SAT Test Dates and Deadlines in 2026 -

The SAT is one of the most widely recognised college admissions exams in the United States and internationally. For students planning to apply to colleges and universities, understanding the SAT test dates and registration deadlines for 2026 is crucial. This guide provides a complete view of the official SAT dates and deadlines administered by the College Board for 2026, including deadlines for registration, late registration, and testing windows.

The College Board updates these dates annually and all deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States unless otherwise noted. This article breaks down the spring and summer 2026 SAT test dates as well as the anticipated fall dates in late 2026. It also explains why registering early matters and how late registration deadlines work. All students, both domestic and international, follow the same set of SAT dates unless otherwise specified.

In 2026, the SAT is offered several times during the spring and early summer months. Below are the confirmed SAT test dates and deadlines based on the College Board schedule. These dates apply to the 2025–26 testing cycle. For each date, a registration deadline and a late registration deadline are provided where available. If you plan to take the SAT, be sure to add these dates to your calendar and begin preparing well in advance.

Spring and Summer 2026 SAT Test Dates

The most current confirmed SAT test dates are listed below. These dates are for spring and early summer 2026 test administrations.

For the March 14 SAT, students must register by February 27, 2026 to avoid additional fees or potential seat shortages, and the late registration deadline is March 3, 2026. For the May 2 SAT, the regular deadline is April 17, 2026 with late registration available through April 21, 2026. Finally, the June 6 SAT has a regular registration deadline of May 22, 2026 and a late registration deadline of May 26, 2026. These late deadlines typically involve an additional fee.

Regular registration deadlines are the cut off dates to sign up for the SAT without incurring extra charges or risking limited availability at test centres. Late registration is available after the regular deadline for a limited period, but students should register as early as possible to secure their desired test centre and ensure all logistical arrangements are finalised.

Why Early Registration Matters

Registering early is important for several reasons. First, SAT test centres have limited capacity. Popular dates, especially those that align with college application deadlines, can fill up quickly. Registering early increases your chance of securing a seat at your preferred test centre. It also gives you more time to prepare, schedule practice tests, and receive study materials tailored to the specific test date.

Additionally, planning ahead makes it easier to meet college application deadlines, particularly for early action or early decision plans. Many colleges require SAT scores to be submitted by early November, meaning students often take the SAT earlier in the spring or summer before application deadlines. A delay in registration can limit test date options or require a later test than planned.
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Late Registration and Changes

If you miss the regular registration deadline, late registration gives you another chance to sign up. However, late registration typically involves an additional fee and is only available for a short period leading up to the test date. For example, to take the June 6, 2026 SAT, the late registration deadline is May 26, 2026, just ten days before the test date. During late registration you can also make changes to your test date, but these also incur fees.

The late registration period is helpful for students who need flexibility in their schedules or decide to take the test later than originally planned. However, registering early remains the best option to avoid extra costs and secure your preferred testing location.

Anticipated Fall 2026 SAT Dates

Beyond the spring and early summer SAT test dates, the College Board has released anticipated dates for the 2026–27 testing year. These dates are not yet confirmed with deadlines on the official registration portal, but they represent the typical SAT schedule offered in the fall of 2026. Once confirmed, registration deadlines will be available on the College Board website.

The preliminary fall schedule includes the following test dates for 2026:

These dates are based on historical patterns and College Board announcements of anticipated test administrations. Official deadlines should be checked on the College Board SAT dates page as they are published.

How Fall SAT Dates Fit Into Your Timeline

SAT administrations in the fall of 2026 provide additional chances for students to take or retake the SAT ahead of college application deadlines in the winter and spring. Many students choose fall dates to ensure they have scores in hand before early decision or early action deadlines. Because these fall dates are anticipated, students should monitor the College Board website for the official registration windows and confirm the exact deadlines before planning registrations.

Score Release and Timing

After each SAT administration, scores are typically released online about two to three weeks after the test date. For example, if you take the March 14 SAT, expect scores in late March or early April. Early planning for test dates should consider the time it takes for scores to be processed and sent to colleges. Many universities require score submission before specific deadlines, so aligning your test date with application requirements is essential. Score release dates vary slightly each cycle, and the College Board provides them alongside registration information once the test date has passed.

SAT Preparation Resources

Preparing for the SAT is a major component of success. The College Board offers free official practice through its Bluebook app and partnerships with Khan Academy for personalised practice. Students are encouraged to begin preparing months in advance of their chosen test date. Many test prep programs also offer diagnostic exams, study schedules, practice questions, and full length practice tests that closely resemble the SAT format. Combining regular practice with official SAT materials can significantly improve performance.

Your SAT Timeline at a Glance

Understanding SAT test dates and deadlines for 2026 is essential for planning your college admissions timeline. The confirmed spring and early summer dates include March 14, May 2, and June 6, 2026 with both regular and late registration deadlines for each. Anticipated fall dates offer additional opportunities to sit for the SAT later in the year.

To avoid fees, secure test centre seats, and align your testing schedule with college application deadlines, students should register as early as possible. Keep track of registration deadlines, plan your preparation schedule, and visit the College Board SAT dates and deadlines page regularly for updates.

Use the tables above as quick references when planning your SAT timeline, and remember that early preparation and registration are key to SAT success and college admissions planning.

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines in 2026

Spring and Summer 2026 SAT Test Dates

Why Early Registration Matters

Late Registration and Changes

Anticipated Fall 2026 SAT Dates

How Fall SAT Dates Fit Into Your Timeline

Score Release and Timing

SAT Preparation Resources

Your SAT Timeline at a Glance

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Written by Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA

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