SAT Test Dates
Do you know when the next SAT test is?
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 | September 17, 2024 | October 4, 2024 |
| December 7, 2024 | November 8, 2024 | November 19, 2024 |
| March 8, 2025 | January 31, 2025 | February 18, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | April 4, 2025 | April 15, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 2, 2025 | May 20, 2025 |
When Will the Next SAT Test Days Be?
Several times over the school year, the SAT is given in testing facilities around the country. This is the conventional and most popular method of taking the test.
A calendar of upcoming SAT dates and associated registration deadlines can be seen below. To avoid late fines, you should register for the SAT at least three weeks prior to the test day. Although you can officially sign up for the SAT up to three days before the test, depending on how late you sign up, you'll have to pay an additional fee.
When is the best time to take the SAT?
The admission deadline of the schools you are applying should dictate your exam schedule. You must choose a SAT test date that is at least four weeks before the application deadline because you need enough time to receive your scores and send them in.
The SAT is best to take during your junior year. If you have taken all classes that would be covered by the test, then it makes the most sense to jump right in while the knowledge is still fresh! Typically, most high schoolers take the SAT in the spring of their Junior year of Fall of their Senior year.
For the SAT, what should you bring?
Remember to bring the following items on exam day:
Your SAT admission ticket
Sharpened #2 pencils
An eraser
A graphing calculator or four function calculator
That's all you'll need during the test!
Additional Questions
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Ivy Bound provides answers to commonly asked test-scheduling questions here. For more detailed answers that fits your child's situation, Ivy Bound's $250/year Ascent program lets a counselor tailor the study and the scheduling of SAT tests, ACT tests, AP tests, and TOEFL (for international applicants)
When is the SAT offered?
The SAT is offered nationally seven times a year. Registration deadlines are typically four to five weeks in advance of the test date. However, we strongly urge students to register 8 to 10 weeks in advance so that you can be seated at your desired test center and not sent to a distant and unfamiliar test center.
In many states, the SAT is offered on one, two, or three additional dates. These are "School Day SAT" dates that are typically given statewide in March and/or April. These administrations have a second and third purpose: for districts to evaluate student progress and to modify teachers' teaching of skills. But the first purpose, to show college admissions offices and college financial aid offices a student's merit, are in play even on these extra School Day SAT dates.
Once registered, can I change my SAT dates?
Yes, after registration, you can change your test date, but unless it is for an event that is taking you out of town, it is best to stay with the original date and ADD ANOTHER SAT date. Even if you have not studied thoroughly or are not feeling well, taking the test for practice has merit. Plus, you might do well enough on HALF the SAT, (the SAT Math or the SAT Verbal) to post a high half-score that will get "Super-scored" with a high second half on a later date.
Are there any sat test dates in the summer?
Yes, there are summer SAT dates. Late August and early June (technically that's still spring) are routinely offered. The June date is very good for students who have studied in the winter and spring and are done with school or at least done with daunting final school exams. The August date is good for almost everyone. The August SAT becomes a second test for those who took the June SAT but did not trounce all sections. The August SAT becomes the TARGET SAT date for those who studied in the summer.
Does it hurt my admission chances to take the SAT many times?
No student is hurt by taking the SAT many times. Admissions offices are guided in their admit/deny decision by the BEST score a student submits. With only one exception, Georgetown, they do not care how many times a student tests.
Indeed, a student who tests multiple times has the advantage of SUPER-SCORING. All northeast colleges, and almost all colleges nationwide, choose to super-score. This advantages students who submit multiple scores because the colleges then are locking in your best SAT Math score and combining it with your best SAT Verbal score.
What are the SAT test dates for international students?
The SAT dates for International students in 2022 and early 2023 are the same test dates as those in the United States. International students typically have fewer opportunities at a given location. SAT test centers in the US typically offer the SAT three, four, or five times a year, while SAT test centers abroad typically offer the test just once or twice a year. International test dates for the ACT are just as sparse, and in even fewer test centers.
International students often find it beneficial to come to the United States to take the SAT in the summer. Many will take the ACT in the U.S. as well. They come to the United States in June and study for the SAT while taking other courses on university campuses. They can then test for the ACT in July and for the SAT in late August in the USA, and then return home.
Are some test dates easier than others?
Many students and parents cogitate and try to plan to take the SAT on an "easy" test date. They plan based on the rumor that certain dates are "easier" than other test dates.
These families are half right. The SAT is easier on some test dates than others. Even after scaling, some tests are markedly easier and yield higher scores for well-prepared students than other SAT tests. Whether the SAT test-makers know this likely result or are themselves surprised by this is conjecture. The big deal is that YOU can't know.
And thus, the other half: you can't plan for an easy test date. Our suggestion is to prep well and be prepared to take the SAT on multiple dates. Your improved skills will eventually come through on one date and you will earn a high SAT score.
Should I try to take the SAT when "dim" students are testing and avoid the SAT when "Smart" students are testing?
No. There is no test date that rewards testing among less-prepared students or punishes testing among well-prepared students. This is because the SAT's Bell Curve is not based on a given test date's testers, but on a whole year's worth (seven test dates) of testers. There ARE dates when the average tester is not well prepared. December typically has more students who are poorly prepped than any other date. March typically has the best prepped students. But students are not competing against other students on a given date. They are competing against a pre-set "curve". So if you are destined to score 1100, you don't get any more points for scoring 1100 in December when the national SAT average is 980 than for scoring 1100 in March when the national SAT average is 1090.
Our advice: take the SAT when you are most prepared to take the SAT. All things being equal, take the SAT early and often.
We understand that preparing for the ACT and SAT exams can be a daunting task. It's a big decision that can have a significant impact on your student’s future academic opportunities.
That's why we highly recommend speaking with an educational consultant who specializes in ACT and SAT test prep. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate through the preparation process, ensuring that you and your student are fully prepared and confident on exam day.
Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance – it could make all the difference for your student’s test performance and ultimately, their future success.