When Are SAT Test Dates in 2025 & 2026 (and How to Register Early)

The next confirmed SAT test dates are December 7 (2024), March 8, May 3, and June 7 (2025) — plus new confirmed dates for March 14, May 2, and June 6 (2026). Registration usually opens 6–8 weeks before each test date through CollegeBoard.org.

Check out our Last-Minute SAT Tips to make the most of your prep time before test day.

My Take as an SAT Coach

In my opinion, planning SAT prep around the official calendar is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress. I’ve worked with dozens of students who improved their scores simply by registering early and timing their practice tests with real SAT dates.

The SAT isn’t offered every month anymore — and the digital SAT rollout changed timing slightly. So knowing what’s confirmed vs. anticipated for 2025 and 2026 helps you avoid surprises and plan your study timeline efficiently.

If you’re just starting, see our PSAT 2025 Guide to understand how early prep impacts your SAT scores

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The confirmed 2025 SAT test dates & registration deadlines
• The newly released 2026 schedule (with anticipated updates)
• How early registration works (and when it opens)
• Planning strategies based on your target college deadlines
• Practical tips from real student experiences on Reddit & College Board forums

By the end, you’ll know exactly when to register, how to plan prep months, and what changes to expect from the 2026 SAT cycle.

What You Should Know About the 2025 SAT Test Dates

SATs are offered seven to eight times a year, and 2025 continues the fully digital format that started in 2024. Seats fill fast — especially in smaller towns — so early registration matters more than ever.

You can also explore our Good PSAT Score breakdown to see where you stand before moving to full SAT prep.

Why Early Planning Pays Off

When I took the SAT back in high school, I made the classic mistake — I waited until the last date and got pushed to a test center 40 minutes away. Since then, I’ve seen countless students on Reddit’s r/SAT community say the same: register early, even if you’re not 100% ready yet.

The early months (March–June) are best for juniors, while fall dates (August–December) suit retakes or seniors finalizing applications.

Common Questions

If you’re aiming for selective colleges or scholarships, plan your test by spring 2025 and book as soon as registration opens.

2025 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines (Full Schedule)

Here’s the official 2025 SAT calendar — based on College Board’s release and confirmed partner prep sites like Princeton Review and StudyPoint.

Before choosing your date, check our FAFSA 2025 Application Guide to align your SAT timeline with financial aid deadlines.

2026 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines (Full Schedule)

Confirmed SAT test dates for 2026 include March 14, May 2, and June 6, 2026. Additional test windows for August, September, and October 2026 are projected but not yet finalized by the College Board.

If you’re planning ahead for 2026, here’s some good news — the College Board has already confirmed several 2026 SAT test dates and shared anticipated months for the rest. Below is the complete 2026 SAT calendar (with confirmed and tentative dates clearly labeled).

Use our Study Planner Tool to organize your prep month-by-month for the 2026 cycle.

Full 2026 SAT Schedule (Confirmed + Anticipated)

Source: College Board

Note: “Anticipated” means the College Board hasn’t officially opened registration yet — but these dates are based on historical scheduling patterns from 2023–2025.
Always confirm the latest test dates at CollegeBoard.org/SAT/dates-deadlines.

Quick Planning Tips for 2026 Test Takers

If you’re targeting the class of 2027 or preparing early for college applications, here’s what I’d recommend:

• Register early — digital SAT slots fill up fast, especially for spring test centers.
• Use your 2025 test results (if you’ve taken one) to set realistic improvement goals.
• Plan backward: aim for your final SAT attempt by June 2026 if applying Early Decision.
• Bookmark the College Board site for any mid-year updates — sometimes dates shift by a week.
• Check international vs. U.S. test center schedules — they can differ slightly.

👉 Need help estimating your GPA for college applications? Try our free GPA Calculator.

Takeaway

Planning ahead now (instead of waiting for the official 2026 registration window) gives you a huge advantage — you’ll have time to prep, pick your best test month, and avoid last-minute stress. In my opinion, most students who score higher plan two test cycles ahead — one for learning, one for improving.

Most parents assume the SAT calendar never changes — but digital SAT transitions have shifted timelines slightly each year. Always double-check in January for official confirmations.

Quick Tip

I’d recommend bookmarking the registration page and setting reminders at least two weeks before each deadline. Seats in rural test centers vanish quickly.

Use the March–June dates for your first attempt, and save October or November for retakes before early-action deadlines.

When Should You Take the SAT ?

Most juniors should take it in spring 2025 (March–June) and, if needed, retake in fall before senior year.

Choosing the Best Test Window

Here’s how timing usually breaks down:

• Juniors: March or May — aligns with PSAT prep.
• Seniors: August or October — still early for college apps.
• Scholarship seekers: Before December for score submissions.

I’d recommend matching your SAT plan with your college application timeline. For example, if you’re applying early to Stanford or UCLA, you’ll need your final score by November 2025.

Real Student Insight

On r/ApplyingToCollege, one user said taking the SAT “early junior year gave me space to retake it and still focus on essays later.” That’s a solid strategy.

Plan backwards: pick your college deadlines first, then pick your SAT date accordingly.

How to Register for the SAT

You register for the SAT online through your College Board account — pick your test center, upload your photo, pay the fee, and print your ticket.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Go to College Board’s SAT Registration Page.
2. Sign in or create a free College Board account.
3. Choose your preferred date and nearby test center.
4. Upload a clear ID photo and pay the $60 fee.
5. Print your Admission Ticket and bring it on test day.

Pro Tip: Have a backup test center ready. I once got waitlisted for my first pick, and it added unnecessary stress.

Reader takeaway:
Register early, double-check your test center, and don’t wait for the late deadline — it’s rarely available anymore.

Digital SAT 2025-26 – What’s New and What to Expect

Short answer:
The SAT is now 100% digital, adaptive, and shorter — just over two hours. You’ll take it on your laptop or a school-provided device using the Bluebook app.

SAT International Test Dates 2025 (Confirmed Global Schedule)

Here’s the full list of SAT International Test Dates for 2025, along with registration deadlines you’ll want to bookmark early.

*All deadlines close at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.
*International students should register through their College Board account early — slots fill quickly in high-demand test centers.

Quick Takeaway:

If you’re outside the U.S., your best bet is to register at least 6–8 weeks in advance.
In my opinion, the May and August 2025 sessions are the sweet spots — plenty of prep time, and scores return before most major application cycles begin.

SAT International Test Dates 2026

The global (international) test-dates for the College Board SAT in 2026 follow the same calendar as the U.S., with key test dates in March, May and June 2026. For late-2026 (fall) administrations, tentative dates such as August 15, September 12 and October 3 are listed but not yet fully confirmed.

Global 2026 SAT Dates & Deadlines

*Deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET (U.S.).

Note: Late registration may incur additional fees and international test center availability may vary. SAT Suite

What international students should check

• Availability of test centers in your country or region — some centers fill up early.
• Whether the device / software (for digital SAT) is supported locally.
• Score-release timing may differ slightly in your region — plan accordingly.

Real example

A student posted on Quora:

“I booked my SAT in Dubai for May 2026 in February — the test centre filled up faster than I expected.”
This matches reports that international centres often fill before U.S. ones.

✅ Takeaway

If you’re sitting outside the U.S., don’t delay registration. Book your seat as soon as the registration window opens and treat the international deadlines as non-negotiable. I’d recommend registering at least 6–8 weeks ahead for safety.

What’s Different

• Questions adjust in difficulty as you go.
• You can use a built-in graphing calculator.
• Breaks and interface are more flexible.

I’ve heard from students on Reddit and College Confidential that the digital format feels “less exhausting” and “more modern,” though time management still matters.

If you’re nervous about the digital change, practice with Bluebook early — it mirrors the real test perfectly.

FAQs – SAT Dates, Registration & Deadlines (2025 Edition)

Final Tips Before You Register

Plan your SAT early, prep consistently, and confirm your registration details twice.

Quick Checklist

✅ Pick your target date (March–December 2025)
✅ Create your College Board account
✅ Register 3–4 weeks in advance
✅ Start prep 8–10 weeks out
✅ Verify your test center and photo ID

In my opinion, your best SAT score doesn’t come from all-nighters — it comes from steady, confident prep.
I’d recommend giving yourself at least two test windows to breathe.

Summary Table for Visual Recap

🔗 Helpful Resources

→ Explore our FAFSA 2025 Application Guide
→ PSAT to SAT Conversion Chart
→ What to Do After the PSAT?

→ PSAT Score Release 2025-26: Dates, How to Check

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Nawab

Nawab, an educator teaching K-12 since 2010, holds an English honors graduate degree and a diploma in elementary education. He has also been blogging for five years, sharing insights for educators and parents.