The SAT® is more than just a college admissions test. When your teen takes the SAT, they can use their scores to be seen by colleges and scholarship programs. They also get customized career information to help them understand all their options after high school. Most colleges—including those that are test optional—still accept SAT scores.
The test measures the same Reading and Writing and Math skills students learn in the classroom—the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in college and career. See what’s on the SAT.
The SAT is now in a digital format. Going digital means a shorter test—closer to two hours than three—and an easier testing experience for students on Bluebook™, College Board’s new digital testing app. Students will have more time per question, shorter reading passages, and access to a built-in graphing calculator that can be used on the entire math section. Find out what to expect.
Fast Facts
- Most students in the U.S. now take the SAT in schools on a school day.
- For students in schools that don’t offer the SAT on a school day, the test is administered on weekends seven times per year at test centers throughout the U.S. and around the world.See SAT test dates.
- Most students take the SAT for the first time in spring of their junior year; some take it again in fall of senior year.
- Most students pay a fee to take the SAT on a weekend, but income-eligible students can take it for free with afee waiver.
- Students tell the College Board which colleges to send their scores to. Colleges then review their SAT scores as part of their application.
- The SAT connects your child toscholarshipopportunities as well as to colleges that are looking for students like them.
- In addition to the SAT, there’s another college entrance exam called the ACT. The ACT isn’t associated with the College Board.
How to Register
Your child must sign up to take the SAT on a weekend by the registration deadline for the test date they choose. When they register, they also choose a testing location. The test center may even be their own high school.
Remember: You can’t register for your child. The registration has to be under your child’s name and connected to your child’s College Board online account. However, many parents help their child through the registration process. There's a registration fee, which can be paid by credit card or via PayPal.
