The SAT and ACT are both administered seven times a year. For students interested in taking both exams, don’t worry! The SAT and ACT test dates don’t conflict with one another. That said, if you are interested in taking one or even both of these tests, you’ll need to plan ahead!

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of SAT and ACT test dates. We will also review whether you should take the SAT or ACT, in addition to answering questions such as: Why take the SAT? How many times can I take the SAT? And when are SAT test dates? So if you’re looking for SAT study resources or advice on How to Prepare for SAT or ACT Test Day, you’ve come to the right place!

SAT test dates (College Board) 2023-24

SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline Scores Begin to Post
June 3, 2023 May 4, 2023 May 24, 2023 June 16, 2023
August 26, 2023 July 28, 2023 August 15, 2023 September 8, 2023
October 7, 2023 September 8, 2023 September 26, 2023 October 20, 2023
November 4, 2023 October 5, 2023 October 24, 2023 November 17, 2023
December 2, 2023 November 3, 2023 November 21, 2023 December 15, 2023
March 9, 2024 February 8, 2024 February 26, 2024 March 24, 2024
May 4, 2024 April 5, 2024 April 23, 2024 May 17, 2024
June 1, 2024 May 2, 2024 May 21, 2024 June 14, 2024

Source: College Board

As you compare different SAT test dates and locations, do your best to prioritize the registration deadline so you are not subjected to the $30 late fee.

ACT test dates 2023-24

ACT Test Day Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline Scores Begin to Post
June 10, 2023 May 5, 2023 May 19, 2023 June 20, 2023
July 15, 2023 June 16, 2023 June 23, 2023 July 25, 2023
September 9, 2023 August 4, 2023 August 18, 2023 September 22, 2023
October 28, 2023 September 22, 2023 October 6, 2023 November 10, 2023
December 9, 2023 November 3, 2023 November 17, 2023 December 22, 2023
February 10, 2024 January 5, 2024 January 19, 2024 February 27, 2024
April 13, 2024 March 8, 2024 March 22, 2024 April 16, 2024
June 8, 2024 May 3, 2024 May 17, 2024 June 18, 2024
July 13, 2024* June 7, 2024 June 21, 2024 July 23, 2024

Source: ACT Test Registration

As you compare different ACT test dates and locations, do your best to prioritize the registration deadline so you are not subjected to the $36 late fee.

*No tests are scheduled in New York for July.

Does your high school offer SAT school day?

Some schools offer an “SAT School Day” where students can take the SAT during school hours. This is meant to help students avoid potential transportation issues. It can also be comforting for students to take the exam in a familiar setting. In some cases, participating schools will even offer fee waivers for eligible students.

This year, schools can schedule their own Digital SAT School Day anytime during the official testing window, March 4–April 26, 2024. If you are unsure whether this program is offered by your high school, check in with your guidance counselor for clarification and additional resources.

Why take the SAT?

Standardized test scores can add credibility to your application and help distinguish you from your peers. If you are applying to highly-selective schools such as Ivy League colleges, submitting an impressive SAT score may give you the competitive edge you need! Additionally, scholarships often use standardized test scores to select recipients. Ultimately, this is why you should plan to take the SATs and/or ACTs.

That said, it’s important to acknowledge COVID-19’s impact on SAT and ACT tests and the rise of “test-optional” admissions. Applying to Test-Optional Colleges is becoming more and more popular, so if testing isn’t your strength — or you have financial and/or transportation difficulties — you may be interested in learning more about Test-Blind Colleges and Universities.

Is It better to take the SAT or ACT?

While many colleges require standardized testing, you have the option to take the SAT or the ACT. While some students may choose to take both exams, you only need to take one — and colleges don’t have a preference for which!

While the SAT tends to be more popular on the East and West Coast, the ACT is more popular in the Midwest. This shouldn’t necessarily dictate your decision, though. So feel free to take either test!

It’s also worth noting that some students take both exams. This is usually the case if they are applying to highly-selective colleges or want to compare individual test results to see if they have more success with one test format over the other.

How many times should you take the SAT and ACT?

Generally, you should plan to take the SAT and/or ACT two to three times prior to submitting your college applications: once during the Fall of your Junior year and once during the Spring of your Junior year, with the option to take your exam once more (if needed) during the Fall of your Senior year.

Make sure you prepare for your exams by following a study schedule and familiarizing yourself with helpful tips for taking the SAT. You’ll also want to register for your test date as soon as possible. This will motivate you to study more and will limit scheduling conflicts.

When to take the SATs

In conclusion, you should plan to take the SAT during the following:

  • Fall of Junior year
  • Spring of Junior year
  • Fall of Senior year (if needed)

Costs associated with the SAT and ACT

Taking the SAT and ACT is not cheap. We will review the specific costs below. If, however, you are wondering how to take the SAT for free, find out if you are eligible for an SAT fee waiver. There is also an ACT fee waiver available for low-income students.

How much to take the SAT?

It costs $60 to register for the SATs. There is a $30 late fee, however, if you do not meet the regular deadline. Regardless of whether you pay the late fee, you still need to register by the “late registration deadline.”

International students must pay the standard $60 registration fee, along with a regional fee specific to their country. This regional fee ranges from $43 to $53. It is also important to note that international students are not eligible for late registration.

How much are ACT tests?

It costs $63 to take the ACT without Writing and $88 to take the ACT with Writing. If you do not meet the regular registration deadline but are able to meet the late registration deadline, you will be charged a $36 late fee.

It costs significantly more to take the ACT as an international student: $171.50 without Writing and $196.50 with Writing. International students are eligible for late registration at an additional rate of $36. For other ACT financial information, click here.

Factors to consider when you pick a test date

There are several important factors to consider when you pick an SAT or ACT test date. Firstly, how many times do you plan to take the test? Secondly, when are your college application deadlines?

When are your college and scholarship application deadlines?

It usually takes about two weeks to receive your test scores and a few more weeks for your results to be sent to colleges. This is why it is important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time. Depending on the college, a late test score may result in a disqualified application. Ultimately, this is why you should plan to take your exam no later than two months before your earliest application deadline. If you’re applying to scholarships that require standardized test scores, you’ll want to factor in your scholarship application deadlines as well.

Making sure you have enough time to study

How much time do you need to study? Ideally, you should follow an SAT study plan and schedule template to prepare. If you are taking the SAT or ACT for the second or third time, what is your target score? Realistically, how much time do you need to study to reach this goal?

You’ll also want to consider whether you have any other important upcoming exams, such as AP or IB tests. You definitely don’t want to double-book yourself! You’ll also want to space out your exams so you can better focus.

Finally, make a list of upcoming personal commitments, such as sporting events, family parties, field trips, etc. Then, after considering all of the above factors, start looking at possible test dates!

Key takeaways and moving forward

Preparing to take the SAT and ACT is a lot of work! Thankfully, there are plenty of available resources to help you succeed. After you’ve chosen the test date that works best for you, it’s time to start studying! If standardized testing isn’t one of your strengths, or you aren’t pleased with your final score, you may want to research What Colleges Are Test-Optional for 2023? In the meantime, if you have questions about SAT prep or college admissions in general, reach out to learn more about our services.

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