SAT Test Dates

Your test date should be based on your college application deadlines. Choose a date at least four weeks before you need to send scores.
We recommend:

• Spring of junior year – ideal for most students while coursework is fresh.

• Fall of senior year – a great second attempt or final try before applications.

For the Digital SAT (the current format in 2025), bring:

• SAT admission ticket (printed or on your device)

• Acceptable photo ID

• Laptop or tablet with the Bluebook™ app installed (school or personal device)

• Power cord/charger

• Approved calculator (optional — Bluebook also has a built-in calculator)

• Snacks and water for breaks (optional)

*Note: The test center provides scratch paper and pencils. You may bring your own pencil or pen for notes.

Yes. You can change your test date after registering, but we often suggest adding another date instead of switching. Even if you’re not fully prepared, taking the SAT can provide valuable practice — and you might score high in one section for superscoring later.

No. Almost all colleges consider your highest scores, not how many times you’ve tested.

• Superscoring: Most U.S. colleges (and nearly all in the Northeast) combine your best Math and best Evidence-Based Reading & Writing scores from different test dates.

• Exceptions: A few colleges, such as Georgetown, request all scores but still emphasize your highest section results. Some schools use a “highest total from a single date” policy, but this is less common.

Bottom line: Multiple attempts won’t hurt you — and with superscoring, they can boost your results.

The difficulty of SAT questions can vary slightly from date to date, but the scoring is equated so that your score reflects the same skill level regardless of which form you take.

While some students may feel a particular test was “easier,” you can’t plan around this — the best strategy is to be well-prepared for any test date and take the SAT more than once if possible.

No. Your score is compared against a national scale, not just the students who test the same day. The level of preparation of others testing alongside you does not affect your score.

Effective SAT prep combines content mastery, test-taking strategies, and timed practice. The right approach depends on your goals, learning style, and test date.

Top SAT Prep Methods:

• Start early — give yourself at least 2–3 months of consistent study time.

• Take a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses.

• Focus on high-impact skills like algebra, grammar rules, and reading comprehension.

• Practice with official SAT questions so you’re familiar with the test’s style.

• Simulate test day conditions with full-length, timed practice exams.

• Review mistakes strategically — figure out why you missed a question and how to avoid similar errors.

With Ivy Bound’s SAT Tutoring, learners get a personalized study plan that targets their biggest score gains. Our Digital SAT Prep Courses include practice tests, section-by-section lessons, and proven strategies to maximize results. For independent learners, our SAT Self-Study Program offers flexible, on-demand materials and practice resources so you can prep at your own pace.

International SAT dates are generally the same as U.S. dates but are less frequent at each test center. Many international students travel to the U.S. in summer to test in June or August, sometimes pairing with ACT testing in July.

You can register for the SAT online through your College Board account. Registration typically opens several months before each test date, and deadlines are about one month in advance.

Steps to Register:

1. Create or log in to your College Board account.

2. Choose your test date and preferred test center.

3. Upload a photo that meets College Board ID requirements.

4. Pay the registration fee (fee waivers are available for eligible students).

5. Download and print your SAT admission ticket.

Registration Tips from Ivy Bound:

• Register early to secure your preferred location — late registration can place you at a more distant test center.

• Use our SAT Test Date Planning Guide (included in Ivy Bound’s SAT Tutoring, Digital SAT Prep Courses, and SAT Self-Study Program) to choose a date that works with your prep timeline and college application deadlines.

• If your school offers a School Day SAT, ask your counselor if you’re automatically registered or if you need to sign up separately.