Choosing a test date is a planning decision, not just a registration task. Start with the score-report timing required by your colleges, then leave room for a retake if possible.
Official SAT dates: August 2026–June 2027
| Test date | Registration deadline | Late/change deadline |
|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2026 | August 7 | August 11 |
| September 12, 2026 | August 28 | September 1 |
| October 3, 2026 | September 18 | September 22 |
| November 7, 2026 | October 23 | October 27 |
| December 5, 2026 | November 20 | November 24 |
| March 6, 2027 | February 19 | February 23 |
| May 1, 2027 | April 16 | April 20 |
| June 5, 2027 | May 21 | May 25 |
Source: College Board SAT Dates and Deadlines. College Board notes that device-loan requests may be due earlier.
Official U.S. ACT national dates: 2026–2027
| Test date | Registration deadline | Late deadline |
|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | August 14 | September 1 |
| October 17, 2026 | September 11 | September 29 |
| December 12, 2026 | November 6 | November 29 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22 | February 9 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5 | March 23 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7 | May 25 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4 | June 22 |
Source: ACT National Test Dates. International dates differ, so verify your testing region.
How to choose your date
- Work backward from the first application deadline.
- Allow score-release time and, if practical, one retake window.
- Take a five-question diagnostic now, then confirm your choice after a full official practice test.
- Register before the regular deadline; a plan is less stressful when the seat is secured.
A useful countdown: with 8–12 weeks left, practice five focused questions most days and complete a full official test every two to three weeks.