SAT test dates 2026–27 and registration deadlines
TutorAura guide · Updated
These are the weekend SAT test dates for the 2026–27 school year in the US, with registration deadlines, from the College Board. Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Late registration costs an extra fee, so register by the first deadline if you can.
Dates and deadlines can change, so confirm on the College Board's SAT dates and deadlines page before you register. Many schools also offer the SAT on a weekday through SAT School Day; ask your school.
Key takeaways
- Eight weekend test dates from August 2026 to June 2027.
- Registration closes about two weeks before each test; late registration about four days after that.
- Pick a date that leaves time for a retake before your application deadlines.
- Plan your prep backwards from the date: 4 to 12 weeks is typical.
2026–27 weekend SAT dates
| Test date | Registration deadline | Late registration deadline |
|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2026 | August 7 | August 11 |
| September 12, 2026 | August 28 | September 1 |
| October 3, 2026 | September 18 | September 22 |
| November 7, 2026 | October 23 | October 27 |
| December 5, 2026 | November 20 | November 24 |
| March 6, 2027 | February 19 | February 23 |
| May 1, 2027 | April 16 | April 20 |
| June 5, 2027 | May 21 | May 25 |
Source: College Board, SAT dates and deadlines. Sunday testing is available only for students who can't test on Saturday for religious reasons.
How to choose a test date
- Work back from your deadlines. Early action and early decision deadlines are often in November, so many seniors test in August, September or October.
- Leave room for a retake. Plenty of students take the SAT twice. Taking your first test in the spring of 11th grade leaves the summer and autumn for a second try.
- Avoid your busiest weeks. Don't schedule the SAT during exams, a big tournament or a show.
- Check score release timing on the College Board's page for your date, so scores arrive before your application deadlines.
Plan your prep backwards from the date
Once you've chosen a date, count the weeks:
| Weeks before the test | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12 or more | Take a baseline practice test; work through your weakest skills |
| 4 to 8 | Timed module practice; a second full-length test |
| 2 | Final full-length test; review your mistakes log |
| Test week | Light review, sleep, check your admission ticket and Bluebook set-up |
Our SAT study plan has detailed 12-week, 4-week and 2-week schedules. Start with a free full-length practice test to see where you are.
Before test day
- Install Bluebook on the device you'll use and complete the test preview.
- Check your admission ticket in Bluebook shortly before test day.
- Charge your device and bring your charger, an acceptable photo ID and, if you want one, an approved calculator (Desmos is built in).
- Know the timing: 2 hours 14 minutes of testing plus a 10-minute break. See how long the SAT takes.
After the test
Scores appear online a couple of weeks after most test dates. If you plan to retake, look at which skills cost you points and practise those specifically: our guide to SAT scoring explains how the adaptive modules affect your score, and what is a good SAT score helps you set a target.
Frequently asked questions
When are the SAT test dates in 2026–27?
August 22, September 12, October 3, November 7 and December 5, 2026, and March 6, May 1 and June 5, 2027 (weekend SAT, US). Confirm on the College Board's dates page before registering.
When is the SAT registration deadline?
About two weeks before each test date, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Late registration, with an extra fee, closes about four days after the regular deadline.
How many times can I take the SAT?
You can take it more than once. Many students take it twice, often in the spring of 11th grade and again in the autumn of 12th grade.
Which SAT date is best?
One that leaves enough time to prepare and to retake before your application deadlines. Many seniors applying early choose August, September or October.
Sources
- SAT Test Dates and Deadlines. College Board.
- SAT Suite Important Dates (flyer). College Board.
- SAT Registration. College Board.
Keep reading
An SAT study plan: 12-week, 4-week and 2-week schedules
Start with an official practice test, focus on your weakest skills, then build timed practice: 12-week, 4-week and 2-week schedules.
Free Digital SAT practice tests
A full-length, timed, adaptive practice test and section tests, free with no sign-up.
How long is the SAT? Timing for every section and module
2 hours 14 minutes plus a 10-minute break: timing for each section, module and question, and how to pace yourself.
What is a good SAT score? Averages, percentiles and your target
The class of 2025 averaged 1029. How percentiles work, what 1200 and 1400 mean, and how to set your own target.