SAT Test Dates: Full Guide to Choosing (2024, 2025)

The SAT is available seven times per year But what SAT testing dates be most suitable for your needs and schedule? What are the most important factors to think about before drafting your SAT schedule? What are the ideal SAT times for Juniors? For seniors?

In this complete guide, we give you the most up-to-date information on SAT tests schedules (domestic as well as internationally) in 2024-2025. We also provide our top suggestions for selecting the most appropriate SAT testing dates, as along with a myriad of resources to guide you through the complex web of test dates for SAT/ACT.

SAT Dates and Deadlines 2024-2025

In general it is the norm that College Board administers the SAT on a Saturday, with additional tests being offered in the autumn. If you’re unable to be able to take the exam on weekend for reasons of religion or for other reasons, Sunday alternate dates are typically available.

Below, we provide SAT testing dates and times, regular deadlines for registration as well as late registration deadlines and scores release dates for 2024 and 2025 tests. International as well as US dates are identical.

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2024)

The following dates have been confirmed by the College Board. However, scores release dates are projected dates and subject to change.

SAT Test Dates 2024

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2025)

The following dates were confirmed by College Board. However, the dates for release of scores are projected and subject to changes.

SAT Test Dates: 2024-2025 Visual Calendar and Trends

When it comes time to select SAT times, it is important to know that you do not wish to just register for the next date that is available. To assist you in selecting the most suitable SAT test dates for your needs We’ve designed a simple-to-use visual calendar of 2024-2025 SAT test dates. This infographic lets us examine the trends of SAT dates and determine if certain dates and deadlines have overlap with others.

It is evident in this calendar of visuals, SAT test dates are closely clustered during the latter part of autumn and summer. This is because the majority of deadlines for applying to colleges fall in the autumn and winter months of the late fall and early winter. In essence this means that college applications are due in the late fall and early winter. College Board is giving seniors the chance to improve their score goals for SAT just before application deadlines.

In Spring, SAT dates are more dispersed with the exception of the months of May and June. This is because there are fewer deadlines to apply for college in the spring than in winter and fall. The dates are also targeted towards juniors and other students who want be able to test for the SAT earlier.

Then, we’ll observe that due to the large number of test dates that occur in the fall, it is difficult to sit for two SATs in consecutively. If your score on the first test is announced in the fall, the deadline for late registration for the following test may have already completed!

Even if you take the plunge and sign up for a new test with no knowledge of your score could result in losing money for the repeat in case your scores are higher than what you believed they would be. Also, if you do not take the next test, you may be missing your chance of increasing your scores prior to your application deadline.

Retaking SATs in a row does not give you enough time to get the most of the retake. You’ll probably see very little improvements, if any, in your scores because of the insufficient preparation time between exams.

Choosing the Best SAT Test Date for You: 5 Essential Factors

It’s crucial to choose the SAT test date that works with everyone but for you specifically. Here are five important aspects to think about before you commit to the date of your test.

#1: When Are Your College Application Deadlines?

The most significant elements are deadlines for college applications. In the US most deadlines fall on the 1st of January (for the regular decisions) along with November 1, or 15, (for early action early action or earlier decision).

It is the College Board sends SAT scores to schools (for your four score reports for free) after 10 business days following the day you receive your scores on the exam about between three and five weeks following the test. However some schools do not will process your scores right away and, in actuality, some might take up to a week or two to announce scores. In the end it is possible that you will need to wait 6 weeks from the date of your test for your schools to review scores. SAT scores.

This doesn’t even take into account the additional time required to complete orders for additional scores report (if there are more than 4 schools you wish to forward results to). This will take to the time required by at least another week or two after the score reports are made public.

As a rule do not take the SAT in less than six or five weeks before the date your college applications are due. If you’re going to request additional scores after your results are announced be sure to schedule your test dates at least the seven- or eight-week mark in advance of the date of your due date.

Be aware that if you schools do not take and process or review your SAT scores on enough time for your admissions, you might be denied! Therefore, plan accordingly.

#2: Are You Applying for SAT Scholarships?

Another reason is the availability of SAT scholarships. Generally speaking, schools that offer SAT scholarships follow the same deadlines for college applications. If you’re unsure the date your SAT results are due, call the school directly to inquire whether your scores will be received sooner than, or in conjunction when you submit the application.

#3: How Many Times Will You Take the SAT?

It is also worth considering whether you’d like to take the SAT If you’re not receiving the score you require to be able to attend college.

We generally advise to take your SAT at least two times and possibly three times according to your goals for scoring. 
Here’s our recommended SAT program:

• The SAT in the beginning of the fall of your junior year.
• You can take the SAT the second time during the spring of your junior year.
• You can take the SAT one last time in the summer or early fall of your senior year.

If you completed the first SAT during the summer of junior year, instead of taking it in the fall you’ll have many chances to sit for the SAT at least twice. You can, for instance you could take the SAT again in August or June and a fourth time in November or October.

It is best to avoid registering for consecutive SAT testing dates, especially during the autumn the final semester of senior high. Intensely cramming in SATs will leave you with little time to learn and will not improve your score by a significant difference.

Additionally, trying to manage all the preparation throughout the school year–and when you’re applying to colleges it’s a very difficult task. Make sure to spread out your test papers the best way you can.

#4: How Much Study Time Will You Need?

Before you sign up for the SAT Prior to registering for the SAT, you must decide the amount of time you’ll be required to devote in studying. It is generally recommended to set the time of three to six months to complete SAT preparation. This time frame allows you to spread out your studying sessions to ensure you’re able to study consistently without exhausting yourself.

Most importantly you’ll require a certain amount of time to study. The amount of time you’ll be required to devote to studying is contingent upon the number of marks you’d like to increase your initial SAT score. (A base score refers to the number you receive from the officially-issued SAT assessment prior to starting any SAT preparation.)

The following are (approximate) amount of study hours needed to achieve the following total point improvement for the SAT:

• Improvement of 0-30 points: 10 hours
• 30 to 70 point improvement in 20 hours
• 70-130 points improvement in 40 hours
• Achieving 130-200 points improvement 80 hours
• 200-330 points improvement 150+ hours

As you will see, the larger the amount of points you’d like to increase the longer you’ll need to spend studying.

However, most people do not have plenty of time to SAT preparation. Try to complete at 10 hours of study.

If you’re only given one or two months prior to the test day but you still have the chance to achieve significant score gains as so long as you’re willing put in the work. Also, you can take advantage of the last-minute SAT strategies along with techniques for helping you score the score you’re looking for.

#5: Will You Have Any Obligations or Conflicts?

Take a look at your personal obligations. Are there any obligations you are unable to alter that will be happening on a specific date? Do you have ongoing commitments (school or other) which could hinder you from focusing on your SAT preparation? It could be anything from school play and exams for AP to sports events as well as family holidays.

Before deciding on the date for your test, be sure you’re aware of your timetable. I suggest you use an organizer to keep track of any large periods of time that you’ll not have time to prepare in preparation for your SAT.

If a specific test date is too overwhelming, pick another date that has lesser obligations during the time preceding the date.

Quick Guide: What’s the Best SAT Test Date for Juniors? For Seniors? For Early Action?

In real life it is the “best” SAT test date is different for every student; However, there are times when you need to know what a great test date is generally speaking. We’ll give you an overview of the most effective SAT testing dates in four typical scenarios.

Scenario 1: You’re a Junior

Best Dates

• For 1st SAT: October, November, December
• For 2nd SAT: March, May, June

You must always consider taking your initial SAT as you are a junior, usually in the autumn. The tests in November and October dates are flexible and allow plenty of time to prepare and study for the second round should you decide be able to sit for the SAT once more.

In the spring, you should try taking the SAT in May or March, or by the time you’re done the month of June. This will give you the entire summer to analyze your score, make your college list, and decide if you’d prefer to take the test again in the August or in autumn.

Scenario 2: You’re a Senior

• Best Dates: August, October, November
• Riskier Dates: December

As a senior, you are entitled to four potential SAT testing date (for normal decision dates) The dates are October, August November, December and August.

As with all college preparation the earlier you start, the better! You should test for the SAT in the months of August, October or even November. The three test dates mentioned above will not have any issues getting the scores you score to schools on time, as long as the earliest deadline for you is between January 1 and.

If you choose to take the test date in December, as well, I’d choose to do this if your deadline is the 10th of January or later. The December scores don’t typically be released until December’s end and January 1 could be a bit too soon for certain colleges. Make sure to contact your schools directly to find out if they will accept SAT scores prior to the December test date prior to when you sign up for it.

If your usual decision deadline is particularly late, such as the University of California’s deadline for November 30 select the tests in August or October dates instead.

Scenario 3: You’re Applying Early Action/Early Decision

• Best Dates: June, August
• Riskier Dates: October

The majority of early action deadlines are between November 1 and 15. The June or August test date (before the end of your final year of high school) is a great option because scores from either date must be submitted to schools on time. The dates also allow you the opportunity to focus exclusively on college applications, not SAT preparation.

The deadline for October is a little more risky but the scores don’t usually come out until the close of October. Therefore, if your deadline falls on November 1, it’s likely that October will not be a good choice. If the deadlines are the 15th of November or later but, then October should be fine.

Scenario 4: Your College Applications Aren’t Due Until February or Later

Some schools have earlier deadlines than usual during February March April, May, July, June or even in September. Which SAT tests are appropriate for these schools that have late decision deadlines?

Here are the most recent SAT test dates that you could choose based on the deadline you have set for your college application. The most recent dates recommended will almost certainly submit the SAT scores to colleges on time, whereas the less reliable dates may not have your scores submitted by the deadlines.

Additional Resources for Info on SAT Test Dates

Need help in deciding on SAT testing dates? Our resources below will assist you in determining the most appropriate SAT times for your needs:

• When Should You Take the SAT or ACT? The Best Dates for Tests: Our well-known guide to test dates for the SAT/ACT hone in on the 4 most crucial factors to think about when choosing an exam date. 
  
• The SAT/ACT test dates and Study Plans for Juniors and Sophomores. Are you seeking guidance on when you should be taking your SAT or ACT in your senior or sophomore year? This guide will help you understand the typical schedule for taking the SAT/ACT tests and gives specific advice to improve your weak points.
  
• 5-Step SAT/ACT Dates and Study Plan for Summer before the Senior Year. This step-by-step guide will help you create an individualized SAT/ACT study program prior to your senior year.
• The Most Effective SAT as well as ACT Exam Dates Seniors The Fall. Are you in search of an information guide specifically targeted at seniors? We’ve laid out the SAT/ACT test dates during the fall and offer suggestions on choosing the most suitable date for you.
• Do I have the option of getting an alternative SAT Exam Date?: If there’s an incongruity with your date of your SAT testing date, you may be able to arrange an alternate date for the next week. Learn from our guide what you can do to ensure that your decision is successful.

The Final Word: What to Know About SAT Test Dates

While exact SAT exam dates vary each year, the test is always administered seven times in the months following (in the US):

• August
• October
• November
• December
• March
• May
• June

The majority of the time the international test dates are the same as US ones, but the deadlines for registration and date of release of scores can differ. Additionally, this year’s international dates will be administered using the new format for digital tests.

For deciding on a test time which is right for you take into consideration the following four aspects:

• If your application to college and deadline for scholarships are
• How many times do you want to sit for the SAT
• What is the amount of time you’ll dedicate to devote
• If you’ll be bound by any obligations that could hinder you from taking the SAT at a specific time

After reading this article, you have a more clear and certain of which SAT tests will work for you!

What’s Next?

Do you have plans in 2024 and 2025? Check out our helpful (and up-to-date!) list of upcoming SAT tests and dates.

You’ve selected the SAT test date. Your next step is to log on and make an application to take the SAT. This comprehensive guide will provide easy-to-follow directions to guide through the registration procedure.