calculator, but you may also bring your own (4-function, scientific, or graphing calculators are permitted; CAS calculators are not)
Pencils or pens for scratch work
Snacks and water - permitted during breaks

What NOT to Bring: Phone (must be silenced or turned off and kept away), ear/headphones (unless approved as an accommodation), and any device with the Bluebook app already open from a previous session.

How to Pick the Right SAT Test Date for You

Factor 1: Your Application Deadlines Work Backward

The most important rule: know your college deadlines before you pick a test date.

Early Decision I (most ED I deadlines: November 1): Your last safe SAT date is October. November scores typically arrive around November 21 - after most ED I deadlines.
Early Decision II / Early Action II (most deadlines: January 1): The November or December SAT works. Scores arrive by mid-to-late December.
Regular Decision (most deadlines: January 1 – February 1): The December SAT is your last reliable option. Scores arrive December 18–19.
UCs, test-optional schools, and rolling admissions: More flexibility - March, May, or June may work.

Factor 2: Build In Prep Time

Students aiming for a 100-point improvement need roughly 3–4 months of consistent prep
Students aiming for a 200+ point improvement may need 6+ months
Always take at least one full-length, timed practice test before registering for an official date

Factor 3: Check Your Personal Calendar

The October SAT is often the most popular junior-year date, but October is also Homecoming, fall sports playoff season, and midterms for many students. Check your school calendar before committing.

The June SAT is popular for seniors but competes with AP exams (typically early May), final exams, graduation prep, and prom season. May or August may be less distracting for many students.

Factor 4: Leave Room for a Retake

Plan to take the SAT at least twice. The majority of students improve on their second attempt. If your first attempt is in March, you have May and June as natural follow-up windows. If your first attempt is in May, June is your last option before senior fall, leaving very little room if something goes wrong.

Bottom line on timing by class year

Freshman: No rush. Focus on coursework. Take a practice test to establish a baseline.
Sophomore: Optional first attempt in spring (May or June) for experience and a baseline official score.
Junior: First serious attempt in March or May. Retake in June if needed. Use summer to prep for a fall retake if scores are below target.
Senior: Target August or October for ED applications. November as a backup for EA/ED II. December as a last resort for regular decisions.

Best SAT Test Dates by Grade

Best SAT Dates for Freshmen (Class of 2029)

No SAT dates are recommended for most freshmen. The SAT covers material through end-of-junior-year coursework. Focus on building strong math and reading habits. Take a practice test to get familiar with the format.

Best SAT Dates for Sophomores (Class of 2028)

Optional: May 2026 or June 2026 for a low-stakes first attempt. This gives you an official score for benchmarking and valuable real-test experience before junior year. No prep pressure, treat it as a practice run with stakes.

Best SAT Dates for Juniors (Class of 2027)

Primary window: March 14, 2026 → May 2, 2026 → June 6, 2026. Most juniors should aim for:

First attempt: March 14 (gives you time to see scores and adjust)
Second attempt: May 2 or June 6 based on first attempt results
Fallback: August 22, 2026 (first date of senior year) if additional improvement is needed

Best SAT Dates for Seniors (Class of 2026)

Remaining opportunities for the current senior class:

March 14, 2026 - Last major junior-year retake window; scores arrive March 27
May 2, 2026 - Viable for Regular Decision schools; scores arrive mid-May
June 6, 2026 - Final opportunity; scores arrive mid-June (too late for most college applications, but useful for scholarship programs and waitlisted decisions)

SAT Score Choice - What U.S. Colleges Actually See

Score Choice is College Board's policy that gives students control over which SAT scores are sent to colleges.

How it works

The SAT uses Score Choice by test date - you choose which test dates' scores to send, not individual section scores
You can take the SAT multiple times and only send the date(s) with your best scores
College Board does not automatically report all scores; you control what is sent

What about superscoring?

Many U.S. colleges practice superscoring - they take the highest Reading & Writing score from one test date and the highest Math score from another, combining them into the best possible composite. Approximately 80% of selective U.S. colleges superscore the SAT.

This means: if you got a 720 RW / 660 Math in March 2026 and a 680 RW / 730 Math in June 2026, a superscoring college would calculate your composite as 720 + 730 = 1450 - better than either individual attempt.

Important exceptions: Some colleges require all scores (check each school's policy). The Common App allows you to self-report scores, but official scores must still be submitted through College Board for verification. Military academies typically require all scores.

SAT vs. ACT - Which Test Should You Take in 2026?

Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by every U.S. four-year college. Neither is considered "better" by admissions offices. The right choice depends on your strengths.

Feature	SAT	ACT
Format	Digital only	Paper (digital available at some centers)
Duration	~2 hrs 14 min	~2 hrs 55 min (without Writing)
Math Emphasis	Moderate; calculator available entire Math section	Higher algebra emphasis; less calculator freedom
Reading	Shorter passages, evidence-based questions	Longer passages, faster pacing required
Science Section	None	Yes, tests data interpretation, not science knowledge
Writing/Essay	Not offered	Optional (+$25)
Score Scale	400–1600	1–36 composite
U.S. Test Frequency	8 dates/year	7 dates/year
Registration Fee	$68	$65 (+ $25 for Writing)
Score Release Speed	2 weeks	2 weeks

Take the SAT if

You are stronger in reading comprehension and verbal reasoning
You prefer more time per question
You want a fully digital testing experience
You struggle with rapid-fire pacing

Take the ACT if

You are strong in science reasoning and data analysis
You are a fast reader who can handle more passages
You prefer a paper test (for now)
You find the Science section a differentiator in your favor

Best advice: Take a free, full-length official practice test for both and compare your results. Many students are surprised to find they score significantly differently on each.

SAT School Day - Take the SAT Free Through Your High School

Many U.S. states administer the SAT to all 11th graders during the school day at no cost to students. This is called SAT School Day, and it is separate from the weekend registration process.

States Where SAT School Day Is Offered Statewide (2025–2026)

The following states currently provide the SAT to all juniors during the school day, typically at no cost to students:

Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, West Virginia, and others through district contracts.

Check with your school counselor to confirm whether your state or district offers SAT School Day. If it does, you may already have a free SAT administration scheduled — and you can still register for additional weekend dates if you want to retake.

Differences: SAT School Day vs. Weekend SAT

Both are the same test and produce the same scores
SAT School Day is administered at your school, during school hours
Weekend SAT is administered at an official test center on Saturdays (or Sundays)
Both scores can be used for college admissions and scholarships
National Merit Scholarship eligibility requires the PSAT/NMSQT, not the SAT

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can you take the SAT?

The College Board has no official limit on how many times you can take the SAT. Most college counselors recommend taking it no more than 3–4 times. Beyond that, diminishing returns and test fatigue set in, and some admissions officers note seeing many attempts.

How long are SAT scores valid?

Most U.S. colleges accept SAT scores from the past 5 years. However, policies vary, check each school's official policy. Scores older than 5 years may not be accepted at many selective institutions.

What is a good SAT score in 2026?

"Good" depends entirely on your target schools. Broadly speaking: 1200+ = Above the national average (~50th percentile), 1400+ = Strong for most U.S. universities, 1500+ = Competitive for highly selective schools (top 25 nationally), 1550+ = Competitive for the most selective schools (MIT, Harvard, Stanford, etc.). Always look at a school's Middle 50% SAT range - the 25th to 75th percentile of admitted students - to set a realistic target.

Can I take the SAT without a school?

Yes. Homeschooled students and students at schools that don't administer the PSAT can register independently at satsuite.collegeboard.org and take the test at any approved test center.

What if I miss the SAT registration deadline?

Late registration is available for a $34 additional fee until the late registration deadline (approximately 9 days after the regular deadline). After that, standby/waitlist testing is currently unavailable. You would need to register for the next available test date.

What ID is accepted at the SAT?

Acceptable photo IDs include a school-issued ID with photo, driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your admission ticket. Do not bring an ID with a nickname, register with your full legal name.

Can I use a calculator on the Digital SAT?

Yes. The Digital SAT has a built-in Desmos graphing calculator available throughout the entire Math section. You may also bring your own 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. CAS (computer algebra system) calculators are not permitted.

What happens if my test center closes on test day?

If the College Board closes a test center (due to weather, emergency, etc.), you will be notified by email and can reschedule at no charge. Check College Board's test center closings page the morning before your test if severe weather is expected.

Is the SAT required for college admission in 2026?

Test-optional and test-free policies expanded significantly during the pandemic, and many schools have made them permanent. However, a growing number of highly selective schools - including Yale, Dartmouth, MIT, Harvard, and others - have re-adopted SAT/ACT requirements as of 2024–2026. Always check each school's current testing policy before deciding whether to submit scores.

When should a junior first take the SAT?

Most U.S. college counselors recommend a junior's first SAT attempt in March of junior year. This gives you time to see your scores, identify weaknesses, and take one or two more attempts (May, June, or August/October of senior year) before Early Decision deadlines.

Does the SAT have an essay section in 2026?

No. College Board eliminated the SAT Essay in 2021. No U.S. weekend or School Day SAT administrations include an essay section.

Your Month-by-Month SAT Prep and Testing Timeline

Use this timeline as a planning guide. Adjust based on your target test date and starting score.

6 Months Before Your Target Test Date

Take a full-length official Digital SAT practice test (free on Khan Academy or Bluebook)
Identify your baseline score and target score gap
Map out your weak areas by section and skill type
Begin structured prep (Khan Academy is free and official)

4–5 Months Before

Register for your target test date, do not wait, popular centers fill up
If you need to borrow a device from College Board, submit that request now
Take a second practice test to measure progress
Focus prep on your weakest skill categories

2–3 Months Before

Take a third full-length practice test under real timed conditions
Begin reviewing specific question types you consistently miss
Check your testing center location and plan your logistics (travel time, parking)
Confirm your Bluebook app is downloaded and exam setup is complete

2–4 Weeks Before

Take a final full-length practice test
Review mistakes from all prior practice tests
Do not start any new content, focus on reinforcing existing strengths
Confirm your admission ticket is printed and your photo ID is ready

The Week Before

Light review only, no marathon study sessions
Get full sleep for at least 3 nights before the test
Charge your testing device the night before
Pack your bag the night before: device, charger, ID, admission ticket, calculator, snacks, water

Test Day

Wake up early, eat a real breakfast
Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your check-in time
Bring every required item, you cannot borrow an ID or a device at the center
Take the break, move around, eat your snack, reset mentally

After the Test

Scores typically arrive within 13–14 days
Review your score report carefully section scores and subscore breakdowns tell you exactly where to focus for a retake
If retaking: register immediately for your next date while test centers still have seats

For U.S. Students / Parents / Indian American Families

SAT Prep Handbook & Score Strategy eBook Download

A practical guide covering SAT score reporting, superscoring, score sending strategy, retake planning, and common college admission mistakes. Designed to help families avoid last-minute confusion and poor score-submission decisions.

Score Reporting Superscore Guide Retake Planning

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Tip: Keep this SAT handbook open while planning test dates, score sends, and college application timelines.

SAT Prep (U.S. High School + Digital SAT)

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Get a short diagnostic and study roadmap: score gaps, Reading & Writing weaknesses, Math pacing issues, Bluebook strategy, and the exact weekly plan needed to improve score with consistency.

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