Quick answer: The remaining SAT test dates for the 2026–27 school year are December 5, 2026, March 6, 2027, May 1, 2027 and June 5, 2027. Registration closes about two weeks before each test, and scores are released about 13 days after test day.
Key Takeaways
- The next open SAT date is December 5, 2026. Register by November 20, or by November 24 with a late fee.
- Scores usually arrive about 2 weeks after test day: Test date + 13 days = score release date.
- Missing the regular deadline adds a $38 late fee, so register early.
SAT Test Dates 2026–2027 (Full Schedule)
Here is every SAT weekend date for the 2026–27 school year, with its registration deadline, late registration deadline and score release date, as published by the College Board.
| SAT Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Scores Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2026 | August 7, 2026 | August 11, 2026 | September 4, 2026 |
| September 12, 2026 | August 28, 2026 | September 1, 2026 | September 25, 2026 |
| October 3, 2026 | September 18, 2026 | September 22, 2026 | October 16, 2026 |
| November 7, 2026 | October 23, 2026 | October 27, 2026 | November 20, 2026 |
| December 5, 2026 | November 20, 2026 | November 24, 2026 | December 18, 2026 |
| March 6, 2027 | February 19, 2027 | February 23, 2027 | March 19, 2027 |
| May 1, 2027 | April 16, 2027 | April 20, 2027 | May 14, 2027 |
| June 5, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | June 21, 2027 |
The August, September, October and November 2026 dates have already passed. If you want to test this fall, December 5 is your last chance before the spring dates.
Sunday Testing
Students who can’t test on Saturday, usually for religious reasons, can request a Sunday test, held the day after each Saturday date. You ask for Sunday testing when you register.
When Do SAT Scores Come Out?
For most 2026–27 dates, SAT scores reach students 13 days after the test. Schools get access through their score portal a few days later.
Formula: Score release date = Test date + 13 days
Example: You take the SAT on December 5, 2026.
December 5 + 13 days = December 18, 2026, which matches the official release date.
The June 5, 2027 test is the exception: scores come out on June 21, 2027, 16 days later. Always check the official score release dates before you plan around a deadline.
SAT Registration Deadlines and Late Fee
Each SAT date has two deadlines:
- Regular registration deadline: about 15 days before the test. Register by this date to pay only the standard fee.
- Late registration deadline: about 11 days before the test. You can still register, but the College Board adds a $38 late fee. This is also the last day to change your test center or cancel.
Check the standard SAT fee and fee waivers on the College Board website when you register, because fees can change from year to year.
How to Pick the Best SAT Test Date
The best date is one that gives you enough study time and gets your scores to colleges before their deadlines. Work backwards from your earliest application deadline.
Step-by-Step: Plan Backwards From Your Deadline
- Find your earliest college deadline. For example, a January 15, 2027 regular decision deadline.
- Pick a test date whose scores arrive in time. December 5, 2026 scores come out December 18, almost four weeks before January 15. The March 2027 date would be too late.
- Count back your study time. Study start = Test date − study weeks. With 12 weeks of prep, a March 6, 2027 test means starting by December 12, 2026.
- Leave room for a retake. If you test in December and want a higher score, March 6, 2027 gives you a second try for spring scholarship and summer program deadlines.
Which SAT Date Fits Your Goal?
| Your Situation | Best SAT Date | Scores Arrive |
|---|---|---|
| Senior applying for regular decision (January deadlines) | December 5, 2026 | December 18, 2026 |
| Junior taking a first official test | March 6, 2027 | March 19, 2027 |
| Junior who wants a retake before summer | May 1, 2027 or June 5, 2027 | May 14 or June 21, 2027 |
| Rising senior aiming for early action (Nov 1, 2027) | August 28 or September 18, 2027 (expected) | About 2 weeks after the test |
Your SAT score is only part of your application. Colleges also look closely at your grades, so it helps to know where you stand with a GPA calculator before you decide how many times to test.
Expected SAT Dates for Fall 2027
The College Board has listed these anticipated dates for fall 2027. Deadlines will be added once registration opens, so treat them as planning dates for now.
- August 28, 2027
- September 18, 2027
- October 9, 2027
- November 6, 2027
- December 4, 2027
SAT School Day and PSAT Testing Windows
Many students take the SAT at their own school on a weekday instead of a weekend. Your school picks the exact day within these windows:
| Testing Window | Tests Offered |
|---|---|
| October 1–30, 2026 | SAT School Day, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 8/9 |
| March 1–April 30, 2027 | SAT School Day, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9 |
Ask your school counselor whether your school offers SAT School Day. It’s often free for students and doesn’t need weekend registration.
Tips for Choosing and Preparing for Your SAT Date
- Register early. Test centers fill up, especially for December and May. Registering early also avoids the $38 late fee.
- Plan two test dates. Many students score higher on a second attempt, so pick a first date and a backup.
- Avoid busy weeks. Skip dates that clash with finals, AP exams or major school events.
- Track your practice scores. Turn each practice section into a percentage with a percentage calculator so you can see which section needs the most work.
- Keep your grades up too. A strong SAT score can’t fully make up for a low GPA. See how to raise your GPA quickly if your grades need a boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next SAT test date?
The next SAT weekend test is December 5, 2026. The regular registration deadline is November 20, 2026, and the late deadline is November 24, 2026.
How many times is the SAT offered in 2026–27?
There are eight SAT weekend dates in the 2026–27 school year: August, September, October, November and December 2026, plus March, May and June 2027. Schools can also offer SAT School Day during the fall and spring testing windows.
How long does it take to get SAT scores back?
For most 2026–27 test dates, scores are released 13 days after the test. The June 5, 2027 test is the exception, with scores out on June 21, 2027.
What happens if I miss the SAT registration deadline?
You can still register until the late registration deadline, about 11 days before the test, but you’ll pay a $38 late fee. After the late deadline, you’ll need to choose a later test date.
Is there an SAT in January or February 2027?
No. There are no weekend SAT dates between December 5, 2026 and March 6, 2027. If you need scores for January deadlines, December 5 is your last option.
Which SAT date is best for juniors?
Many juniors take their first SAT in March 2027 and retake it in May or June 2027. That leaves the August to October 2027 dates free for a final attempt before early applications.
Can I take the SAT on a Sunday?
Yes, if you can’t test on Saturday for religious reasons. Sunday tests are held the day after each Saturday date, and you request one when you register.
Does my GPA matter as much as my SAT score?
Colleges usually weigh your GPA and course rigor heavily, often more than test scores. Check whether a 3.5 GPA is good for college to see how your grades compare.
Related Guides & Calculators
- High School GPA Calculator
- Is a 4.0 GPA Straight A’s?
- What Is a 5.0 GPA in the USA?
- How to Calculate Grade Percentage
Sources: College Board SAT dates and deadlines, College Board score release dates, and the College Board 2026–27 SAT Suite important dates flyer. Dates checked October 29, 2026.