When should I take the SAT?
Updated
The most common plan is to take the SAT for the first time in the spring of junior year, in March, May or June, then again in the fall of senior year if you want a higher score. That's what College Board recommends: by then you've had nearly 3 years of high school classes, and you still have time to retake it.
Junior or senior year
- Spring of junior year is a common time for a first SAT. Your scores come back in time to decide whether to retake, and what to work on if you do.
- Fall of senior year is the common time for a retake. College Board says fall dates are popular for retakes, because scores still come out before many college application deadlines.
You can take your first SAT in senior year too. Check each college's application deadline, and leave time for your scores to come out and reach the college. See When do SAT scores come out?
2026-27 test dates
Weekend SAT dates for 2026-27 are August 22, September 12, October 3, November 7 and December 5, 2026, and March 6, May 1 and June 5, 2027. College Board's anticipated dates for fall 2027 are August 28, September 18, October 9, November 6 and December 4.
Some schools and states also offer SAT School Day, at school during school hours. Your school registers you, so ask your counselor. For 2026-27, the testing windows are October 1 to 30, 2026, and March 1 to April 30, 2027.
Register in time
Registration for each weekend SAT closes about 2 weeks before test day. Late registration stays open a few days longer, for an extra $38. If you need to borrow a testing device from College Board, request it at least 30 days before the test. Not every test center offers every date, and seats are limited, so register early.
See College Board's test dates and deadlines for the exact deadline for each date.
How far ahead to start preparing
College Board says most students study for 2 to 3 months before their SAT. How long you need depends on where you're starting and the score you're aiming for, so find your starting point first. On Aniko, the diagnostic or a full practice test gives a first read of your level and starts your study plan. See How does the diagnostic work?
Pick a date that leaves room for a retake. If your first SAT is in the spring of junior year, you still have the fall of senior year for a second try. See How many times can you take the SAT?
Set your test date on Aniko
Set your SAT date as your Test date in Study Plan Settings, and your plan builds toward that day. It can be any day up to a year ahead, and you can change it later. See Change your study plan settings.
Aniko is an independent SAT prep platform and isn't affiliated with College Board.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Many students retake the SAT in the fall of senior year, and some take it for the first time then. Check that your scores will come out and reach each college before its application deadline.
Many juniors take their first SAT in the spring, in March, May or June. Many schools also offer SAT School Day in the spring, between March 1 and April 30, 2027.
For most students, the spring of junior year. Pick a date that gives you 2 to 3 months to prepare, fits around your other commitments and leaves time for a retake.
At least 2 weeks before the test, when regular registration closes, or 30 days before if you need to borrow a testing device. Registering earlier gives you a better chance at a test center near you.
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