SAT Test Dates 2026–27: Deadlines and How to Pick Yours

Picking the right SAT date matters almost as much as the preparation. Too late, and there's no room for a second attempt before applications are due; too early, and you sit the test before you're ready. Here are the remaining 2026–27 dates and how to choose between them.

Remaining SAT dates for 2026–27

These are the SAT Weekend dates published by the College Board. Registration closes about two weeks before each test, and late registration (for an extra fee) closes a few days after that.

• 7 November 2026: register by 23 October, late registration until 27 October
• 5 December 2026: register by 20 November, late registration until 24 November
• 6 March 2027: register by 19 February, late registration until 23 February
• 1 May 2027: register by 16 April, late registration until 20 April
• 5 June 2027: register by 21 May, late registration until 25 May

The 3 October 2026 sitting has already taken place. The College Board usually adds August and later autumn dates for the following cycle; check its dates page for those.

Are the dates different outside the US?

No. The College Board now uses the same SAT Weekend dates and deadlines for students in the US and internationally. What differs is the fee: students testing outside the US pay an additional regional fee, and some countries add local tax. Test centres also fill up faster in many countries, so register as early as you can rather than waiting for the deadline.

How to choose your date

1. 1Work backwards from your earliest application deadline. US Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are often around 1 November, so a score from August, September or early October of your final year is usually the last that arrives in time.
2. 2Leave room for a second sitting. Most students improve on a second attempt, and many colleges superscore, so plan for two dates rather than one.
3. 3Avoid your heaviest school weeks. Mocks, board exams, IB internal deadlines and AP exams in May all compete for the same energy.
4. 4Give yourself 10–12 weeks of structured preparation before your first date.

A typical plan

For most students, a sensible pattern is a first attempt in the spring of the penultimate school year (Year 12, Grade 11 or Class 11), with a second attempt in the summer or early autumn before applications. If your target universities are outside the US, check their deadlines too: Bocconi, IE University and others have their own rounds.

Before you register

• Create your College Board account using your name exactly as it appears on your ID or passport.
• Choose a test centre early; popular centres fill quickly.
• Install the Bluebook app and take a full practice test on the device you'll use.
• Note the late registration deadline, but don't rely on it.

Dates and deadlines are set by the College Board and can change, so always confirm them on the official SAT dates page before you register.