What Time Does the SAT Start and End?

Note: Please look into potential SAT test center closures or makeups due to the Coronavirus.

When it comes to college admissions, few single factors weigh as heavily as the SAT. And when it comes to the SAT, there’s nothing more important than timeliness. You may think that we mean pacing and finishing your work with enough time to review, and though that’s definitely important, that’s not our point. We mean simply showing up on time for your test. 

No amount of prep and practice can do you any good if you’re not on time, and preferably even early, on SAT day. In fact, if you show up late, you will not be allowed to take the test and you will forfeit your registration fee. To learn what time the SAT is and how you can make sure you’re ready for test day, don’t miss this post. 

What Time Is the SAT?

The precise start time for the SAT varies slightly from one testing center to the next, depending on factors like how many students are registered there and how many classrooms are being organized to test. In general though, testing always starts between 8:30-9:00 A.M. local time.

Does this mean that you can show up at 8:29 and get started? Definitely not. You should plan to arrive at the test center by 7:45 A.M. unless your admissions ticket says otherwise. Generally, the doors to the test center will close around 8:00, and once testing begins, no late arrivals are accepted. 

Generally, the SAT is always administered on a Saturday, though some schools offer test dates during the school day. Alternate dates are also available for students whose religion prevents them from testing on a Saturday. For a complete calendar of remaining test dates in 2020 and early 2021, see the table below. 

How Long Does the SAT Take?

Lots of students wonder, how long does the SAT last? This seems like it should be a fairly cut and dry answer, and while the time limits for each section are indeed extremely strict, your exact completion time will vary depending on how long it takes your proctor to distribute testing materials, read directions, and start up again after the breaks. 

That being said, the structure of timing of the test itself is exact and closely adhered to by all test centers. Here is how your time will break down on test day:

What To Bring on Test Day

Now that you know the upcoming test dates, along with when to arrive and how the test is broken down, let’s take a closer look at some of the test day logistics. 

First of all, aside from arriving on time, the next most important thing on test day is arriving with all the necessary things. 

On test day, you’ll need to bring the following:

• Your admission ticket
• A photo ID
• Two no. 2 pencils with erasers
• An approved calculator
• Recommended: a watch without an audible alarm (not a smartwatch), extra batteries for your calculator or extra pencils, an extra layer, and water and snacks

There are also a few things you should definitely leave at home. These include:

• Electronic devices (We know, we know—you can’t leave home without it. But do yourself a favor and leave it in the car. The College Board isn’t messing around with this one and clearly states, “If your device makes noise, or you are seen using it at any time, including during breaks, you may be dismissed immediately, your scores can be canceled, and the device may be confiscated and its contents inspected.”)
• Highlighters, pens or other writing utensils that aren’t no. 2 pencils

• Reference tools