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 Info 2025-2026

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 2025-26 tests is now open. Registration for the August and September tests is expected to fill up extremely fast in the Philadelphia area, so register ASAP. 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. There are some exceptions, such as recruited athletes or students up against impending application deadlines, but most students should wait until they see their scores and then send them to colleges later. Because you can pick and choose which scores to send, this 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.

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 Info 2025-2026

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 2025-26 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.

Should you sign up for the optional Science Section?

YES! Absolutely sign up for the Science section. Even thought the Science score no longer goes into the overall composite ACT score, many colleges require or recommend the Science. You can find more details about which colleges require or recommend Science here or here.

Should you register with the optional Writing section?

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)?

We HIGHLY recommend you order the Test Information Release (TIR), 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 ($34) than if you order after the test ($42). This service was formerly known as the Test Information Release (TIR)

Should you automatically send ACT scores to colleges?

Almost always no. There are some exceptions, such as recruited athletes or students up against impending application deadlines, but most students should wait until they see their scores and then send them to colleges later. Because you can pick and choose which scores to send, this 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.