How do you register for the SAT or ACT?

When are the SAT/ACT test dates? Registration deadlines? Fees? Should you register with the essay? How do you apply for accommodations? We’ll answer these questions here!

SAT Registration FAQ

Where do you register for the SAT?

You can register on the College Board website.

When should you register for the SAT?

As soon as possible! Registration for all 2026 tests is now open. Registration for the August test typically fills up extremely fast in the Philadelphia area, so register ASAP. Consider expanding your search radius or searching shore points for more convenient testing locations.

For all other test dates, registering 1-2 months ahead of time should be sufficient.

Can I order a copy of my test questions?

No. The extremely valuable Question-And-Answer Service (QAS), which allowed students to see all of their test questions and answers, was discontinued with the introduction of the digital SAT in 2024. Sadly, there is no way to see your questions and answers after taking the digital SAT.

Should you have your SAT scores automatically sent to colleges?

Almost always no. Because nearly all colleges allow you to pick and choose which scores to send, withholding allows you to only show colleges your best score(s).

Additionally, most colleges allow students to self-report scores on their application. In other words, you don’t need to send scores at all to apply. They’ll only ask you to send scores (to verify you told the truth) after you’re admitted and/or committed to attend. Please check with each college you’re applying to, as score reporting policies vary by college.

Do you really need to answer ALL of these questions? This is taking forever.

No. College Board tries to use the SAT registration process to gather a whole lot of data about a student’s classes, interests, etc., but most of those questions are not required for registration. Try going to the next page without answering, and you might just save yourself 20-30 minutes.

How do you apply for accommodations on the SAT?

You can read more about SAT accommodations here.

Concerned about the cost of taking the SAT?

Learn more about SAT fee waivers and check your eligibility.

ACT Registration FAQ

Where do you register for the ACT?

You can register on the ACT website.

When should you register for the ACT?

As soon as you know you’ll take it! Registration for all 2026-27 school year tests is open. Because the ACT isn’t as popular in the Northeast as the SAT, you may have to drive a little further to find a spot. Registration for certain test dates (June, July) can be especially challenging. Your best bet is to register early. If you’re struggling to find a test center within driving distance, try these workarounds.

Should you sign up for the paper ACT or digital ACT?

PAPER!! Do not register for the digital ACT. The digital ACT is poorly formatted with a challenging interface. Students perform significantly better on the paper ACT. Click here for an exhaustive explanation of all the reasons paper is better.

Should you sign up for the optional Science Section?

Maybe, but it’s probably not necessary. This has changed quickly, as many colleges initially planned to continue recommending the optional Science section, but now most have backed off, leaving only a very small handful of colleges that require or recommend the ACT Science. You can find more details about which colleges require or recommend Science here or here.

The Science section score does not go into the overall composite score, which comes from an average of the English, Math, and Reading scores.

Should you register with the optional Writing section?

No. The US Military Academy (West Point) is currently the only major 4-year institution that requires the ACT Writing section. Unless you’re applying to West Point, don’t bother with the essay.

Should you order the My Answer Key (MAK)?

Yes. We HIGHLY recommend you order the My Answer Key (MAK), if available—see the table above for availability. This will provide you with a copy of the test, which is excellent material to review if you end up taking the test again. If you order before the test, the fee is lower ($36) than if you order after the test ($44). This service was formerly known as the Test Information Release (TIR).

Should you automatically send ACT scores to colleges?

Almost always no. Because nearly all colleges allow you to pick and choose which scores to send, withholding allows you to only show colleges your best score(s).

Additionally, most colleges allow students to self-report scores on their application. In other words, you don’t need to send scores at all to apply. They’ll only ask you to send scores (to verify you told the truth) after you’re admitted and/or committed to attend. Please check with each college you’re applying to, as score reporting policies vary by college.

Do you really need to answer ALL of these questions? This is taking forever.

No. The ACT tries to use the registration process to gather a whole lot of data about a student’s classes, interests, etc., but most of those questions are not required for registration. Try going to the next page without answering, and you might just save yourself 20-30 minutes.

How do you apply for accommodations on the ACT?

You can read more about ACT accommodations here.

Concerned about the cost of taking the ACT?

Learn more about ACT fee waivers and check your eligibility.