SAT · College Admissions
SAT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines
The SAT is the most widely used college admissions exam in the U.S., testing reading, writing, and math. Most students take it for the first time in spring of junior year, with one or two retakes before college application deadlines. Registration typically closes four weeks before the exam date.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late / Change Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | May 26, 2026 | Register now |
| August 22, 2026 | ~Aug 7, 2026 | ~Aug 11, 2026 | Open |
| September 12, 2026 | ~Aug 28, 2026 | ~Sep 1, 2026 | Upcoming |
| October 3, 2026 | ~Sep 18, 2026 | ~Sep 22, 2026 | Upcoming |
| November 7, 2026 | ~Oct 23, 2026 | ~Oct 27, 2026 | Upcoming |
| December 5, 2026 | ~Nov 20, 2026 | ~Nov 24, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Test Date | Notes |
|---|---|
| March 6, 2027 | Registration opens fall 2026 |
| May 1, 2027 | Registration opens fall 2026 |
| June 5, 2027 | Registration opens fall 2026 |
Strategy note: Most students benefit from taking the SAT twice — once in spring of junior year to establish a baseline, then once more in the fall of senior year if needed. Registering for both dates simultaneously removes the pressure of last-minute scheduling.
ACT · College Admissions
ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines
The ACT covers English, math, reading, and science reasoning. It’s accepted by every U.S. college, and some students score significantly higher on it than the SAT. The science section and faster pacing are the main differentiators. Registration typically closes four to five weeks before the exam date.
| Test Date | Regular Deadline | Late Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | Late reg. open |
| July 11, 2026 (no NY centers) | June 5, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | Open |
| September 19, 2026 | August 14, 2026 | September 1, 2026 | Upcoming |
| October 17, 2026 | September 11, 2026 | September 29, 2026 | Upcoming |
| December 12, 2026 | November 6, 2026 | November 29, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Test Date | Regular Deadline | Late Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| February 27, 2027 | January 22, 2027 | February 9, 2027 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5, 2027 | March 23, 2027 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | May 25, 2027 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4, 2027 | June 22, 2027 |
SAT vs. ACT: Not sure which test to take? A diagnostic practice test for each is the fastest way to find out. Some students discover they score four or five composite points higher on one versus the other. Both are accepted everywhere — the choice is purely strategic.
SSAT · Private & Boarding School Admissions
SSAT Test Dates & Registration
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is the most common entrance exam for competitive private and boarding schools. It tests verbal, quantitative, and reading skills at three levels: Elementary (grades 3–4), Middle (grades 5–7), and Upper (grades 8–11). Because most private school application deadlines fall in December and January, families typically sit for the SSAT in October or November.
Registration status (May 2026): Standard pen-and-paper testing registration is currently closed and will reopen August 1, 2026. Computer-based options (SSAT at Home, Prometric Centers) remain available.
SSAT at Home — 2026 Test Dates
Available to Middle and Upper Level students in the U.S., U.S. territories, and Canada.
| Month | Date 1 | Date 2 |
|---|---|---|
| March | March 14, 2026 | March 15, 2026 |
| April | April 11, 2026 | April 12, 2026 |
| May | May 16, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| June | June 13, 2026 | June 14, 2026 |
Fall 2026 standard testing dates will be released when registration reopens August 1, 2026. Prometric Center testing is available year-round globally.
SSAT vs. ISEE: Different schools require different tests. Before committing to one, confirm which test your target schools accept. Some selective schools, particularly in the Bay Area, accept both — which gives your child flexibility to take whichever test plays to their strengths.
ISEE · Private School Admissions
ISEE Testing Windows
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is accepted by private schools across the U.S. and internationally. Unlike the SAT or ACT, the ISEE operates on testing windows rather than fixed national dates. This gives families some scheduling flexibility — though it also means the timing requires more intentional planning, especially around school application deadlines.
2026 Testing Windows
Fall
Aug – Nov
Primary admissions season
Winter
Dec – Feb
Deadline season
Spring
Mar – May
Retake window
Summer
Jun – Jul
Early prep testing
Important: Students may test once per window, depending on the format they choose. Because re-testing is limited within a window, most families schedule the ISEE at least three to four months before application deadlines to leave room for a retake if needed.
ISEE levels: Primary (entering grades 2–4), Lower (grades 5–6), Middle (grades 7–8), Upper (grades 9–12). Confirm which level your target schools require before registering.
HSPT · Catholic High School Admissions
HSPT Test Dates
The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is used by Catholic high schools as part of their admissions and placement process. Unlike national exams, the HSPT is administered directly by individual schools or dioceses, which means there are no universal test dates to register for. Each school manages its own testing schedule.
How to Find Your School’s HSPT Date
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the admissions page of each Catholic high school on your list. |
| 2 | Look for “admissions testing,” “entrance exam,” or “application events” sections. |
| 3 | Contact the admissions office directly if dates aren’t published online. |
| 4 | Ask whether the school uses a standard or customized HSPT. |
Typical timing: Most Catholic high schools administer the HSPT in October or November, with admissions decisions released in December or January. Some schools offer a second sitting in January for late applicants. Don’t wait for schools to reach out — check their websites in late summer for fall testing details.
HSPT format: The test covers verbal skills, quantitative skills, reading, mathematics, and language. Total testing time is approximately two and a half hours. Some schools administer their own supplemental sections.
Planning Guide
When to Start — A Testing Calendar by Path
The single most common mistake families make with standardized testing isn’t failing to prepare well enough. It’s starting too late. Here’s how to think about the testing calendar for each path.
College Admissions · SAT / ACT Timeline
Sophomore Year
Diagnostic assessment
Take a full-length practice test for both SAT and ACT to identify which test suits your child’s strengths. No official registration yet — just information gathering.
Spring of Junior Year
First official SAT or ACT
March, April, or May test date. This is the primary attempt, which gives students a real score and time to improve before applications are due.
Summer Before Senior Year
Targeted preparation
If the score needs improvement, focused summer prep makes a significant difference. Many students gain 100–200 SAT points or 3–4 ACT points with dedicated summer work.
Fall of Senior Year
Final test attempts (Aug – Oct)
The October SAT and ACT dates are typically the last scores accepted for Early Decision and Early Action applications.
Private School Admissions · SSAT / ISEE Timeline
Spring / Summer (Year Before Applying)
Confirm which test each school requires
SSAT, ISEE, or both? Some Bay Area private schools accept either. Knowing this early lets your child focus preparation rather than split it.
September – October
First official test attempt
Taking the SSAT or ISEE early in the fall leaves room for a second attempt in November or December if the score needs improvement before applications close.
November – December
Second attempt if needed
Most private school application deadlines fall in late November through January. Score reports need time to arrive, so don’t leave this to December if it can be helped.
One question we hear often: “Is one test attempt enough?” It depends on the score. For most families, planning for two attempts with focused preparation in between is the right approach. Three or more tests rarely change outcomes significantly and can add unnecessary stress.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Test Prep
When should we start preparing for the SSAT or ISEE?
How many times can a student take the SAT or ACT?
My child’s school doesn’t require a test. Should we still prepare?
Do international families need to take tests at a different location?
What if my child has testing accommodations?
Not sure where to start?
We’ll map out a testing plan that fits your child’s admissions timeline and preparation needs. Spaces are limited each enrollment cycle.