SAT and ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Here’s When You Can Take the SAT and ACT Taking the SAT or ACT is a big element of the college admissions journey for many students, and it’s important for students and parents to know when the exams are offered, when to register, and how much it costs. Here are SAT and ACT test dates for 2016-17 and registration deadlines. SAT Test Dates Deadlines [2016-2017] Test Date SAT Registration Deadline $45/$57 (w/ essay) Late Registration Deadline +$28 October 1, 2016 September 1, 2016 September 20, 2016 November 5, 2016 October 7, 2016 October 25, 2016 December 3, 2016 November 3, 2016 November 22, 2016 January 21, 2017 December 21, 2016 January 10, 2017 March 11, 2017 February 10, 2017 February 28, 2017 May 6, 2017 April 7, 2017 April 25, 2017 June 3, 2017 May 9, 2017 May 24, 2017 ACT Test Dates Deadlines [2016-2017] Test Date ACT Registration Deadline $42.50/$58.50 (w/ writing) Late Registration Deadline +$27.50 September 10, 2016 August 5, 2016 August 19, 2016 October 22, 2016 September 16, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 10, 2016 November 4, 2016 November 18, 2016 February 11, 2017* January 13, 2017 January 20, 2017 April 8, 2017 March 3, 2017 March 17, 2017 June 10, 2017 May 5, 2017 May 19, 2017 *No New York test centers scheduled. Should You Take the SAT or the ACT? One of the first decisions students need to make when preparing for college is whether to take the SAT or the ACT. At, we advise students to choose the test that’s best suited for their abilities, and prepare for that one, rather than preparing for both. So how do you know which test is best for you? First, learn the differences, and similarities, between the two, then take a diagnostic of each. SAT ACT Sections Math, Reading, Writing, Optional Essay (Science passages embedded in all sections.) English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Essay Time 3 hours, +50 minutes with essay 2 hours 55 min, +30 minutes with essay Answering 4 answer options, no point deduction 4 answer options, no point deduction Scoring Out of 1600 - 800 math, 800 reading/writing Out of 36 - 36 per section that is then averaged for composite; Essay scored separately on a 2-12 scale Math Section Two sections: One calculator allowed, one no calculator; 80 minutes; Less geometry, more algebra, pre-calculus trigonometry added One 60-question, 60-minute section. Tests pre-algebra through trigonometry. Calculator allowed entire time. Reading Section 5 passages, 2 with charts/diagrams, 1 historic document 4 long passages with questions that require students to recall what they read. Questions in random order. Science Section No science section, however science-related passages will be peppered throughout the exam. Science section covers reasoning, charts and graphs, and hypothesis. Writing 4 passages and 44 multiple-choice questions; 35 minutes Just the essay. Essay 1 prompt and one full passage; 50 minutes; essay is optional One topic and three perspectives; students evaluate and provide their own perspective with evidence; 40 minutes; essay is optional Here are some more test prep tips for students preparing for the ACT or SAT. Learn more about the SAT and ACT and how college entrance exam scores affect admission chances by downloading our free College Admissions Guide.