The SAT is an important requirement if you're looking to get into colleges in the USA or select international universities in 2025. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) tests your reading, writing, and math skills to assist colleges in judging your preparedness for higher studies. Here goes your showcase of your academics, indicating the aspects in which you differ from any applicant pool concerning your high school academic learning.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

➡️ The June 7, 2025 SAT Exam has concluded. The Regular Registration Deadline was May 22, 2025, and the Late Registration Deadline ended on May 27, 2025.

➡️ According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next SAT exam for the fall semester is scheduled on August 23, 2025.
 - Regular Registration Deadline: August 8, 2025
 - Late Registration Deadline: August 12, 2025

➡️ Top U.S. Universities rely on SAT scores to consistently assess a student's readiness for college-level academic work.

➡️ Students aiming to score 1400+ on the SAT can take advantage of Testbook's SAT Practice Tests, offering expert-curated solutions and full-length mock exams tailored to boost performance.

The next SAT Exam Date in 2025 is August 23, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the August SAT is August 8, 2025, and the Late Registration Deadline is August 12, 2025. Make sure to register on time and start preparing early so you're confident and ready by test day!

U.S. colleges and many international institutions widely accept the SAT Exam 2025 as a key measure of your college readiness. It tests your reading, writing, and math skills, and a strong score can enhance your college applications, help you qualify for scholarships, and even support applications to schools in the UK, Canada, and beyond.

Organised by the College Board, the SAT is a digital, multiple-choice exam (with some student-produced response questions) that lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes and is scored on a 400–1600 scale. It's your opportunity to showcase what you've learned in high school. Whether you're targeting top U.S. universities or keeping your global options open, nailing the SAT Exam 2025 can significantly boost your academic future.

Did You Know? Fun Facts About the SAT Exam!

Good news—students can take the SAT multiple times a year! That means you can choose the best test date and prep schedule. Plus, SAT scores are accepted by over 4,000 colleges in the U.S. and institutions in 85+ countries worldwide! 🌎🎓

Check out these cool SAT stats for the Class of 2024, straight from the College Board SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report 📊👇

• 📌 Total Test Takers: Nearly 1.97 million students took the SAT.
• 📌 High Scorers in ERW (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing): 149,505 students scored between 700–800. 📖✍️
• 📌 High Scorers in Math: 175,440 students crushed it with scores between 700–800. 🔢📈
• 📌 Maximum SAT Scores (1400–1600): About 7% of students (142,239) hit this elite range! 🎯🔥
• 📌 Average SAT Score: The class of 2024 had an average score of 1050. 🎓💡

Use Testbook's SAT Score Calculator to Find Your SAT Scores!

What Is The SAT?

The SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardised test for college admissions in the United States and elsewhere. This test is used by colleges in the United States, such as Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, and Canada for major college admissions purposes. The SAT Exam in 2025 will continue in its digital format, designed to evaluate skills in:

• Evidence-Based Reading & Writing
• Math

Scored between 40 and 1,1600, the exam is 2 hours and 14 minutes long.

Find out what a Good SAT score is for the Ivy League

What is the Full Form of SAT?

The full form of the SAT is "Scholastic Assessment Test". In the 1990s, the SAT's full form was changed to "Scholastic Assessment Test" from "Scholastic Aptitude Test". Later, it was simply abbreviated to SAT, making it a standalone name without a specific expansion. Here are the Key Facts related to the SAT Exam:-

• This was the first set of examinations given under the deeper meaning SAT, Scholastic Aptitude Test, first in the year 1926 to measure the readiness of a pupil to undergo higher education, rather than through standardised tests.
• Over the years, the name and structure of the SAT have undergone several changes to reflect its purpose and evolving educational standards. 
• This change in the SAT's whole form was made to transition its stature from an assessment of innate aptitude to an evaluation of the student's learning over the years of schooling.

Today, the Digital SAT Format evaluates key skills such as reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression, which are crucial for academic success in college. It is sometimes argued that the SAT is primarily a measure for college admission practice.

How To Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

The SAT is a standardised test used by U.S. colleges to assess students' readiness for undergraduate coursework and compare applicants. While many schools consider SAT scores alongside GPA, extracurriculars, and essays, some also use them for scholarships or placement. With many colleges now test-optional, the SAT exam is just one part of the application process.

• Admissions Decisions: Colleges use SAT scores to assess a student's readiness for academic work at the college level. The scores can help the admission teams judge who is truly impressive in the context of different schools and situations.
• Scholarship and Merit-Based Aid: Most schools consider the SAT a criterion for granting merit-based scholarships or financial aid. In other words, high scores were correlated with enhanced chances of obtaining a scholarship for the respective student.
• Placement in College-Level Courses: Some colleges place students into various programs according to their SAT scores. This helps ensure they are enrolled in classes matching their academic skills. Therefore, this will affect whether a student starts in advance or remedial education.
• Institutional Reporting and Rankings: Colleges relay the average SAT scores to the various organisations that do higher education. These organisations will factor them into the institutional standings; well, everyone knows that good SAT scores raise a school's standing and reputation.
• Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges have adopted SAT test-optional policies. These policies give students the option of whether or not to submit their SAT scores. Moreover, they aim to reduce barriers for students who may be affected by testing disadvantages.
• Superscoring: Many colleges are using a method called superscoring. According to this concept, the highest scores are combined from each section of multiple SAT attempts. Thus, students who want to improve in specific areas between test dates can benefit from this. 

Get a List of All Colleges That Superscore the SAT

SAT Score Cancellation

If you need to cancel your SAT score, you can do so using either of these two methods:

At the Test Centre

You can cancel your score if you're unhappy with your performance or feel you left questions unanswered. Simply request a "Request to Cancel Test Scores" form from the test supervisor. Fill out the form, sign it, and return it to the supervisor before leaving the test centre.

From Home

If you want to cancel your score once you leave the test centre, do so quickly. You need to mail your cancellation request to the College Board as soon as you can because the deadline for receiving cancellations is no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time one week after your test date. Download the "Request to Cancel Test Scores" form from the College Board's website, fill it out, and sign it. Fax it or overnight courier/speed post it to reach by the deadline.

The details for Fax and overnight mail service are given below:

• Fax: (610) 290-8978
• Overnight U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (US only): SAT Score Cancellation, P.O. Box 6228, Princeton, NJ 08541-6228
• Overnight mail service or courier (US or international): SAT Score Cancellation, 1425 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08618, USA

What is SAT Score Verification?

Verifying an SAT score involves rechecking and ensuring you have your test scores for all parts without skipping anything on your test sheets. So, it may be mismarked or passed on if, for instance, one thinks they do not need what they had envisaged in an SAT score. Verification services are available to applicants at the contact number: +1-212-713-7789 (all other countries).

SAT Test Dates & Deadlines

Currently, SAT Registrations are open for the 2025-26 school year. Students can apply for the upcoming SAT slots available across the US and internationally. The table below provides the test dates for the forthcoming Digital SAT exam registration dates 2025-26 for US and international students.

Note –All registration deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET, U.S.

Also, I want to know how the SAT School Day works.

SAT Test Dates for 2025-26

The SAT Test Dates for 2025-26 are confirmed and mentioned in the tables below separately for the Fall and Spring semesters: 

Fall 2025 SAT Test Dates

Spring 2026 SAT Testing Dates

When Should You Take the SAT?

There is no fixed best time to take the SAT. Taking it early gives you time to retake it if necessary and still meet college application deadlines. Many high schoolers aim to take the SAT at least twice for better SAT scores. Planning around your academic schedule and extracurricular activities is recommended to ensure you're well-prepared. Before deciding when to take the SAT, review the following SAT facts and the upcoming exam and registration dates:

• The SAT is administered seven times yearly in the United States.
• Most students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year, and they may retake it in the fall of their senior year, though you can take it whenever you like, beginning in your first year.
• The spring of junior year is ideal for the first attempt, or the Fall of senior year allows time for retakes.
• Plan around your school's workload and activities.
  Moreover, retaking the SAT can improve scores. Consider application deadlines when scheduling your test.

If you're still wondering when the SAT Exam 2025 suits your timeline, review the confirmed SAT Exam Dates 2025 and match them with your study plan.

Ace the Upcoming SAT Examination with these SAT Exam Books!

SAT Registration Process 2025-2026

To start the SAT registration, students planning to take the SAT must create an account on the official website of the College Board dedicated to the SAT. A step-by-step procedure is given below to start the SAT registration –

Step 1: Create a College Board Account

Consider setting up a College Board account to secure registration for the SAT. This College Board account will eventually help you access and manage your SAT registration and scores, but first, make sure all personal information is correct because it must match what is on your photo identification at the test.

Step 2: Choose Your Test Date and Centre

After you log in, choose your preferred test date and location.. Since availability can change, signing up as soon as possible is the best way to guarantee your desired time and place. The SAT portal has details of the available centres based on your area.

Step 3: Fill Out Your High School Information

At registration, you will be asked to indicate the current high school you are attending. You required that information for the College Board, which would not be able to determine your educational status and report accurate scores without it.

Step 4: Upload a Photo

You must upload an up-to-date, clear image of yourself for the registration procedure. This one will be reflected on your Admission Ticket and shall look like the person you look like on testing day for security purposes.

Keep in mind –

• Failure to meet the specifications for photo upload may disqualify you from sitting for the SAT.
• Receiving acknowledgement of a successful upload does not necessarily mean that all criteria have been met. It suggests that the photo uploaded was of the appropriate file type and size. 
• The accepted file formats for photo uploads are .jpg, .gif, or .png. You can crop and rotate the uploaded image.

Step 5: Connect with the College Board's Student Search Service

College Board's Student Search Service also provides an option that connects you to colleges and scholarship programs that look for students like you. When you join, you hear from more than 1,900 4-year colleges and their partners giving scholarships of $300 million annually.

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee

Complete your registration process by paying for the SAT. The site offers several forms of payment to access the account, including PayPal and credit cards. Fee waivers are available to students who have qualified under particular conditions.

Step 7: Print Your Admission Ticket

After completing your registration, print your SAT Admission Ticket. You must bring this ticket with you on the test day along with an appropriate photo ID. Without these, you will not be allowed to enter the testing center.

SAT Registration Fees

As part of the registration process, students will need to pay a SAT exam fee as shown below –

Find out How to Reschedule the SAT!

SAT Cancellation & Late Registration Fees

Students who wish to postpone taking their SAT or change their SAT centre will be required to pay an additional fee as given in the table below –

Cancelling or postponing your SAT date in 2025 can be expensive; therefore, students are advised to adequately decide on the SAT exam date beforehand to avoid paying any surcharges.

SAT Exam Scholarships and Automatic Rewards Opportunities

If you are still unaware, here is a thing about SAT scores that can land you an excellent opportunity to secure a scholarship. Many scholarship opportunities range from automatic awards to specialised National Merit scholarships. Refer to the scholarship opportunities below:

National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Program awards scholarships primarily based on top scores on the PSAT. Finalists receive a $2,500 scholarship. Numerous colleges and universities offer special scholarships for National Merit Scholars who designate them as their first-choice institution. About 16,000 top scorers are chosen as semifinalists based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores; they are distributed among states according to the number of seniors graduating from each state to guarantee fair geographic representation.

For example, the University of Idaho and the University of Oklahoma provide full scholarships to National Merit finalists.

Private University Awards

Loyola University Chicago, for example, awards $2,000 to National Merit finalists who rank them as a first choice. Public institutions offer much bigger awards, although some exceptions apply.

Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores

You might not know that many colleges award scholarships automatically based on SAT/ACT scores, sometimes in conjunction with GPA or class rank. These don't require a separate application but often have specific deadlines. Some examples include:

• Florida A&M: Offers tiered scholarships for high SAT/ACT scores.
• Florida Gulf Coast University: Provides SAT-based awards to eligible students.
• Texas Tech, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Missouri: Recognise high-achieving test-takers with merit-based awards.
• University of Tennessee: Uses SAT scores to help award scholarships.

University-Specific Scholarships

Some schools are very generous. Colorado State University awards scholarships that include $10,000 for any student whose SAT score is 1200+ and whose GPA at the previous institution the student attended was 3.3 or better. Most schools have comparable scholarships. Be sure to check on those individual college policies.

What should you bring to the Test Centre on SAT Exam Day?

• A fully charged test device with the Bluebook app installed and an exam set up.
• Your current admission ticket is now available on the Bluebook app. A printout is preferred; however, you can only access your ticket after the examination setup, beginning five days prior to the test. 
• A valid photo ID; 
• Pencils or pens for rough work, 
• Your College Board Username and Password, 
• Accepting a calculator for the test Math section (Note: a graphing calculator will be embedded within Bluebook).

Also, Is There a Penalty for Guessing on the SAT? 

Who Can Give the SAT?

The College Board, the SAT's administering body, has not set specific eligibility criteria for students applying for the SAT. However, the SAT is designed primarily for high school students preparing to apply to college, and there are no strict age or grade restrictions. 

Here are the SAT Eligibility Requirements to take the exam:-

• There is no minimum or maximum age requirement for taking the SAT. However, students between 17 and 19 are among the highest SAT takers worldwide.
• You do not need to be enrolled in high school to take the SAT, making it accessible to younger students or non-traditional students.
• The SAT is open to all U.S. citizens, residents, and international students.
• Students can take the SAT as many times as they choose; there are no restrictions on the number of attempts.
• Students must register for the test in advance through the College Board's official website or by mail using the registration booklet.

How is the SAT Exam Structured?

From 2024, the SAT Exam mode has shifted from the earlier written format to the computer-adaptive digital format. The Digital SAT Format is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math.

• Two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math.
• Brief Readings and Compositions: Brief passages with one focused question per passage.
• Expanded Math Topics: Algebra, geometry, data analysis, and real-world problem-solving.
• Streamlined Format: Essay and Subject Tests are no longer necessary.
• Focus on Pragmatic Skills: Tests about critical thinking and college-readiness with a modernised approach.

How Long is the SAT Exam?

The new SAT has shorter passages in the Reading and Writing section, each containing a single question, emphasising direct skill assessment. Questions are categorised into Craft & Structure, Information & Ideas, Expression of Ideas, and Standard English Conventions. It covers a much broader range of skills than before, and the Subject Tests and Essay sections are no longer part of the exam.

• The total time for the Digital SAT is now 2 hours and 14 minutes, a reduction from the previous format. 
• The digital SAT combines the Reading, Writing, and Language sections into one streamlined Reading and Writing section, which now lasts 64 minutes and features 54 multiple-choice questions.
• The Math section has been revised to 70 minutes, with multiple-choice questions and student-produced responses. Notably, calculators are now allowed throughout this section to reduce the complexity of calculations.

Also, find out the SAT Calculator policy and Which Calculators are preferred for the SAT!

SAT Syllabus

The SAT syllabus includes sections that evaluate a student's critical reading, writing, and mathematical problem-solving skills. The topics covered in the syllabus are those that a student has already studied at the school level. Primarily, the SAT Exam Syllabus consists of two components – 

• Maths
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

Changes in the SAT Syllabus Post-Digitalisation

The shift to a digital format comes with a 20% reduction in the syllabus. This streamlining is evident in restructuring the Reading and Writing sections and integrating adaptive testing, focusing more on analysing and understanding questions rather than rote memorisation. Eliminating subject tests and the SAT Essay section simplifies the test, potentially making it less daunting for students. These changes are part of the College Board's ongoing efforts to make the SAT more accessible and aligned with modern educational practices.

Check out this detailed guide on SAT Exam Prep and Crack the SAT in 1st Attempt!

SAT Scores

Once released, students can send their SAT scores to colleges/universities across the United States as part of the admission process. Submit your SAT scores directly through the College Board to the colleges you are applying to. You will decide which test sittings to report to show your optimal performance.

What is a Good SAT Score?

A good SAT score depends on the colleges you aim for and their requirements. If you score above 1200, you're in a competitive range for many schools. A score of 1400 or higher gives you a great shot at top universities, while aiming for 1500+ can boost your chances at Ivy League and other highly selective schools.

What is the Average SAT score?

According to recent data from the College Board, the average SAT score for all test-takers in 2024 was approximately 1024. Also, approximately 2 million students took the SAT; 1,973,891. The "average SAT score" is the score most test-takers attain when they take the test. It sets a benchmark against which students can assess their relative positions. The average SAT scores for the most popular universities:-

What is the Highest SAT Score?

The SAT score ranges between 400 and 1600, where 1600 is perfect and 400 is the lowest. Your total score comes from two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), each ranging from 200 to 800.

How Can I Prepare for the SAT?

The SAT is the best opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and readiness for college work. To maximise your score, practice should begin at least 2-3 months before test day. Commit time to answering practice questions, reviewing core concepts, completing full-length practice tests, and getting accustomed to the format and timing of the exam.

• Highlight Your Strengths: The SAT lets you demonstrate academic knowledge and problem-solving abilities essential for college success.
• Set Clear Goals: To keep your preparation focused, determine your target score based on the admission requirements of your favourite colleges.
• Plan Strategically: Devote 2-3 months to studying, combining content review, practice questions, and simulated test environments to enhance accuracy and timing.
• Simulate Real Test Conditions: Start taking full-length, timed practice tests to evaluate your stamina and adjust strategies for pacing.
• Personalise Your Approach: Identify weaknesses through a diagnostic test. Target the problem areas to address and work more intensively.

SAT Superscoring

Some colleges use superscoring, which means they consider the highest scores from different test sections across multiple test dates. SAT Superscoring benefits students who have taken the SAT more than once.

SAT vs. ACT – Which Exam is the Right Option for You?

Both the SAT and ACT exams are used for admissions to colleges and universities that do not prefer one test over the other. Also, the SAT and the ACT can be used to avail merit scholarships. The only difference between these tests is that the ACT has a Science Reasoning section. 

• Deciding between the ACT and the SAT depends on your academic strengths and testing preferences. The SAT emphasises critical reading and problem-solving, strongly focusing on evidence-based reading, writing, and math skills that require deep analysis and reasoning. This test might suit you if you are strong in analysing data and theoretical concepts.
• On the other hand, the ACT includes a broader range of content, including a distinct science reasoning section, which tests your ability to interpret and analyse scientific data. It also features a more straightforward approach to questions and a faster pace. The ACT may be better if you prefer a more direct question style.
• Also, the new Digital SAT exam format provides 43% more time for each question than the old SAT and 68% more time per question than the ACT exam.

Ultimately, consider taking practice tests to see which aligns more with your skills and comfort level, as some students perform significantly better on one test than the other.

Convert Your SAT/ACT Scores Using Our SAT To ACT Score Converter Tool

Acceptance Rate of Top U.S. Universities