Register for additional tests

Overview

If additional test attempts are needed for early deadlines, register now. September 13 and October 4 are final SAT dates; October 25 final ACT for early application processing.

Registration Deadlines

SAT

• September 13: Register by August 29
• October 4: Register by September 19
• Late registration with fee: generally up to test date minus 5 days

ACT

• October 25: Register by September 19
• December 13: Register by November 7
• Late registration with fee: up to test date

Who Should Register

For Early Decisions (November 1)

• Need scores by early November
• Must test September 13 or October 4
• Must receive scores by late October

For Early Action (November 1)

• Same timeline as ED
• Submit best scores
• Last opportunity: October

For Regular Decision (January)

• December test dates work
• More time for preparation
• Submit by January deadline

Cost

• SAT: $68
• ACT: $68 (no writing), $93 (with writing)
• Late registration fee: $35-$50 additional
• Fee waivers available for eligible students

Registration Process

SAT

1. Login to mysat.collegeboard.org
2. Select test date
3. Choose test center (popular fills quickly)
4. Pay $68
5. Print admission ticket

ACT

1. Login to my.act.org
2. Select test date
3. Choose test center
4. Select ACT Plus Writing (if needed for your schools)
5. Pay
6. Print admission ticket

Accommodations

If you need accommodations:

• Submit documentation via College Board SSD or ACT Special Testing
• Apply at least 6 weeks before test date
• Extended time, large print, reader, etc.

Test Center Selection

Familiarity

• Test at familiar location if possible
• Reduces anxiety

Backup Options

• If preferred center full, choose nearby
• Monitor availability
• Reschedule if needed

Special Considerations

• Accessibility
• Transportation
• Time zones if traveling
• Religious observances

Fee Waivers

Eligibility

• Household income below threshold
• Pell Grant eligibility
• Free lunch participant
• Federal food assistance

Benefits

• Free registration
• 4 free score reports
• Free SAT Subject Tests (discontinued, but was available)
• Free AP test fee reduction

Application

• Through high school counselor
• Documentation may be required

Before Registering

Current Scores Review

• Is registration worth it?
• Realistic improvement estimate
• Cost vs. benefit

Your Goals

• What's your target?
• What's your improvement plan?
• Is test optional at schools?

Preparation Time

• Adequate time to prepare
• 3-6 weeks minimum
• Intensive review

After Registration

Admission Ticket

• Save electronically and print
• Bring both to test center
• Required for entry

Prepare

• Final review
• Practice tests
• Sleep schedule
• Test-day prep

Day Before

• Gather materials
• Confirm location
• Early bedtime
• Healthy meal

Test Day

• Arrive 30+ minutes early
• Photo ID required
• Admission ticket
• Pencils, calculator, etc.
• Snack and water

Score Receipt

SAT

• Scores in 2-3 weeks after test
• Super-scoring option at many schools
• Send scores to colleges via portal

ACT

• Scores in 2-3 weeks
• Composite calculation
• Sections available too
• Send via portal

Sending Scores

Free Sends

• 4 free at registration
• Use wisely (most important schools)
• Usually your safety and likely schools

Later Sends

• $15 per college per test date (SAT)
• $18 per college (ACT)
• Add to budget

Strategic Considerations

• Test-required schools: must send
• Test-optional with strong score: send
• Test-optional with weak score: don't send

Multiple Test Attempts

Diminishing Returns

• First attempt to second: significant possible
• Second to third: moderate
• Third to fourth: minimal

Preparation Intensity

• Each attempt requires prep
• Avoid burnout
• Know when to stop

Final Attempt

• Give it your best
• Trust your preparation
• Move on regardless of outcome

Test-Optional Considerations

If Your Scores Are Weak

• Don't submit
• Focus on other application strengths
• Many test-optional schools exist

If Your Scores Are Strong

• Submit to showcase
• Adds data point to application
• Can reinforce academic profile

Final Thoughts

Is It Worth It?

• Realistic assessment
• Time and money costs
• Other applications priorities
• Mental health

Alternative Paths

• Test-optional focus
• Strong writing
• Excellent activities
• Solid recommendations

Trust Your Preparation

• Do your best on test day
• Don't stress beyond effort
• Focus on what you can control