2026-2027 SAT Test Dates

Choosing the right SAT date

You’ve seen the dates — now the real question is which one to pick. The answer depends on where you are in high school and when your applications are due.

• Juniors taking the SAT for the first time: March or May of junior year is the best window. A spring test gives you a real score to work with, a full summer to study if you want a higher number, and plenty of time for a fall retake. Your first attempt doesn’t have to be perfect — it’s about getting a baseline so you know exactly where to focus.
• Seniors who need to retake: August or October. Don’t wait until December — scores take about two weeks to release, and most regular-decision deadlines land on January 1. November is the absolute latest safe date if you’re targeting Jan 1 deadlines.
• Early decision / early action applicants: Your scores usually need to arrive by November 1 or 15. That means sitting for the SAT in June or August at the latest. October is risky because score delivery may not line up with your deadline.
• Students with later deadlines (February or later): You have more flexibility, but don’t let it turn into procrastination. A good rule of thumb: take the SAT at least 6 weeks before your earliest application deadline so scores arrive with room to spare.
• Not sure where you stand? Take a diagnostic first. Your baseline score determines how much prep time you’ll need, which determines which test date to register for.

How to register for the SAT

Registration takes about 30 minutes and must be done by the student (not a parent or counselor). Here’s what to do:

1. Create a free account at collegeboard.org
2. Choose your test date and pick a test center near you
3. Upload a photo that matches your ID (this will appear on your admission ticket)
4. Pay the $68 registration fee — fee waivers are available for qualifying families
5. Save or print your admission ticket and keep it somewhere you won’t forget

Register as early as you can. Late registration adds extra fees, and popular test centers fill up fast. You can also register by phone at 866-756-7346. Students needing testing accommodations should call 844-255-7728.

How much prep time you need

The honest answer: it depends on the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Here’s a rough guide based on score improvement goals:

• 50-100 point improvement: 4-6 weeks of focused practice, roughly 20 total study hours. Often achievable by fixing a handful of recurring mistake patterns.
• 100-200 point improvement: 4-6 weeks, around 40-80 study hours. This usually means building stronger foundations in one or two subject areas.
• 200+ point improvement: 6-10 weeks with structured, daily practice. Smartschool’s 1400+ Live Course does this in 6 weeks of live instruction and adaptive practice.

Count backwards from your test date. If you’re targeting the August 22 SAT and need 8 weeks of prep, you should be studying by late June. If you’re aiming for March and need 6 weeks, start in early February.

How to make the most of your prep time

Hours matter less than how you spend them. The students who improve the most follow a simple four-step loop:

1. Start with a diagnostic. Know your baseline before you study anything. A score breakdown by topic shows you exactly where you’re losing points.
2. Attack your weakest areas first. Don’t waste time reviewing topics you already know. If you’re solid on algebra but shaky on reading comprehension, spend your time there.
3. Take full-length practice tests. Stamina matters as much as knowledge. Sitting through a full-length test under timed conditions builds the endurance you need on the real thing.
4. Review every wrong answer. This is where the real learning happens. Don’t just check your score — read the explanation for each mistake and understand why the correct answer is correct.

Smartschool’s platform works the same way: diagnostic first, then targeted practice with detailed explanations for every question. Students also get access to 50+ full-length practice tests aligned to the current Bluebook format.

What to bring on test day

Arrive by 7:45 AM — doors close at 8:00 and there are no exceptions. Leave your phone powered off or at home. Here’s your checklist:

• A fully charged laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed
• Your device charger (just in case)
• Admission ticket and a valid photo ID
• An approved calculator (and spare batteries if it’s not solar)
• A watch with all alarms silenced
• A snack and drink for breaks

That’s it. The SAT is fully digital now — you take it on your own laptop, tablet, or a school-provided device through the College Board’s Bluebook app. Don’t bring notes or textbooks. The proctor will go over instructions before you start, and you’ll get a 10-minute break between sections for food and water.

Frequently asked questions