Picking when to take the SAT can shape your entire college application timeline, yet the test dates and the deadlines stacked behind each one are easy to lose track of. Here is the full picture, laid out so you can lock in the right date.
General·10 min read
SAT Test Dates 2026-2027: Full Schedule and Registration Deadlines
Every upcoming SAT test date through June 2027 with registration and late deadlines, current fees, and how to pick the right date for your timeline.
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The next SAT and every upcoming date through 2027
The next US SAT is October 3, 2026, but its late registration and changes deadline (September 22) has passed. The next date you can still register for is November 7, 2026 (regular deadline October 23, late deadline October 27), followed by December 5, 2026. This article lists every upcoming SAT test date, the published registration deadlines, current fee structure, how fee waivers work, and how to pick the right date for your prep timeline.
Ready to prep? Take a free SAT quiz or read our SAT section guide for a section-by-section breakdown.
The SAT is administered on Saturdays. Sunday administrations exist for students who cannot test on Saturday for religious reasons; ask your testing coordinator about that option when you register. Late registration is available worldwide but adds a fee and a narrower set of test centers.
2026-2027 SAT dates (confirmed)
College Board has confirmed all eight dates for the 2026-2027 testing year, and the table below pairs each test date with its regular and late registration deadlines. All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET, US. Data verified against College Board's official SAT dates and deadlines page. The August 22 and September 12 tests have already been given and the October 3 deadlines have passed, so the next open deadline is October 23, 2026 for the November 7 SAT.
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How SAT deadlines actually work
Most test dates have three deadlines to track:
- Regular registration deadline: 15 days (about two weeks) before the test. Pay the standard fee; get the widest choice of test centers.
- Late registration deadline: typically 11-12 days before the test. Pay the standard fee plus a $38 late fee. Test centers available may be fewer.
- Deadline for changes: the same date as late registration. This is your last chance to change your test center or to cancel for the regular $34 fee. After it, you can still cancel for $44 until 11:59 p.m. ET on the Thursday before test day. To switch dates, you cancel and register again for the new date.
If you need to borrow a device from College Board (laptop or tablet), you must register at least 30 days before the test date — earlier than the standard deadline. Plan ahead.
SAT registration fees (through December 2026)
The base fee covers the exam, your score report, and sending scores to up to four colleges for free if you order them within 9 days of the test. Additional score reports, or reports ordered after that window, cost $15 each. If you cancel by 11:59 p.m. ET on the Thursday before test day, you get your full registration fee back minus the cancellation fee.
SAT fee waivers
Low-income students in 11th and 12th grade are eligible for up to two free SAT attempts through College Board's fee waiver program. A fee waiver covers:
- Base SAT registration fee (two times)
- Late registration fee (if needed)
- Unlimited free score reports to colleges
- Free score verification
Waivers are distributed by school counselors and other educators, not by College Board directly. Ask your counselor in the fall of junior year if you think you qualify. Eligibility is based on household income and other indicators of economic need.
Pick the right SAT date for your prep timeline
Do not just pick the next available date. Pick the one that lets you complete enough prep beforehand. A simple rule of thumb:
- Take a diagnostic practice test first. Use our practice SAT questions guide to find a free Bluebook test.
- Estimate how many points you want to gain. Most students gain 50-150 points from focused prep.
- Budget 8-12 weeks of prep per test attempt. Less than 6 weeks rarely produces significant gains.
- Plan for one retake. Most high scorers take the SAT twice. Schedule both attempts with at least 2 months between them.
- Align with your application timeline. Early Decision/Action deadlines are usually November 1. Your last SAT for those should be October. Regular Decision allows a December or even March attempt.
What if you miss the registration deadline?
You have a few options in order of preference:
- Use late registration (until 11-12 days before the test). Adds $38 but keeps you on that date.
- Register for the next available date. Missing a registration rarely ruins your timeline if you have the next date queued up.
- Check for standby registration. Some test centers occasionally accept walk-ins on test day if space remains after no-shows. Not guaranteed and discouraged.
- Take an ACT instead. Sometimes an ACT date sits conveniently between SAT dates and buys you extra time. See our SAT vs ACT guide.
Related resources
- Practice SAT questions: free resources by section
- What math is on the SAT?
- SAT formula sheet: complete reference
- PSAT test dates 2026-2027
- SAT section guide and free SAT quiz
- SAT score calculator
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Test Dates
When is the next SAT test date?
The next US SAT is October 3, 2026, but its late registration deadline (September 22) has passed. The next date still open for registration is November 7, 2026: the regular deadline is October 23, and late registration runs until October 27 with a $38 late fee. After that comes December 5, 2026, with a regular deadline of November 20.
How much does the SAT cost in 2026?
The base SAT registration fee is $68 in the US. International test centers add $43 for a total of $111. Late registration adds $38, test center changes cost $34, and canceling costs $34 by the change deadline or $44 after it (through the Thursday before test day). Fee waivers are available for eligible low-income students in 11th and 12th grade.
How often is the SAT offered?
The SAT is offered 8 times per academic year in the US: August, September, October, November, December, March, May, and June. There is no test in January, February, April, or July. International students have access to the same dates where College Board operates test centers.
When do I need to register for the SAT?
Regular registration deadlines are about two weeks (15 days) before the test date. Late registration is available for an additional $38 fee until about 11-12 days before the test. If you need to borrow a College Board device, register at least 30 days in advance. Register earlier for the widest choice of test centers.
Can I change my SAT test date?
Yes, but not as a simple switch. To change your test date, you cancel your registration and register again for the new date. Canceling costs $34 by the deadline for changes (the same day as the late registration deadline) or $44 after it, up to 11:59 p.m. ET on the Thursday before test day, and you get the rest of your registration fee back. Changing only your test center costs $34. Plan for this when you first pick a date.
What SAT test date is best for juniors?
May, June, or the fall of your junior year for the first attempt if you are already in junior year. Otherwise March, May, or June 2027 for the first attempt. This gives you senior summer to retake if needed and gets results in hand before senior fall application deadlines.
When are SAT scores released after the test?
Digital SAT scores are typically released about 13 days after the test date. Your official score report is sent to the colleges on your list within 7-10 additional days. If you are testing close to an application deadline, check whether your target schools accept self-reported scores at the time of submission with official scores arriving later.
Is there an SAT test in April or July?
No. The SAT is not offered in January, February, April, or July. The gap between December and March is usually the longest dry spell of the year. Plan your prep schedule accordingly.
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