Canceling Your SAT: Deadlines, Refunds, Reschedules, and What to Do Next
- Hemant Attray
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Canceling your SAT means withdrawing your SAT registration for an upcoming SAT date. It is different from rescheduling (changing your test date) and from simply not showing up (a no-show). Each choice has its own implications for cost, refunds, and future planning. But how do you cancel your SAT registration? Currently, all cancellations still go through the College Board website, even for digital SATs. The Bluebook app does not allow direct cancellation. Just log in to your My SAT account, find your test date, and click 'Cancel Registration’. It is that simple. You’ll see the fee, confirm the cancellation, and get your refund if you're within the deadline. International students cancel the same way via the College Board. Refund amounts may be processed in local currency and take longer to appear. The cancellation must be completed before Friday in order to receive a refund.
The common reasons students cancel their SATs include:
Lack of preparation
Scheduling conflicts
Switching to ACT
Illness or emergencies
College no longer requires the SAT
How to Cancel Your SAT Registration (Step-by-Step)
The SAT cancellation process is easy if you follow the proper steps, whether using your desktop, mobile device or contacting the College Board directly. Here’s how to cancel your SAT via the student dashboard, Bluebook platform, or email:
5 Steps to Cancel SAT Registration
Step 1: Log in to cancel the SAT account to cancel the SAT Registration
Go to the official College Board SAT cancellation portal. Use your personal login, not a parent's, to access your dashboard and view test registrations. Mobile users can also access the same features using their browser or the College Board. Whether you're on a desktop or using the Bluebook app, start from your SAT dashboard.
Step 2: Locate your SAT registration Date
Locate the SAT registration section. It displays your upcoming SAT date, center, and format (paper/digital). Choose the correct date to avoid mistakenly withdrawing from another exam. Whether it's for May 2025, June 2025, or a digital SAT in India, the US, or internationally.
2025 - 26 SAT Dates and Deadlines
Test Date | Registration Deadline | Change/Cancellation Deadline |
Aug. 23, 2025 | Aug. 8, 2025 | Aug. 12, 2025 |
Sept. 13, 2025 | Aug. 29, 2025 | Sept. 2, 2025 |
Oct. 4, 2025 | Sept. 19, 2025 | Sept. 23, 2025 |
Nov. 8, 2025 | Oct. 24, 2025 | Oct. 28, 2025 |
Dec. 6, 2025 | Nov. 21, 2025 | Nov. 25, 2025 |
Mar. 14, 2026 | Feb. 27, 2026 | Mar. 3, 2026 |
May 2, 2026 | Apr. 17, 2026 | Apr. 21, 2026 |
June 6, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
Note: Device borrowers must register at least 30 days before test day. All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Step 3: Click "Cancel Registration"
Under the 'I would like to' menu, select the Cancel SAT option. If you're using the Bluebook digital SAT platform, you still need to cancel through the leading portal. The interface will show any applicable cancellation charges, refund eligibility, and remaining fees.
Step 4: Choose to Cancel or Reschedule
Decide whether to opt out of the SAT, defer to a later test, or move your test to a different center or date. Canceling the SAT may be smart if you've had low prep or plan to switch to the ACT. If rescheduled, you'll only pay the change fee. For full withdrawal, a cancellation fee will be charged.
Step 5: Confirm Cancellation & Track Email
Watch for an SAT cancellation confirmation email. After confirming, an email will be sent to your registered ID. This acts as proof and includes refund details (full, partial, or non-refundable amounts). If you plan to cancel for illness or emergency, this record helps when requesting waivers or appealing fees. If it fails, revisit your SAT dashboard, retry from mobile, or call the SAT cancellation number.
Fast Help Based on Your Situation
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Cancel SAT registration by Phone or Email.
If you're unable to cancel your SAT online or via the dashboard, you can use alternative methods:
Call the SAT cancellation number: To cancel your SAT by phone, reach College Board support at (866) 756-7346. Have your SAT registration ID and account information ready.
Email College Board to cancel: Use the official form on the College Board SAT Help Center page to request cancellation via email. Be sure to include your name, test date, and registration ID.
These options are ideal if you're facing technical issues, need to cancel the SAT on test day, or are dealing with last-minute emergencies.
Late, Same-Day, or Emergency SAT Registration Cancellations Process
If it’s already test day and you can't attend due to illness or an emergency, you should:
Contact your test center directly and notify the College Board within 24 hours.
Keep medical or emergency documentation if you plan to request refund exceptions.
Students have also canceled the SAT due to:
Weather disruptions (e.g., hurricanes, floods, or extreme storms). If your area is affected, notify your test center as soon as possible.
Anxiety or mental health concerns. If stress is significantly affecting your ability to perform, it’s best to cancel and rebook when you’re mentally prepared. No documentation is needed for this, but cancellation fees will still apply. A good SAT study plan will always help you keep your stress at bay and maintain a focused effort to succeed.
Travel conflicts or visa issues for international students. Include proof of flight delays or immigration challenges when contacting support.
These steps apply if you're canceling 48 hours before the test, the same day, a month ahead, or even hours before your test slot. Use them as a guide for any last-minute change or unexpected life event.
SAT Registration Cancellation Fees & Waivers
According to the SAT fee refund policy, a full refund of the registration fee is available minus the cancellation fee if canceled by Thursday, 11:59 p.m. ET, before test day. This exact timing allows the College Board to finalize test rosters, notify test centers, and lock in all logistics before Friday morning prep begins. It's standardized nationally to maintain fairness across time zones and testing formats. Refunds are processed approximately 6 - 8 weeks after the test date.
Cancel before the change deadline: The cancellation fee is $29.
Cancel after the change deadline, but by Thursday before test day: the fee is $39.
Cancel after Thursday before test day: no refund.
Late registration fees and device requests are non-refundable.
Can I Cancel With a Fee Waiver?
Yes, students who were approved for SAT fee waivers are eligible to have their cancellation fees waived. However, it's important to understand that:
You must still log into your College Board account and complete the cancellation process manually having a fee waiver doesn't mean the system will auto-cancel or skip the steps.
The waiver only applies if you cancel before Thursday, 11:59 p.m. ET deadline. After this cutoff, the waiver will not protect you from losing the entire registration fee.
Unused benefits will be restored to your account, allowing you to register for another SAT date without additional payment.
Rescheduling also remains a valid option with a waiver, often more strategic if you plan to retake the test soon.
Please check your account after canceling to confirm that the fee waiver has been reapplied and that your registration has been successfully voided.
Need help saving on SAT costs? Explore our SAT Fees and Waivers Guide.
Cancel vs. No-Show vs Reschedule? Which is Better
Canceling is always better than not showing up. If you cancel through official channels, you might get a partial refund. A no-show means your fees are non-refundable.
How to Reschedule My SAT Registration
Use the same process, but instead of "Cancel Registration," select "Change Registration." This lets you move your SAT date or center without losing your full fee.
How to Reschedule
Log in to your College Board account
Go to “My SAT”
Choose “Change Registration
Select a new date and test center
Pay the rescheduling fee
By following these updated SAT cancellation instructions, you'll stay on track for refunds, avoid unnecessary charges, and maintain flexibility with your college prep plans.
Facing Issues? Here's How to Fix Common SAT Cancellation Errors
Sometimes, SAT cancellations don’t go as planned, and glitches happen. Here's what to do if you're stuck:
SAT cancel not working: If you’ve clicked “Cancel Registration” but nothing happens, try switching browsers or devices. Sometimes, the College Board site can hang during peak times.
Website issue cancel SAT: Clear your cache or try using incognito mode. Still stuck? Try the College Board mobile site.
SAT cancel glitch or error message: Screenshot any technical messages for reference. Include this in your support query.
Cancel SAT but no refund: If you canceled before the deadline and haven’t seen a refund in 6–8 weeks, contact support with your cancellation email as proof.
Support cancel SAT: Call (866) 756-7346 or use the SAT Help Center form to report technical or refund issues.
SAT cancel without login: You must log into the student’s College Board account to cancel. There is no public form to cancel SATs anonymously.
Failed to cancel SAT: If the dashboard doesn’t update or you receive an error message, do not assume it worked. Retry or call support immediately.
SAT cancel confirmation: Always check your email (including spam/junk) for a cancellation confirmation. This is your proof if issues arise.
Cancel SAT via phone: If the online process isn’t working, call the SAT cancellation number to process it manually.
Use these troubleshooting steps if you encounter issues the night before, on test day, or after a cancellation. College Board support is best contacted early for faster help.
Is Canceling the SAT Different from Canceling the ACT?
Yes, while both SAT and ACT allow students to cancel or reschedule, their policies differ in deadlines, fees, and refund conditions. The SAT allows cancellations up to Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET before test day, charging a cancellation fee of $29–$39, and offers partial refunds. ACT cancellations, on the other hand, typically close about 8 days before test day and include a $35 cancellation fee. ACT rescheduling fees may also be higher depending on the date and test center policies.
Another key difference is that the SAT cancellation process is done through your College Board dashboard, whereas the ACT uses the MyACT platform, which has a slightly different interface and support procedure.
Want to know which test is more flexible or suits your schedule better?
Does Canceling the SAT Affect Your College Applications?
No, canceling your SAT will not negatively impact your college applications. Top Colleges only see the SAT scores that you choose to officially send. If you cancel a SAT registration, the College Board does not report that cancellation to colleges, nor does it appear on your student record.
This means:
Canceling a test due to low prep, illness, or switching to ACT won’t penalize your application.
You retain full control over which scores colleges receive.
Canceling an SAT is viewed as a neutral logistical action, not a red flag.
This makes cancellation a smart choice for students rethinking their timing or test strategy.
What to Do After Canceling Your SAT
Canceling your SAT doesn’t mean the end of your college prep; it can actually be a strategic move. Here's what you should do next to stay on track:
Retake Strategy
Take time to reflect on why you canceled. Was it low prep? Scheduling conflicts? Anxiety? Whatever the reason, now is your opportunity to reset:
Choose your next ideal test date: Refer to the upcoming SAT calendar and select a time that gives you enough space to prepare thoroughly.
Create a personalized prep plan: Identify weak areas and use focused study schedules, practice exams, or test prep tools.
Leverage IvyStrides support: Our expert SAT mentors offer tailored strategies and custom coaching to help you avoid repeating mistakes and gain confidence.
Re-registering for the SAT: You can re-register as soon as your preferred test month's window opens. Use the College Board dashboard or Bluebook platform to review registration deadlines and fees. . Avoid last-minute decisions by setting reminders for registration deadlines.
The key is not just to rebook, but to come back stronger, smarter, and better prepared. You can register for a new test date as soon as registration opens for your preferred month. Avoid repeating mistakes and aim for a better prep timeline.
Gave Yourself Another Shot? Let IvyStrides Help You Make It Count
Canceling the SAT isn't the end; it's the beginning of a better strategy. If you've decided to give yourself another chance, IvyStrides is here to support your comeback. With expert guidance, you won’t just rebook a test, you’ll rewrite your SAT success story.
Our SAT mentors can help you: Build a focused prep plan customized to your strengths. With the right plan and support, your next SAT attempt can lead to the result you’re aiming for and the confidence that follows success.
FAQs: SAT Cancellation Questions Answered
Can I cancel the SAT the night before?
Yes, but you won’t get a refund.
What if I don’t cancel and just don’t show up?
You won’t get a refund, and your fee is forfeited.
Will colleges see my cancellation?
No, only the scores you choose to send are visible.
How to cancel the SAT and get a refund?
Log into your My SAT account, select the test you wish to cancel, and follow the cancellation prompts. If you cancel by Thursday, 11:59 p.m. E, before your test date, you may receive a partial refund minus a cancellation fee.
Who do I contact to cancel the SAT?
You can call the College Board at (866) 756-7346 or use the SAT Help Center email form.
Can I cancel and rebook immediately?
Yes, but you'll need to pay again unless using a waiver.
Can Parents Cancel the SAT for Their Child?
Yes, but only using the student’s College Board account. Parents cannot cancel SATs using their own login. Ensure you have the correct credentials and access.
