The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board.
The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important SAT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher you score on the SAT and/or ACT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.
SAT Length |
3 hours (plus 50 minutes if taking optional Essay) |
|
|
SAT Cost |
$46 ($60 if taking SAT with Essay) |
Highest SAT Score |
1600 |
Average SAT Score |
1060 |
Most high school students take the SAT, the ACT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The SAT exam is offered nationally every year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June.
There are two SAT sections:
The SAT also includes an optional Essay section. SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores. Some colleges may require that you complete the SAT Essay. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our school profiles.
SAT Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Deadline for Changes |
August 28, 2021 |
July 30, 2021 |
August 17, 2021 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
August 17, 2021 |
October 2, 2021 |
September 3, 2021 |
September 21, 2021 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
September 21, 2021 |
November 6, 2021 |
October 8, 2021 |
October 26, 2021 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
October 26, 2021 |
December 4, 2021 |
November 4, 2021 |
November 23, 2021 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
November 23, 2021 |
March 12, 2022 |
February 11, 2022 |
March 1, 2022 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
March 1, 2022 |
May 7, 2022 |
April 8, 2022 |
April 26, 2022 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
April 26, 2022 |
June 4, 2022 |
May 5, 2022 |
May 25, 2022 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
May 25, 2022 |
PSAT
Frequency |
1 time/year |
Duration |
2 hours, 45 minutes |
Sections |
Math, Evidence-Based Reading & Writing |
Cost |
Fees are paid by schools |
Max. Score |
1520 |
The PSAT won’t count towards your college admissions applications, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. Some of the highest scoring students may win scholarship money, so while you shouldn’t stress out about the PSAT, you certainly shouldn’t ignore it either. Use the PSAT as practice for the SAT and ACT and an important guidepost on your college admissions journey.
The PSAT is offered nationally every year in October. Ask your school counselor about when your class is scheduled to take the PSAT. View upcoming PSAT test dates.
What is the ACT Test?
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.
The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.
If you are testing on a national test date and can't afford the registration fee for the ACT or ACT with writing, you may be eligible for an ACT Fee Waiver. Information about the eligibility requirements and how to request a fee waiver is sent each summer to high schools. You should work with your local high school to determine your eligibility.
You must meet all of the following requirements:
If you are eligible, you may use a maximum of two separate fee waivers total. The waiver is used once you register, even if you do not test on the requested test date.
IMPORTANT: To take full advantage of the waiver, you must follow through and test on your registered test date.