When Is the SAT? Key Dates, Deadlines, and Score Release Info for 2025
If your teen is preparing for the SAT, you're probably trying to keep track of all the deadlines, registration steps, and score release dates. It can be overwhelming, but we've put together this guide to help you navigate the process. Here's everything you need to know about when the SAT is offered, how to register, and when to expect scores.
When Is the SAT? Upcoming Test Dates
The SAT is offered multiple times throughout the year. It's important to plan ahead since testing centers often fill up quickly. Here's the Spring 2025 and beyond SAT schedule:
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 |
| August 23, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 12, 2025 |
| September 13, 2025 | August 29, 2025 | September 2, 2025 |
| October 4, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | September 23, 2025 |
| November 8, 2025 | October 24, 2025 | October 28, 2025 |
| December 6, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | November 25, 2025 |
Remember that late registration comes with an additional fee of $34, so it's best to register before the regular deadline.
How to Register for the SAT
Registration takes place through the College Board website. Here's the process:
- Create a College Board Account – If your teen doesn't already have one, they'll need to create an account at College Board.
- Select a Test Date & Location – Your teen will need to choose a date and a nearby test center. Some locations do fill up early, so registering in advance is recommended.
- Upload a Photo – They'll need to provide a recent, clear headshot that meets the SAT requirements for ID verification.
- Pay the Registration Fee – The SAT costs $68.
Fee waivers are available for eligible students—check the College Board website for eligibility details. - Print the Admission Ticket – Once registered, your teen needs to print their admission ticket and bring it to the test center. Without the ticket, they won't be able to take the test.
When Do SAT Scores Come Back?
After the test, scores are typically available about two weeks later:
| Test Date | Score Release Date |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | May 16, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
| August 23, 2025 | September 5, 2025 |
| September 13, 2025 | September 26, 2025 |
| October 4, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
| November 8, 2025 | November 21, 2025 |
| December 6, 2025 | December 19, 2025 |
Scores are available online through the College Board website.
When scores are released, your teen can:
- Log into their College Board account
- View their scores
- Send scores to colleges
Important SAT Deadlines & Tips for Parents
• Plan Ahead – Registering early gives your teen a better chance of securing their preferred test center.
• Research Fee Waiver Options – If your family qualifies, the SAT fee waiver covers the test cost and even some college application fees.
• Encourage Test Preparation – The best approach to test prep depends on your student's learning style and needs. Consider exploring different options in this guide.
• Note Score Release Dates – Since scores are released about two weeks after the test, it's important to plan accordingly for college application deadlines.
• Prepare for Test Day – SAT test centers have strict requirements. At minimum, your teen will need:
• Their printed admission ticket
• A valid photo ID (driver's license or school ID)
• #2 pencils (mechanical pencils aren't allowed)
• An approved calculator
Final Thoughts: Organization Is Key
The SAT involves multiple steps and deadlines. Staying organized throughout the process is essential.
Starting early gives your teen more flexibility. If they're not satisfied with their score, they'll have time to retake the test before college applications are due.
We hope this information helps make the SAT process more manageable for you and your teen. Best of luck!