What Are the SAT Dates for 2019-2020?
Note: Please look into potential SAT test center closures or makeups due to the Coronavirus.
High schoolers with their sights set on college will likely need to take standardized tests as a part of their application process. If you’re planning to apply to college, you’ll definitely want to plan your SAT or ACT dates well in advance. This will leave you plenty of time to study and maximize your preparation for the test. And, even with lots of preparation, most students take the test more than once. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to retake the test because there are many SAT dates sprinkled throughout the year. To learn when the SAT is offered in 2019-2020, read on.
What Does the Annual SAT Calendar Look Like?
Generally, the SAT is offered on the first Saturday of the month in November, December, May, and June. Other dates throughout the year vary, but usually they include one date in late January, one in March or April, one in late August, and one in early October.
As you review the SAT calendar, note not only the testing date but also the associated deadlines. The SAT calendar includes a general registration deadline, which is typically one month before the test date, and a late registration deadline, which allows students to register up until two weeks before the deadline (with an additional fee). The deadline for registration changes is usually about ten days before the test. Finally, the score release date usually falls about two weeks after the test date.
Here are the SAT deadlines and dates for 2019-2020:
| SAT Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Registration Changes Deadline | Anticipated Score Release Date |
| June 1, 2019 | May 3, 2019 |
May 14, 2019 (for mailed registrations)
May 22, 2019 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
May 22, 2019 | Est. July 10, 2019 |
| August 24, 2019 | July 26, 2019 |
August 6, 2019 (for mailed registrations)
August 13, 2019 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
August 13, 2019 | Est. September 6, 2019 |
| October 5, 2019 | September 6, 2019 |
September 17, 2019 (for mailed registrations)
September 24, 2019 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
September 24, 2019 | Est. October 18, 2019 |
| Nov 2, 2019 | October 3, 2019 |
October 15, 2019 (for mailed registrations)
October 22, 2019 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
October 22, 2019 | Est. November 15, 2019 |
| Dec 7, 2019 | November 8, 2019 |
November 19, 2019 (for mailed registrations)
November 26, 2019 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
November 26, 2019 | Est. December 20, 2019 |
| March 14, 2020 | February 14, 2020 |
February 25, 2020 (for mailed registrations)
March 3, 2020 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
March 3, 2020 | Est. March 27, 2020 |
| May 2, 2020 | April 3, 2020 |
April 14, 2020 (for mailed registrations)
April 21, 2020 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
April 21, 2020 | Est. May 15, 2020 |
| June 6, 2020 | May 8, 2020 |
May 19, 2020 (for mailed registrations)
May 27, 2020 (for registrations made online or by phone) |
May 27, 2020 | Est. July 15, 2020 |
Important Notes About SAT Dates and Registration
These SAT dates and deadlines are applicable to students in the United States and U.S. territories only. Visit the International Registration page to learn about test dates in other countries. All registration materials submitted by mail must be postmarked by the mailing deadline, and phone and online registration ends at 11:59 PM EST on the registration deadline. Late registrations and changes to registration cost an additional fee.
If you miss the late registration deadline, your only option is to add your name to the SAT waitlist. For more information, visit the CollegeBoard’s SAT Waitlist page.
Sunday SAT test administrations are available for students who cannot take the test on a Saturday because of religious observance. These usually occur the day after each Saturday test date.
How Do You Decide When to Take the SAT?
Choosing the right SAT date for you requires strategic planning. We recommend that you consider the following:
- How Much Time Will You Need to Prepare?
Don’t go into the SAT without preparing for it. You can refer to our SAT Study Guide for more tips on SAT-specific preparation. In terms of a big-picture timeline, map out your plan for SAT testing during the winter of 11th grade. This will allow plenty of time to select test dates and work backwards to schedule enough prep.
- What Time of Year Works Best for You?
Preparing for the SAT can be time consuming, so thinking about your existing commitments might help you decide when you’ll take it. Does a test date fall during AP exams or finals? Is the testing date in the middle of a sports season for you? If so, that date may not be the best date for you. Do you have a family obligation the week before that might hinder your studying? That too may not be the best date. Look at your calendar and select a test date that doesn’t conflict with other commitments or stressors.
- What Is Your College Application Timeline?
You’ll need to have your SAT testing complete before you submit your college application. If there’s a chance that you might apply early action or early decision, this means that you should complete your testing by October of 12th grade. Generally, we recommend taking an SAT early in the spring of 11th grade, another in either June or August, and a final one (if needed) in October, November, or December of 12th grade. Obviously, if you plan to apply early or even just want to keep that option open, you should stick to test dates on the earlier side.
For help preparing for the SAT, check out our series of Ultimate Guides available here:
The Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Reading Test
The Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Writing and Language Test
The Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Math Test
The Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Essay
Preparing for the SAT? Download our free guide with our top 8 tips for mastering the SAT.
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