SAT and ACT Test Dates in 2026: Deadlines, Scores and What’s Left

Which SAT and ACT dates are left in 2026?

Two SAT dates and two ACT dates remain in 2026. Registration for the October 17 ACT has closed.

After December, the next SAT is March 6, 2027 and the next ACT is February 27, 2027. Our 2027 test dates guide has the full spring schedule.

When is the October 2026 SAT?

The October 2026 SAT was on Saturday, October 3. College Board’s score release date for that test is October 16, 2026. If you missed it, the next SAT is Saturday, November 7. Register by October 23, or by October 27 with the late fee.

The October ACT is on Saturday, October 17. Its registration closed on September 29, so the next ACT you can sign up for is December 12.

Every SAT date in 2026

The SAT has eight national dates in 2026. There is no SAT in January, February, April or July.

College Board says most weekend SAT scores come out two to four weeks after test day. For every 2026 date, scores come out on a Friday, 13 days after the test.

Every ACT date in 2026

The ACT has seven national dates in 2026. The score column is ACT’s initial release date. Writing scores come out later, once all scores from that test date are ready.

ACT says online test scores are usually ready sooner than paper scores. Its regular deadline is about five weeks before test day, much earlier than the SAT’s.

When is the 2026 PSAT/NMSQT?

Schools give the PSAT/NMSQT on days they choose between October 1 and October 30, 2026. You don’t register yourself. Your school signs you up and tells you the date. Schools may also offer it on Saturday, October 17.

There is no single score date. Students get PSAT/NMSQT scores on October 22, November 5 or November 12, 2026, depending on when their school tested. The October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT is the entry test for the 2028 National Merit competition, so it matters most for juniors. See how the three PSATs differ and what your PSAT score means.

Which 2026 test date should you choose?

It depends on your grade and your college deadlines.

• Seniors applying this fall: November 7 and December 5 are your last SAT dates of the year, and December 12 is the last ACT. Check whether each college accepts scores from those dates before its deadline. Some colleges take scores from tests taken after you apply. Confirm that on each admissions site.
• Juniors: a December SAT or ACT can be a first official score, with spring 2027 left for a retake. Many juniors wait for spring and take a practice test first. The 2027 dates guide has a junior-year timeline.
• Sophomores and younger: the PSAT is the test to focus on this year. For a first look at when you’ll test, see what’s known about 2028 test dates.

Where does Hourly Prep fit?

When you set up Hourly Prep, you choose your test date and how much time you have each day. The app then gives you one short set at a time for the SAT or the ACT, with an explanation for every question. Premium adds an adaptive study plan and an AI tutor. Every current date and deadline is also on our test dates page.

Common 2026 test date questions

When is the next SAT in 2026?

Saturday, November 7, 2026. The regular deadline is October 23 and late registration closes October 27. The last SAT of the year is December 5.

When do September ACT scores come out?

ACT’s initial score release for the September 19, 2026 test is October 6, 2026, for both online and paper tests. Writing scores come later.

When do October 2026 SAT scores come out?

October 16, 2026, for the October 3 test. November 7 scores follow on November 20, and December 5 scores on December 18.

Is there an SAT in January or February 2027?

No. After December 5, 2026, the next national SAT is March 6, 2027. The ACT has a February 27, 2027 date.

Can I take the SAT and ACT in the same month?

Yes. The dates don’t overlap. In December, the SAT is on the 5th and the ACT is on the 12th.