The beginning of the school year is a great time to begin planning your testing schedule. Both the SAT and the ACT are offered throughout the year, but it’s crucial to know which dates will work best for you. Having a testing plan in place can greatly decrease your junior or senior year stress. Reasons to prepare your testing schedule at the start of the school year can include staying on top of registration deadlines, allowing time to send scores to colleges and universities, and ensuring adequate prep time prior to test day.
Like the sound of making a plan, but not sure where to start? Keep reading to learn about the ‘17-’18 test dates and registration deadlines. And don’t forget—Varsity Tutors offers personalized, one-on-one SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring.
SAT test dates
When preparing a list of potential SAT test dates, it’s important to note any registration deadlines to ensure you don’t miss them. Below are the SAT test dates released by The College Board for the 2017-2018 school year. Click here to register for a particular exam date.
* The first late registration deadline is for mailed registrations, while the second is for online or telephone registrations.
The SAT also offered tests on August 26 and October 7, 2017, and registration dates fell approximately 10 days to a month before exam day. If you are interested in taking the first SAT of the 2018-2019 school year, be sure to register before the beginning of August 2018 to ensure a spot.
[RELATED: How to Create an SAT Prep Plan]
ACT test dates
It’s important to note that for both the SAT and the ACT, there is an additional fee of $29.00 (SAT)/$29.50 (ACT) to take the exam if you miss the initial registration deadline but register before the late registration deadline. Below are the ACT test dates released by ACT.org for the 2017-2018 school year. Click here to register for a particular exam date.
The ACT also offered a test on September 9, 2017, and registration dates fell approximately several weeks to a month before exam day. Note registration deadlines for the 2018-2019 ACT schedule as the new school year approaches if you wish to take the first test of the year.
[RELATED: How to Create an ACT Prep Plan]
Schedule for ACT/SAT score release
When planning your testing schedule, consider when your scores are due to colleges. For example, if you must submit results by a certain month, you will want to schedule your exam date well in advance of that deadline. At certain schools, you may also need to submit your scores by a specific date in order to qualify for grants or scholarships.
[RELATED: Should I Take the ACT or SAT?]
Adequate ACT/SAT prep time
You should also ensure that you allow yourself plenty of prep time before the exam—after all, no one wants to take the ACT or the SAT until they feel ready. Take a moment to be honest with yourself and to evaluate your progress; examine just how much prep time you will need in order to reach your desired score, and don’t schedule a test date before then. Private SAT tutoring or ACT tutoring may also be of use to you as you strive to achieve your test prep goals. Finally, good luck!
Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.
