If you are aiming for a specific SAT test date, do not wait until the last week to register. Test centers fill up fast. Knowing your exact deadline gives your study plan a firm, realistic structure to study around.
The next SAT is on August 22, 2026. The regular registration deadline is August 7, 2026, and the SAT late registration deadline is August 11, 2026. Deadlines change with every test date, usually falling 15 days (just over two weeks) before test day. The 2026-2027 SAT cycle runs from August 2026 through June 2027, with eight test dates in total. Check the table below if you are targeting a different month.
Test Date
Aug 22, 2026
Regular Deadline
Aug 7, 2026
Late Deadline
Aug 11, 2026
Calculating days remaining…
Complete SAT Registration Deadlines, August 2026 to June 2027
Here are the full SAT registration dates 2026 test takers need, along with the 2027 dates that follow.
SAT Test Date
Regular Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
August 22, 2026
August 7, 2026
August 11, 2026
September 12, 2026
August 28, 2026
September 1, 2026
October 3, 2026
September 18, 2026
September 22, 2026
November 7, 2026
October 23, 2026
October 27, 2026
December 5, 2026
November 20, 2026
November 24, 2026
March 6, 2027
February 19, 2027
February 23, 2027
May 1, 2027
April 16, 2027
April 20, 2027
June 5, 2027
May 21, 2027
May 25, 2027
Note: All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you are borrowing a testing device from College Board, you must register at least 30 days before test day. This is earlier than the standard deadline.
August 22, 2026 SAT: Deadlines for the Next Fall Test
If you are a rising senior, this is likely your last realistic test date to get a score back before most Early Action and Early Decision deadlines, which makes the August SAT registration deadline especially important. Mark these dates now.
The regular registration deadline is August 7, 2026. If you miss it, the SAT late registration deadline is August 11, 2026, though it adds a $38 late fee on top of the $68 base fee.
One exception applies if you plan to borrow a testing device from the College Board. In that case, you must register at least 30 days before test day, well ahead of the standard deadline. Check your device situation early so you have enough time to register under this rule.
Scores from the August 22 test are typically available within two to four weeks after test day, usually by mid-September 2026. This timing works well for Early Action and Early Decision deadlines, which most schools set in early November.
Once you register, check out our SAT Study Plan to build a prep schedule around your test date, or see How Long Is the SAT if you are still mapping out your test day timeline.
What Happens If You Miss the Late Registration Deadline?
Once the SAT late registration deadline of August 11 passes, there is no way into the August 22 test. Do not panic. Your next option is the September 12, 2026 test date, and you can register for it up to August 28, 2026.
Missing a deadline is not the end of your plan. It just means shifting your timeline by a few weeks. If you are unsure how a later test date affects your application schedule, our SAT coaching program can help you build a realistic path forward, and our College Planning Consultation can help you map the rest of your testing calendar around your college goals.
How to Register for the SAT
Before you register, confirm which of the SAT registration dates in the 2026 window you are targeting, then follow these steps.
Create a College Board account at satsuite.collegeboard.org.
Choose a test date and a test center near you.
Confirm your registration name matches your photo ID exactly.
Pay the registration fee, or apply your fee waiver if you qualify.
Note: students testing outside the US pay an additional $43 international fee on top of the standard $68 fee. See the College Board's international fees page for details.
Try to complete your sign-up well before the August SAT sign-up deadline. Test centers near you can fill up as the date approaches, and registering after the regular deadline means paying a late fee and having fewer center choices.
For the full sign-up process, visit the College Board's official SAT registration page.
The current SAT registration fee is $68 for US test takers. Students who qualify for a fee waiver can take the SAT for free. If your school counselor has not shared a fee waiver code with you, ask them directly, since eligibility is usually based on financial need.
Ready to build a testing plan that fits your college goals?
The next SAT is on August 22, 2026. The regular registration deadline is August 7, 2026, and late registration stays open through August 11, 2026. After that date, you will need to wait for the next test administration. This is the first SAT registration deadline 2026 test takers should mark on their calendar.
▶ What happens if I miss the SAT registration deadline?
You can still register up until the SAT late registration deadline, though it adds an extra fee. If you miss the late deadline too, your next option is the September 12, 2026 test date, and you can register for it by August 28, 2026.
▶ How far in advance should I register for the SAT?
Regular registration deadlines fall exactly 15 days before each test date, consistent across all eight dates this cycle. Registering early gives you a better shot at your preferred test center and gives your study plan a firm deadline to work toward.
▶ Is SAT registration the same for international students?
Yes, the same dates and deadlines apply to every student, in the US and internationally. Two differences apply: international students pay an added $43 international fee on top of the standard $68 registration fee. And the students borrowing a testing device from the College Board must register at least 30 days before test day rather than by the standard deadline.
▶ How much does it cost to register for the SAT?
The SAT registration fee is $68 for US test takers. Students who qualify for financial need can apply for a fee waiver and take the SAT at no cost. Late registration adds an extra fee of $38 on top of the base cost, so registering on time is the more affordable option.
▶ Can I change my SAT test date after registering?
Yes. To change your test date, you cancel your current registration and register for the new date through your College Board account. If you cancel before the late registration deadline, the fee is $34. Canceling after that deadline (but before test day) raises the fee to $44. See the College Board's Changing Your Registration Info page and Canceling an SAT Registration pagefor full details.
Choosing the right SAT date is easier with a clear plan. If you want help building your testing timeline, we are here to help.
