SAT Exam Registration: Important Dates and Considerations

A run-down of upcoming SAT exam dates and a guide on how to register for the SAT, including important considerations to remember during the registration process.

3 min read

student making plans to register for sat exam
student making plans to register for sat exam

Important Dates for SAT Exam Registration

Are you ready to take the next step towards your academic future? It's time to get down to business and register for the SAT exam. The SAT, or the Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in universities around the world. To help you plan ahead, here are the exam dates you need to know:

1. SAT Exam Dates*

The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, offers multiple registration deadlines for each test date. It's important to note that these deadlines are firm, and late registration or changes may incur additional fees. Here are the registration deadlines for the upcoming SAT exams:

  • Test Date: May 4, 2024. Regular Registration Deadline: April 19, 2024

  • Test Date: June 1, 2024. Regular Registration Deadline: May 16, 2024

The below registration dates have been announced but without their corresponding registration deadlines:

  • August 24, 2024

  • October 5, 2024

  • November 2, 2024

  • December 7, 2024

For further SAT exam dates, please refer to College Board SAT Dates and Deadlines.

It is recommended to register as early as possible to secure your preferred test date and location. Late registration may result in limited availability and may not guarantee your first choice. Furthermore, various other fees may be charged to you for late registration, change of exam date, change of exam center or cancellation. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these fees here, just in case you have to make changes to your SAT exam registration.

2. How to Register for SAT*

Registering for the SAT exam is a straightforward process. You need to register online through the College Board official website. Allow about half an hour for this process as the College Board takes you through a cycle of questions about yourself and your education. Have a digital copy of a clear passport-type photo ready to upload at the final step of registration and keep your credit card details handy.

Below are the steps to register.

  1. Create a College Board account if you don't already have one. Make sure this is an account you access regularly so you can receive updates prior to the exam date.

  2. Log in to your account and select "My SAT” from the menu on the page or on the drop-down menu in the top left corner.

  3. Click on the yellow button “Register for the SAT.”

  4. Fill in all the information requested including your personal information and demographics. You may choose “I do not wish to respond” for some of these questions.

  5. You can choose to opt in or out of their Student Search Service, a program which helps to connect you with colleges.

  6. Answer the successive question pages about your education and future plans.

  7. On the final registration page, you will be asked to accept the SAT terms and conditions. Mainly this information is regarding good test-taking conduct and ethics; do take a few minutes to read through it before accepting.

  8. Select your country, exam date, and test center. Ensure the test center location is somewhere you can reach to by 7.30am on the morning of the exam date.

  9. Upload your photo on the next page. Ensure it’s a clear photo with only yourself in it.

  10. Pay the SAT registration fee online using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.

After completing the registration process, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, location, and other important details. Make sure to check your email regularly for any updates or changes.

3. Additional Considerations

While registering for the SAT exam, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

  • Fee Waivers: If you are eligible for a fee waiver, you can request it during the registration process. Fee waivers are available for students with financial needs.

  • Test Center Closures: Due to unforeseen circumstances, test centers may occasionally close. If your test center is closed, the College Board will notify you via email and provide alternative options.

  • Test Date Changes: If you need to change your test date after registration, you can do so for a fee. However, availability is subject to the capacity of the test center.

Preparing for the SAT exam requires time and dedication. Once you have registered, start making preparation plans to gear up for the test. Read our article Do I Need Classes to Conquer the SAT or Can I Study Solo to help find the best way to prepare. Need support? Book with our SAT specialists who will guide you step-by-step to ensure you crush the SAT!

*The above information was updated March 2024 to the best of our knowledge. We do not take any responsibility in case of changes by the College Board or any consequences that may result from following the above information without verifying with official organizations. The above is intended for general guidance only. Please refer to College Board for updated and official announcements.