What's on the test
The digital SAT has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math. Each section is split into two equal-length modules.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 54 | 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) |
| Math | 44 | 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules) |
| Total | 98 | 2 hours 14 minutes, plus a 10-minute break |
The test is adaptive. The first module of each section has a mix of easy, medium and hard questions. How you do on it decides whether your second module is harder or easier. That's normal, and getting the harder second module is a good sign.
Most questions are multiple choice. Some math questions ask you to type in your own answer.
Calculators
You can use a calculator on the whole Math section. The testing app, Bluebook, has a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, and you can also bring your own approved calculator (calculators with computer algebra features aren't allowed).
Practice with the built-in Desmos calculator before test day. It can solve many problems faster than doing them by hand.
How it's scored
Each section is scored from 200 to 800, and your total is the two added together, from 400 to 1600.
Colleges usually describe their SAT range as the middle 50% of students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter above the high one. You can see each school's range on its college page, or browse colleges by SAT score.
Upcoming 2026-27 test dates
| Test date | Register by | Late registration by | Scores out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Feb 19, 2027 | Feb 23, 2027 | Mar 19, 2027 |
| May 1, 2027 | Apr 16, 2027 | Apr 20, 2027 | May 14, 2027 |
| Jun 5, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | Jun 21, 2027 |
Registration for the Nov 7, 2026 test has closed. Deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Eastern. There's no weekend SAT in January, February or April 2027. Many schools also give the SAT during the school day; your school registers you for that one.
What it costs
- Registration: $68 (U.S.). Late registration adds $38.
- Changing your test center or cancelling by the deadline: $34; cancelling late: $44.
- Score reports: your first 4 are free if you choose them within 9 days after the test. Extra reports are $15 each.
Fee waivers are available to low-income 11th and 12th graders in the U.S. and U.S. territories, for example if you qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. A waiver covers two free SATs, unlimited free score reports, free CSS Profile applications and application fee waivers at participating colleges. Ask your school counselor.
Retaking and superscoring
Many students take the SAT two or three times. Some colleges superscore, which means they take your best Reading and Writing score and your best Math score from different test dates and add them together. Policies differ, so check each college.
With Score Choice you can pick which test dates to send, but some colleges ask for all of your scores.
The PSAT and National Merit
The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice SAT taken at school in the fall, mostly by 11th graders (10th graders can take it too). It's scored from 320 to 1520.
Your junior-year PSAT/NMSQT is also how you enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. It uses a Selection Index: (2 × your Reading and Writing score + your Math score) ÷ 10. Qualifying cutoffs differ by state.
SAT or ACT?
Colleges that accept test scores take either test equally. Try a free practice test of each and compare with the SAT to ACT converter. Then prepare for the one that suits you. Read the ACT guide for how the two differ.
See where you stand
Paste your application and transcript and get a score out of 100, estimated chances at the colleges you pick, and the changes that would help most.
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