Registering for the SAT is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the steps, deadlines, and requirements to ensure everything goes smoothly on test day. Here’s your complete guide to SAT registration.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Create a College Board Account: Visit collegeboard.org and create an account if you don’t already have one. You’ll need a valid email address and will create a username and password. Keep these credentials safe, as you’ll use this account throughout your college application process.
Choose Your Test Date: The SAT is offered multiple times throughout the year, typically in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Select a date that gives you adequate preparation time and aligns with your college application deadlines. Junior year spring dates (March-June) are popular choices.
Select a Test Center: Enter your zip code to find nearby testing locations. Test centers fill up quickly, so register early to secure your preferred location. Most centers are high schools or community centers.
Complete Your Registration: Fill out required information including your demographics, intended major, and college preferences. The College Board may send your information to colleges for recruitment purposes, but you can opt out if you prefer.
Pay the Registration Fee: The SAT costs approximately $60 for the base test (check the College Board website for current pricing). Fee waivers are available for eligible students who demonstrate financial need. Ask your school counselor about fee waiver eligibility.
Important Deadlines
SAT registration has three key deadline tiers:
Regular Registration: Typically closes about 4-5 weeks before the test date. This is when standard fees apply.
Late Registration: Available for about one week after regular registration closes, but requires an additional late fee (approximately $30).
Waitlist/Standby: If you miss late registration, you can try standby registration on test day, but this isn’t guaranteed and should be avoided if possible.
To avoid stress and extra fees, aim to register during the regular registration period.
What You’ll Need on Test Day
After registering, you’ll receive an admission ticket. Print this or save it to your phone. On test day, you must bring:
- Your admission ticket
- Acceptable photo ID (school ID, driver’s license, or passport)
- Several No. 2 pencils with erasers (for notes, even though the test is digital)
- An approved calculator for the math section
- Your own device (laptop or tablet) if specified by your test center
Arrive at your test center by the designated time (usually 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM start). Late arrivals are not admitted.
Special Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities may qualify for testing accommodations such as extended time, breaks, or assistive technology. To request accommodations, work with your school’s counselor to submit the necessary documentation to the College Board well in advance of your test date (typically several weeks before registration).
After Registration
Once registered, mark your calendar and begin your preparation. If you need to change your test date or location, you can do so for a fee through your College Board account, provided you make changes before the change deadline (typically one week before late registration closes). Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary fees and complications.
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