Here’s When You Can Take the SAT and ACT
Taking the SAT or ACT is a big element of the college admissions journey for many students, and it’s important for students and parents to know when the exams are offered, when to register, and how much it costs.
Here are SAT and ACT test dates for 2016-17 and registration deadlines.
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SAT Test Dates & Deadlines [2016-2017] |
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Test Date |
SAT Registration Deadline $45/$57 (w/ essay) |
Late Registration Deadline +$28 |
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October 1, 2016 |
September 1, 2016 |
September 20, 2016 |
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November 5, 2016 |
October 7, 2016 |
October 25, 2016 |
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December 3, 2016 |
November 3, 2016 |
November 22, 2016 |
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January 21, 2017 |
December 21, 2016 |
January 10, 2017 |
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March 11, 2017 |
February 10, 2017 |
February 28, 2017 |
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May 6, 2017 |
April 7, 2017 |
April 25, 2017 |
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June 3, 2017 |
May 9, 2017 |
May 24, 2017 |
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ACT Test Dates & Deadlines [2016-2017] |
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Test Date |
ACT Registration Deadline $42.50/$58.50 (w/ writing) |
Late Registration Deadline +$27.50 |
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September 10, 2016 |
August 5, 2016 |
August 19, 2016 |
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October 22, 2016 |
September 16, 2016 |
September 30, 2016 |
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December 10, 2016 |
November 4, 2016 |
November 18, 2016 |
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February 11, 2017* |
January 13, 2017 |
January 20, 2017 |
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April 8, 2017 |
March 3, 2017 |
March 17, 2017 |
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June 10, 2017 |
May 5, 2017 |
May 19, 2017 |
*No New York test centers scheduled.
Should You Take the SAT or the ACT?
One of the first decisions students need to make when preparing for college is whether to take the SAT or the ACT. At IvyWise, we advise students to choose the test that’s best suited for their abilities, and prepare for that one, rather than preparing for both. So how do you know which test is best for you? First, learn the differences, and similarities, between the two, then take a diagnostic of each.
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SAT |
ACT |
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Sections |
Math, Reading, Writing, Optional Essay (Science passages embedded in all sections.) |
English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Essay |
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Time |
3 hours, +50 minutes with essay |
2 hours 55 min, +30 minutes with essay |
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Answering |
4 answer options, no point deduction |
4 answer options, no point deduction |
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Scoring |
Out of 1600 - 800 math, 800 reading/writing |
Out of 36 - 36 per section that is then averaged for composite; Essay scored separately on a 2-12 scale |
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Math Section |
Two sections: One calculator allowed, one no calculator; 80 minutes; Less geometry, more algebra, pre-calculus & trigonometry added |
One 60-question, 60-minute section. Tests pre-algebra through trigonometry. Calculator allowed entire time.
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Reading Section |
5 passages, 2 with charts/diagrams, 1 historic document |
4 long passages with questions that require students to recall what they read. Questions in random order. |
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Science Section |
No science section, however science-related passages will be peppered throughout the exam. |
Science section covers reasoning, charts and graphs, and hypothesis. |
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Writing |
4 passages and 44 multiple-choice questions; 35 minutes |
Just the essay. |
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Essay |
1 prompt and one full passage; 50 minutes; essay is optional |
One topic and three perspectives; students evaluate and provide their own perspective with evidence; 40 minutes; essay is optional |
Here are some more test prep tips for students preparing for the ACT or SAT.
Learn more about the SAT and ACT and how college entrance exam scores affect admission chances by downloading our free College Admissions Guide.
