It’s already June, which means summer vacation is well underway — and we’re more than halfway through the calendar year. Do you have your 2025 SAT and ACT dates all planned out? If so, good for you. If not, then it’s high time to get organized. Don’t panic; just grab your calendar and get ready to plan. We can help!
This article will cover the most important SAT and ACT dates for the remainder of 2025, as well as key preparation strategies and how Empowerly can help you stay on track for college applications. Let’s start planning your best college future.
Why take the SAT or ACT?
Even though many colleges and universities in the United States have moved toward test-optional admissions policies, high scores on standardized tests can still make a major difference.
For one, many merit-based scholarships and honors programs still consider test scores as a qualifying factor. Some state schools even guarantee admission or financial aid thresholds based on ACT or SAT results! Not to mention, a strong score can also strengthen your application if your GPA is lower than average or your extracurriculars are still, shall we say, developing.
In addition, submitting good test scores can help students stand out, even at test-optional institutions. According to Fairtest, a vast majority — over 80% of colleges — remain test-optional in 2025. However, internal admissions data suggest that students who do submit scores often enjoy a statistical edge in competitive pools, especially at private or highly selective colleges.
The bottom line is that if you’re confident you can achieve a strong score, submitting SAT or ACT results is still a strategic move in 2025. This can be especially true for homeschooled students, international applicants, and those applying to test-required programs.
When should you take the SAT or ACT in 2025?
And is it too late?
Planning your timeline is critical. Generally speaking, students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in the spring of their junior year — then retake it in the summer or fall of their senior year. This ensures that you have enough time to prepare adequately.
Here’s a quick hack: think of your application deadline as the endpoint and work backwards from there. If you’re aiming for early deadlines (which usually fall in November), you’ll need to complete your final test by the September or October sitting. For regular deadlines, December scores are usually the last ones accepted — though you should always confirm with each score before assuming!
Here are the major benchmarks to keep in mind.
- Rising juniors: Plan for one test in spring 2025 and a retake in summer or early fall.
- Rising seniors: Register as soon as possible for late summer and fall test dates in 2025.
- Allow at least 6-8 weeks between tests for meaningful preparation and score improvement (and to avoid burnout).
- It takes about 2 weeks to receive your scores, and additional time to send the official reports to colleges, so don’t cut it too close to the application deadlines.
Feeling overwhelmed by these dates already? Hear from one student who, like you, was also looking for a simpler solution:
How to prepare for the SAT and ACT like a pro
Both the SAT and ACT come with fees, prep requirements, and pressure. The SAT registration fee in 2025 is $68, plus a $43 international fee if applicable. The ACT registration starts at $65, not including writing or late registration fees. So, you don’t exactly want to blow your chance or take the opportunity to register for granted.
Here’s how to prepare like a pro.
- Plan your timeline early. Start by mapping out your application deadlines and building a testing schedule from there. Identify which colleges even require or recommend scores, and decide which exam fits your strengths.
- Choose your testing strategy, and stick to it. Some students perform better on one exam over the other, due to format or content. Take a diagnostic test for both the SAT and ACT to help determine which is the better fit for you.
- Practice under real conditions. Use full-length practice tests (available from the CollegeBoard or ACT websites) to simulate the exam day. Time yourself strictly and use official testing materials. This helps build stamina and pinpoint areas you need to review more.
- Review and reflect. After each practice test, thoroughly review incorrect answers. Consider working with a test prep tutor to target key areas of weakness.
- Register on time. Don’t wait until the last minute — spots at testing centers, especially popular ones, can fill up quickly. Early registration also gives you time to request accommodations if needed.
- Plan for a retake. Most students improve their score on a second attempt. Build in time for at least one retake, especially if you’re applying to competitive schools. You can always decide to stick with your first score after all.
Not sure where to start? Here is a short video guide to test preparation:
Key SAT and ACT dates for 2025
Here are the projected SAT dates and ACT dates for the remainder of 2025, based on official information and patterns from previous years.
| Test | Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration |
| SAT | August 23, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 12, 2025 |
| ACT | September 6, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 19, 2025 |
| SAT | September 13, 2025 | August 29, 2025 | September 2, 2025 |
| SAT | October 4, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | September 23, 2025 |
| ACT | October 18, 2025 | September 12, 2025 | September 30, 2025 |
| SAT | November 8, 2025 | October 24, 2025 | October 28, 2025 |
| SAT | December 6, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | November 25, 2025 |
| ACT | December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 24, 2025 |
| ACT | February 14, 2026 | January 7, 2026 | January 21, 2026 |
| SAT | March 14, 2026 | February 27, 2026 | March 3, 2026 |
| ACT | April 11, 2026 | March 6, 2026 | March 24, 2026 |
| SAT | May 2, 2026 | April 17, 2026 | April 21, 2026 |
| ACT | June 13, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
Important digital SAT requirements
As of 2024, the SAT has transitioned to a fully digital format. Students must bring a fully charged device (laptop or approved tablet) on test day and install the Bluebook testing app in advance.
Here’s a quick intro to what’s changed with the digital SAT lately:
If you need to borrow a device from the College Board, you must request one at least 30 days before your scheduled test. Miss that deadline, and you’ll be rescheduled for a later date.
Here’s a quick checklist for digital SAT readiness:
- Fully charged device with a working keyboard and screen
- Bluebook app installed and tested
- Digital admission ticket downloaded
- Photo ID ready
- Charging cable (recommended)
For full details, visit the College Board’s digital testing readiness guide.
Should you take both the SAT and ACT?
You don’t need to take both exams — but for some students, it’s a smart move. Colleges accept either test equally, so choose the one that highlights your strengths.
SAT Advantages:
- Digital format is shorter (2 hours and 14 minutes)
- Reading and Writing are combined into a single section
- More generous time per question
ACT Advantages:
- Includes a Science section (good for STEM students)
- Optional essay section
- Familiar format for students used to paper tests
Students who are unsure can take a diagnostic test for each and compare scores using a concordance table. Empowerly counselors can help you interpret your results and decide where to focus.
Need help deciding which test to take first? Keep in mind that you can take them more than once; most students do test 2-3 times to improve their scores.
| Criteria | SAT | ACT |
| Format | Digital | Paper (digital soon) |
| Duration | ~2h 14m | ~2h 55m (w/o essay) |
| Math | More algebra-heavy | Includes more geometry/trigonometry |
| Science Section | No | Yes |
| Essay | No | Optional |
| Superscoring | Widely accepted | Accepted by some colleges |
What if your score doesn’t improve?
Even with preparation, not every student hits their score goal. If your performance plateaus, don’t panic.
Many colleges practice superscoring, meaning they’ll take your highest score from each section across multiple test dates. This gives you more flexibility and reduces pressure on any one test day.
You also have the option to go test-optional, which doesn’t mean your application is weaker. A compelling personal statement, impressive extracurriculars, and strong recommendations can speak volumes.
Finally, consider strengthening your college list. Target schools where your GPA, interests, and activities align with their values and academic focus. Test scores are only one part of the application story.
How Empowerly helps students succeed
Empowerly’s personalized test prep programs combine expert tutors, data-backed strategies, and a deep understanding of college admissions trends. Whether you’re prepping for your first attempt or trying to boost your superscore, we tailor your plan to your goals.
For further reading, explore the Guide to High School Exams: Free Download.
Final thoughts
Planning ahead is one of the smartest things you can do as a college applicant. With the right information and a solid timeline, you can make the SAT or ACT work in your favor — not against you.
Need personalized support? Empowerly helps students just like you boost their confidence, increase their scores, and gain admission to their dream schools. But don’t forget, testing is only one part of the story. At MIT, which publishes more data than many other universities, 90% of students with a top 1% SAT score and a perfect unweighted GPA are rejected. Your numbers only get you to the starting line; everything else gets you to the finish line.
Start your path with Empowerly today — because your college future is too important to leave to chance.
