SAT Registration: Fees, Deadlines, and More

Looking for SAT Registration information? Here's what you need to know about deadlines, fees, and more.

Register

Visit College Board's website, click "Register for the SAT", create an account, and then pick an SAT test date that works for you. For a full list of SAT test dates check out the official SAT calendar. 

Register as early as possible due to space availability at your preferred location. Test dates in the fall fill up quickly so plan accordingly. If you are applying for Early Action or Early Decision, plan to take the SAT before December, or earlier. If you are applying for Regular Decision, plan to take the SAT before January, or earlier.

Make sure to provide contact details where you can be reached easily, and keep an eye on College Board notifications. 

The Optional Essay Section

You will have the option to add the SAT with Essay. This section is optional and depends on the college(s) you are applying to. Check with your college(s) and/or College Board to see if your college recommends or requires the SAT with Essay. You do have the ability to add the SAT with Essay after your initial registration and you can use an SAT fee waiver to cover the SAT with Essay. 

SAT Sign Up Cost

The cost of signing up for the SAT is $49.50 (or $64.50 if you choose to take the SAT's optional essay section). You may also be eligible to receive an SAT fee waiver and register for the SAT Exam for free! For up to date SAT fees, visit the  SAT Test Fees page.

SAT Fee Waiver

To be eligible for an  SAT fee waiver, you must meet any of the following requirements below along with being an 11th or 12th grade student in the U.S. or U.S territories. If you do qualify, please see your school counselor or agency official to a get a "fee waiver card". They'll determine your eligibility. The "fee waiver card" has a unique fee waiver code that will allow you to register for the exam online for free!   

• You are enrolled in a National School Lunch Program (NSLP). 
• Your annual family income falls within the income eligibility guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (link). 
• You’re enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (TRIO programs such as Upward Bound)
• Your family receives public assistance
• You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless
• You are a ward of the state