SAT Test Dates 2026 (International & US)

SAT Test Dates 2026 (International & US)

1.0 Top

SAT Test Dates 2026 – At a Glance

The SAT is offered on set dates throughout the year. Below are the confirmed 2026 test dates, including standard registration and late registration deadlines. These dates apply to both US and most international test centres unless otherwise specified by College Board.

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline	Score Release	Available Internationally?
14 March 2026	27 February 2026	3 March 2026	Approximately 2 weeks after test date	Yes
2 May 2026	17 April 2026	21 April 2026	Approximately 2 weeks after test date	Yes
6 June 2026	22 May 2026	26 May 2026	Approximately 2 weeks after test date	Yes

Additional autumn dates are typically offered in August, October, November and December. These are especially relevant for students applying for Fall 2027 US university entry, as early application deadlines often fall in November or January.

Registration closes earlier than many families expect. Planning your test date several months in advance reduces the risk of missing preferred sittings or local test centre availability.

---

2.0 Top

International SAT Test Dates 2026

The SAT is delivered globally on the same main test dates, including at authorised international centres. UK students sit the same digital SAT as candidates in the United States.

However, international test centres can fill more quickly, particularly in major cities. Availability should always be checked early via the College Board registration portal.

2.1

Confirmed International SAT Dates – 2026

International Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration	Notes
14 March 2026	27 February 2026	3 March 2026	Digital SAT
2 May 2026	17 April 2026	21 April 2026	Digital SAT
6 June 2026	22 May 2026	26 May 2026	Digital SAT

All international administrations are delivered in the digital adaptive format. There is no longer a paper-based option.

Students applying to US universities from the UK should factor in travel time, exam day logistics and potential resit planning when selecting their first test date. Securing a spring or early summer sitting often provides the greatest flexibility.

---

3.0 Top

When should UK students sit the SAT in 2026?

For most UK applicants targeting US university entry in Autumn 2027, the ideal window to sit the SAT is during Year 12 or the summer between Year 12 and Year 13.

Sitting early provides flexibility. It allows time for a resit if needed and ensures scores are available well before Early Action or Regular Decision deadlines.

If you are applying for Fall 2027 entry

• Spring 2026 (March or May): Suitable for students who have prepared in advance and want an early result.

• June 2026: A strong option after Year 12 exams, when academic skills are consolidated.

• Autumn 2026 (August or October): Often used as a retake opportunity rather than a first sitting.

Students applying Early Action in November 2026 should ideally complete their SAT no later than October 2026 to allow sufficient time for score release and reporting.

First sitting vs retake planning

It is common to sit the SAT more than once. Universities in the US typically consider a student’s highest section scores, and many “superscore” across sittings.

A sensible approach is:

• First sitting: Late spring or early summer

• Second sitting (if required): Early autumn

This sequencing reduces pressure during the busiest stage of application preparation.

Timing should be strategic rather than reactive. Taking the SAT at the right point in your academic calendar often matters as much as the preparation itself.

---

4.0 Top

SAT Registration Deadlines 2026

SAT registration closes several weeks before each test date. Missing the standard deadline does not always mean missing the test entirely, but late registration windows are brief and incur additional fees.

Students register directly through the College Board account system. You must select your test date, choose a test centre and upload identification details before the published deadline.

There are three key stages to understand:

• Standard registration deadline – the final date to register without additional charges.

• Late registration deadline – a short extension period, usually only a few days, with an added fee.

• Test centre changes and cancellations – these also have separate deadlines and administrative charges.

Because international centres can reach capacity, particularly in larger cities, it is unwise to rely on late registration. Seats are not guaranteed once availability reduces. Planning your registration at least one month before the test date avoids unnecessary stress and provides time to secure a convenient location.

---

5.0 Top

Digital SAT Format in 2026

The exam is taken on a computer or approved device at an authorised test centre. It uses a multistage adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of the second module in each section adjusts based on performance in the first module.

The digital SAT:

• Lasts approximately two hours and fourteen minutes

• Includes Reading and Writing, and Mathematics sections

• Allows use of an on-screen calculator for the entire Maths section

• Delivers scores more quickly than the previous paper format

Students often benefit from completing several full digital practice tests before sitting the official exam.

---

6.0 Top

Planning structured preparation

Choosing a test date is only one part of the process. Students aiming for competitive US universities benefit from a clear preparation timeline and realistic mock benchmarking.

Ivy Education’s SAT tuition supports UK applicants with tailored preparation plans and strategic admissions guidance, particularly for students applying to selective US institutions.

---

7.0 Top

Key planning tips for 2026 SAT candidates

Tip 1: Work backwards from your university deadlines
Start with your intended entry year and application round. Early Action applicants need scores ready sooner, so spring or early autumn sittings are often safest.

Tip 2: Avoid academic peak pressure
Do not schedule your first SAT during school mock exams or major coursework deadlines. Cognitive performance drops when academic workload is already high.

Tip 3: Leave space for a retake
Even strong students sometimes improve meaningfully on a second sitting. Plan your first attempt early enough to allow a realistic second opportunity if needed.

Tip 4: Sit a full timed practice test before registering
A diagnostic under exam conditions gives a clearer sense of readiness. Registration should be a strategic decision, not a hopeful one.

Tip 5: Improve between sittings, not just repeat
If you do retake the SAT, ensure there is sufficient preparation time between attempts. Retaking too quickly rarely produces substantial score gains.

Tip 6: Keep the SAT in proportion
The SAT supports your application; it does not replace strong academic results, thoughtful essays and a coherent university strategy.

Planned calmly and scheduled strategically, the SAT becomes a manageable component of a wider US admissions plan rather than a source of last-minute pressure.

---

8.0 Top

Conclusion

The SAT is offered on fixed dates throughout 2026, with registration deadlines several weeks in advance. For UK students applying to US universities, early planning is essential to allow time for preparation, score release and potential retakes.

Selecting the right test date, understanding registration timelines and aligning the SAT with your broader academic calendar will support a more measured and strategic application process.

For students seeking structured preparation and guidance on US university admissions strategy, Ivy Education provides specialist SAT tuition and tailored us university consultancy support.

---

9.0 Top

SAT Test Date FAQs

---