Planning and registering for standardized test dates is an important part of the college application process. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of all the U.S. test administration options for the SAT and ACT exams during 2023 to help students prepare a strategic testing timeline.
2023 SAT Test Dates
The SAT is administered 7 times in the United States during 2023. There are two types of administrations:
Saturday SAT Test Dates
- March 11, 2023
- May 6, 2023
- June 3, 2023
- August 26, 2023
- October 7, 2023
- November 4, 2023
- December 2, 2023
These Saturday test dates are the most common options, available at high schools across the country.
Weekday SAT School Day Test Dates
- March 1, 2023
- April 26, 2023
These test dates take place on school days during the week at participating high schools. Check if your school offers the SAT School Day option.
SAT Registration Deadlines
You must register for SAT test dates by:
- February 10, 2023 – for March tests
- April 7, 2023 – for May tests
- May 5, 2023 – for June tests
- July 28, 2023 – for August tests
- September 8, 2023 – for October tests
- October 5, 2023 – for November tests
- November 2, 2023 – for December tests
Register early at www.collegeboard.org to ensure a spot. Late registration is possible for an extra fee.
2023 ACT Test Dates
The ACT is administered 6 times nationwide during 2023. The test dates are:
- February 11, 2023
- April 1, 2023
- June 10, 2023
- July 15, 2023
- September 9, 2023
- October 28, 2023
- December 9, 2023
All ACT test dates are offered on Saturdays except for the February exam which falls on a Friday.
ACT Registration Deadlines
You should register for ACT test dates by:
- January 6, 2023 – for February tests
- February 24, 2023 – for April tests
- May 5, 2023 – for June tests
- June 16, 2023 – for July tests
- August 4, 2023 – for September tests
- September 22, 2023 – for October tests
- November 3, 2023 – for December tests
Register early at www.actstudent.org before seats fill. Late adds incur extra fees.
Choosing Test Dates Wisely
When mapping out test dates, keep the following guidelines in mind:
Take Exams Close to Major Coursework
Maximize content retention by scheduling tests soon after completing relevant classes. Take SATs after any AP English, history, and math courses. Take ACTs shortly after your most advanced math and science classes.
Leave Time for Retakes
Only about half of students perform best on their first try. Plan to take exams at least twice leaving room for retakes and score improvements.
Avoid Conflicts with Other Major Dates
Ensure test dates don’t conflict with obligations like final exams, travel plans, or extracurricular competitions that could impact your preparation and focus.
Factor in College Application Timelines
Take exams early enough to allow time for retakes and to submit scores to colleges by application deadlines. Applying early action benefits from testing junior year.
Consider Your Prep Time Needs
If you’ll need significant practice time, build a schedule with at least 2-3 months before testing to properly cover study materials and take practice tests.
Allow Recovery Time Between Tests
When taking both the SAT and ACT, space them at least 60 days apart to avoid burnout from prepping for and recovering from consecutive exams.
Check School Policies
Some districts mandate taking certain exams on specific school dates because of partnerships with College Board and ACT. Know if you must test on sponsored in-school dates.
With smart planning, you can register for optimized test dates matching your academic timeline and preparation needs. Take control of your testing schedule and put yourself in the best position to show your abilities.
