SAT Test Dates for 2025-2026

The SAT test takes place seven times a year. But one question that arises among many students, including ours, is which SAT date they should choose that works best for them. 

That's why in this guide, we've covered SAT test dates for 2025, 2026, and 2027. Alongside the dates, you'll get clear pointers on how to decide when to test, whether you're a junior or senior, and what to do if you miss the test date. 

We'll also walk through how to match your SAT exam date with application deadlines, especially for highly competitive Ivy League colleges.

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2025-2026 SAT Test Dates, Registration, & Late Registration Deadlines

The College Board has confirmed seven SAT dates for 2025: March 8, May 3, June 7, August 23, October 4, November 8, and December 6. These SAT test dates apply to students in the U.S. and internationally. Each test has its own registration deadline, typically three to four weeks in advance.

SAT Test Dates & Deadlines for 2025

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline
March 8, 2025	February 21, 2025	February 25, 2025
May 3, 2025	April 18, 2025	April 22, 2025
June 7, 2025	May 22, 2025	May 27, 2025
August 23, 2025	August 8, 2025	August 12, 2025
September 13, 2025	August 29, 2025	September 2, 2025
October 4, 2025	September 19, 2025	September 23, 2025
November 8, 2025	October 24, 2025	October 28, 2025
December 6, 2025	November 21, 2025	November 25, 2025
March 14, 2026	February 27, 2026	March 3, 2026
May 2, 2026	April 17, 2026	April 21, 2026
June 6, 2026	May 22, 2026	May 26, 2026

Key Notes

• Digital SAT: All SATs in 2025 will be administered digitally. Ensure your device meets the requirements or request a loaner device well at least 30 days before your test day.

• Score Release: Scores are typically released about two weeks after the test date. Plan accordingly, especially if you're applying for early decision or early action.

• International Students: Test dates and deadlines are generally the same worldwide, but always confirm with your local test center for any variations.

• Sunday Testing: Available for students with religious obligations that prevent Saturday testing. Contact the College Board for eligibility and registration details.

The dates shown in these charts are based on official information provided by the College Board. For the most accurate and current updates for the test dates, please visit their website.

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Anticipated 2026-27 Test Dates

If you're planning to take the SAT in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027, these are the anticipated SAT exam dates to keep in mind based on the recent updates from the College Board.

Fall 2026

• August 15, 2026

• September 12, 2026

• October 3, 2026

• November 7, 2026

• December 5, 2026

Spring 2027

• March 13, 2027

• May 1, 2027

• June 5, 2027

SAT School Day Testing Dates

Some schools offer the SAT during the fall or spring. It’s a good idea to speak with your counselor or principal to see if SAT School Day Testing is available at your school.

Fall 2025 SAT School Day Testing Window

In fall 2025, the SAT testing window is October 1–31, 2025.

Spring 2026 SAT School Day Testing Window

In spring 2026, the SAT testing window is March 2–April 30, 2026.

Note: SAT School Day is only offered through schools in the United States.

What to Do If You Miss an SAT Deadline or Test Date

Missing an SAT test date or registration deadline happens more often than you think. Sometimes life throws a curveball, maybe you were sick, didn’t realize the registration closed, or simply weren’t ready. The good news is, there are ways to recover and stay on track.

If you missed a registration deadline, don’t panic. The College Board offers a late registration window for most test dates. It comes with a small fee of $38.

Make sure to check the College Board site as soon as you realize you missed the deadline.

If you’re sick or have an emergency, it’s best to cancel or reschedule. Showing up unprepared or unwell won’t help you perform your best. Most test centers allow changes up to a few days before the test, though fees may apply.

Sometimes, test centers fill up. This is common in high-demand locations, especially for August and October dates. Always have a second-choice location in mind when you register. And register early to lock in your preferred spot.

Another issue could be ID problems. Your ID must match the name on your registration. For international students, a valid passport is required. If your ID doesn’t meet the criteria, you won’t be allowed to test.

To avoid these problems, use a calendar or SAT checklist. Set reminders for registration and test dates. Double-check your ID and test center information ahead of time. Most importantly, give yourself a backup plan in case something doesn’t go as expected.

Being prepared for the unexpected is a big part of college planning, and the SAT is no different. The key is to act quickly and stay informed.

The Biggest Mistake Students Make When Picking an SAT Date

One of the most common mistakes students make is picking an SAT test date just because it’s convenient, not because it aligns with their goals. Many sign up for the earliest available date or wait too long, thinking they’ll be more prepared later. But both choices can backfire.

Taking the test too early often means going in underprepared. Taking it too late could mean missing key college or scholarship deadlines. And if you don’t leave time for a retake, one bad test day can throw off your entire application strategy.

The right test date should give you enough time to prepare, avoid school stress (like finals or APs), and align with your admissions calendar. You should also leave space for a second attempt if needed.

So instead of picking a SAT test date at random, you need to look at a few essential factors. 

How to Select the Perfect SAT Test Date: 5 Must-Know Factors

Selecting your SAT date is not about what suits everyone else. It's what aligns with your situation and goals. To make a choice that works for you, answer these five essential factors before finalizing your perfect test date.

Check Your College Application Deadline

• The first thing to look at when planning your SAT test date is your college application deadlines. 

• In the United States, most regular decision applications close around January 1, while early action and early decision deadlines usually fall on November 1 or November 15.

• Keep in mind that your scores don't reach schools instantly. 

• The College Board typically delivers SAT scores to schools within about 10 days of your score release, which means it can take roughly 3 to 5 weeks after the exam for scores to be sent out. 

Check Your Commitments and Schedule

• Factors like your class workload, extracurricular activities, final exams, family crisis, or other personal commitments can limit the time you have to prepare. 

• Choosing a date that avoids these major factors gives you space to study consistently and lowers unnecessary stress. 

Review SAT Test Date Trends & Patterns

• Reviewing past test dates and how students have experienced them can give you insight into when the test might feel more or less challenging. 

• For instance, some test-takers have noted differences between fall or spring, whether it's in question style or overall difficulty. 

• Recognizing these patterns and trends can help you align your preparation with the date that suits you best.

Plan the Number of Times You Sit for the SAT in 2025

• Plan for at least two, possibly three, SAT attempts, depending on the score you want to achieve. A smart timeline for the junior year is fall and spring, and, if necessary, late spring or early fall of your senior year. 

• But one thing you should avoid is registering for back-to-back SAT tests, particularly if you're in your senior year and applying for fall test dates. Since cramming in exams without enough preparation rarely improves scores.

How are You Planning To SAT Prep

• If you're planning to self-study, make sure that you give yourself more time to study.

Match Your SAT Exam Date to Ivy League and Top College Deadlines

Your SAT score needs to reach colleges before their deadlines. So, picking your test date should match your college list. This is true if you're applying to top schools like those in the Ivy League. Most of these colleges offer Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), or Regular Decision (RD). These deadlines usually fall between November and early January. That means your SAT score must arrive on time.

SAT scores are typically released 13 days after your test date. That means if you test in October, your scores might not make it in time for Early Decision deadlines. The SAT test in August is usually safer for fall applications.

Some schools now require SAT scores again, especially after going test-optional during the pandemic. Others still recommend it. Either way, a strong score can boost your application. If you are homeschooled, applying from overseas, or going for STEM majors, your SAT score may be even more important.

Here’s a look at the top schools and their deadlines that either require or recommend SAT scores in 2025. These schools are popular among high-achieving students, and many have reinstated standardized test requirements for the 2025–2026 application cycle. Planning your SAT test date around these deadlines ensures your scores will be reviewed alongside your application.

Harvard University

• Early Action: November 1, 2025

• Regular Decision: January 1, 2026

Yale University

• Early Action: November 1, 2025

• Regular Decision: January 2, 2026

Princeton University

• Single-Choice Early Action: November 1, 2025

• Regular Decision: January 1, 2026

Columbia University

• Early Decision: November 1, 2025

• Regular Decision: January 1, 2026

MIT

• Early Action: November 1, 2025

• Regular Decision: January 4, 2026

University of Chicago

• Early Action/Early Decision: November 1, 2025

• Regular Decision: January 2, 2026

These universities may require or strongly recommend SAT scores, particularly for homeschooled, international, or engineering applicants.

Ideal SAT Test Date + Result Date + College Deadline Chart

SAT Test Date	Score Release (Approx.)	Best Use	Relevant College Deadline
March 8, 2025	March 21, 2025	Early prep and first attempt	ED/EA practice or early RD strategy
May 3, 2025	May 16, 2025	First attempt before summer	Start college list research
June 7, 2025	June 20, 2025	Retake or final junior year test	Build Early Decision readiness
August 23, 2025	September 5, 2025	Final test for ED/EA	Early Action/Decision (Nov 1–15)
October 4, 2025	October 17, 2025	Last viable test for Early Apps	Yale, Harvard, Columbia ED deadlines
November 8, 2025	November 21, 2025	Best for Regular Decision	January RD Deadlines
December 6, 2025	December 19, 2025	Last chance for RD	Use cautiously-verify college policy

Always confirm deadlines and score policies directly with each college.

Over To You

Now that you have learned the SAT test dates for 2025 and 2026, and how to plan around them, it's time to put that knowledge into practice. Download the IvyStrides SAT resources, select the test date that aligns with your goals, and schedule a strategy session to structure your preparation effectively. You see, acting early is critical. The sooner you start, the more time you have to refine your approach and strengthen your performance to get the desired score. Take the initiative now, and position yourself for success on the SAT and for admission to the colleges you aspire to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a Junior, which SAT test date is right for me?

The best SAT dates to consider when you're in your junior year are:

• First Attempt Fall Junior Year: October, November, December

• Second Attempt Spring Junior Year: March, May, June

I'm in my senior year. Which SAT test date is right for me?

• If you're a senior, aim for August, October, or November SAT dates. December is a last resort. Only pick it when your deadlines are January 10 or later.

Note: Before registering for the December SAT test date, reach out to your prospective schools to confirm if they accept scores from that date. Since submission policies differ by school, it's essential to double-check ahead of time.

Can I change my SAT test date and location?

If you need to reschedule your SAT test date or change your testing location, you can do it directly through your College Board account.

• Once logged in, the process depends on what you’re changing. If you’re moving to a different test date, you’ll first have to cancel your original registration and then register again for the new one.

• However, if you want to switch your test center location, you can do that by selecting the registration link in your account. No cancellation required.

Note: Make sure to review the rescheduling deadlines, whether it's of the location or the test date itself, before making any changes. The deadlines differ for students testing within the U.S. and those taking the SAT internationally.