SAT Test Dates 2026–27: Registration Deadlines and Planning Guide
Complete 2026–27 SAT test dates from the College Board, registration deadlines, score release timelines, and when to register for your target colleges.
Planning your 2026–27 SAT test dates early prevents the most common mistake: registering too late for a retake before college application deadlines.
This guide lists confirmed College Board dates for the August 2026–June 2027 testing year, registration timelines, and a planning framework for juniors and seniors.
Related: One-month study plan · Exam day checklist · Complete guide
SAT Weekend Test Dates (August 2026–June 2027)
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 22, 2026 | Aug. 7, 2026 | Aug. 11, 2026 |
| Sept. 12, 2026 | Aug. 28, 2026 | Sept. 1, 2026 |
| Oct. 3, 2026 | Sept. 18, 2026 | Sept. 22, 2026 |
| Nov. 7, 2026 | Oct. 23, 2026 | Oct. 27, 2026 |
| Dec. 5, 2026 | Nov. 20, 2026 | Nov. 24, 2026 |
| March 6, 2027 | Feb. 19, 2027 | Feb. 23, 2027 |
| May 1, 2027 | Apr. 16, 2027 | Apr. 20, 2027 |
| June 5, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | May 25, 2027 |
All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET. Verify at satsuite.collegeboard.org.
In-School Assessments (2026–27)
| Assessment | Testing Window |
|---|---|
| SAT School Day, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 8/9 (Fall 2026) | Oct. 1–30, 2026 |
| SAT School Day, PSAT 10 (Spring 2027) | March 1–April 30, 2027 |
Score Release Timeline
Scores typically release 13–15 days after the test date. Plan backward from college deadlines:
| Application Deadline | Latest SAT Sitting |
|---|---|
| Early Decision (Nov 1) | October 2026 (maybe August retake) |
| Early Action (Nov 15) | October 2026 |
| Regular Decision (Jan 1) | November or December 2026 |
| Regular Decision (Jan 15+) | December 2026 or March 2027 |
Superscore note: If your target colleges superscore, you need all sittings to complete before deadlines. See superscore guide.
Recommended Testing Schedule
Juniors (Class of 2028)
| Sitting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| March 2027 | First official attempt (after 4–8 weeks prep) |
| May or June 2027 | Retake focused on weaker section |
| August–October 2027 | Optional third attempt if needed |
Seniors (Class of 2027)
| Sitting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| August–October 2026 | Final retake before EA/ED |
| November–December 2026 | Last chance for January RD deadlines |
| March–June 2027 | Only if RD deadlines allow |
Registration Tips
- Register early — popular test centers fill up, especially August and October.
- Use your legal name — must match photo ID exactly.
- Choose a familiar location — reduce test-day stress with a known building.
- Send scores later — you can send to 4 colleges free within 9 days of scores releasing.
Prep Timeline by Test Date
| Weeks until test | Action |
|---|---|
| 8+ | Full content review + Bluebook Practice Test 1 |
| 4 | One-month study plan |
| 1 | Exam day checklist |
| 0 | Light review only — no cramming |
Start practicing now with free official resources and full tests on AP Practice Exam Online.
Frequently asked questions
How many times is the SAT offered in 2027–27?
The SAT is offered eight times: August, September, October, November, and December 2026, plus March, May, and June 2027.
When do SAT scores come out?
Scores typically release 2–3 weeks after the test date. Check your College Board account for exact dates.
What is the SAT registration deadline?
Regular registration closes roughly 2–3 weeks before each test date. Late registration (with fee) closes a few days after the regular deadline.
When should juniors first take the SAT?
Most students take their first SAT in March or May of junior year, allowing time for retakes before senior fall deadlines.