SAT test dates 2026-27.
Eight anticipated national administrations, the registration deadlines that sneak up on people, and how to pick the date that matches your prep runway.
| Test date | Register by (est.) | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2026 | ~July 24, 2026 | Great for summer-prep momentum |
| September 12, 2026 | ~August 14, 2026 | |
| October 3, 2026 | ~September 4, 2026 | Popular with seniors finalizing scores |
| November 7, 2026 | ~October 9, 2026 | Often the last date for many Early Decision plans |
| December 5, 2026 | ~November 6, 2026 | Usually the last scores usable for Regular Decision |
| March 13, 2027 | ~February 12, 2027 | The classic junior-year starting line |
| May 1, 2027 | ~April 2, 2027 | Mind AP exam season when picking this one |
| June 5, 2027 | ~May 7, 2027 | School-year material still fresh |
Dates are anticipated based on the College Board's typical annual calendar and had not all been officially confirmed at publication. Registration usually closes about four weeks before test day, with a late-registration window (and fee) after that. Always verify dates and deadlines at collegeboard.org before planning around them. School-day administrations, offered through many high schools, follow a separate calendar.
Which date fits your timeline?
The next available date
Enough time to patch your highest-frequency weaknesses and take two timed practice tests, not enough to rebuild fundamentals. Best for retakes where you are within about 50 points of target.
One or two dates ahead
The sweet spot for most students. A diagnostic, a daily adaptive plan of 30 to 60 minutes, and practice tests every other week typically move scores 100+ points in this window.
Two dates ahead, plus a backup
Room for a genuine score transformation, and for the smartest strategy of all: register for two dates up front. The first test removes the fear; the second captures the score.
Work backward from your application deadlines. Scores are typically released about two weeks after test day. For November 1 Early Decision or Early Action deadlines, the October date is comfortable and the November date is usually the absolute cutoff (confirm with each college). For January 1 Regular Decision deadlines, December is generally the last usable administration.
Juniors: March is the classic starting line. Take the March test after a winter of prep, retake in May or June if needed, and keep August through October of senior year in reserve. Most students gain from a retake, and nearly every college considers only your best scores.
Whatever date you circle, the prep math is the same: a diagnostic to find your gaps, a daily plan sized to your runway, and at least two full timed practice tests before the real thing. Here is how Percentile automates all three.
Picked your date? Start the clock.
Tell Percentile your test date and target score, and the free diagnostic builds a day-by-day plan that fits the runway you actually have.
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