Digital SAT format, schedule, scoring, and registration — everything you need
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized college admissions exam developed and administered by the College Board. It is one of the two primary college entrance exams in the United States — the other being the ACT — and is accepted by virtually all four-year colleges and universities in the US.
First introduced in 1926, the SAT has gone through several major redesigns. As of March 2024, all SAT administrations in the United States (and since 2023 for international students) have moved to a fully digital, adaptive format called the Digital SAT.
The Digital SAT is significantly shorter and simpler in structure than the old paper SAT. It is taken on a laptop or tablet using College Board's Bluebook app. The test uses multistage adaptive testing (MST) — your performance in the first module of each section determines the difficulty of the second module.
| Feature | Digital SAT (2024+) | Old Paper SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Duration | 2 hr 14 min | 3 hr (+ Essay) |
| Total Questions | 98 | 154 |
| Format | Adaptive (computer) | Linear (paper) |
| Calculator | Allowed for all Math | No-calc section |
| Reading Passages | Short passages (1 question each) | Long passages |
| Results | 2–3 days | 2–3 weeks |
The Digital SAT uses the same 1600-point scale as the previous SAT. Each of the two sections is scored on a scale of 200–800.
| School Tier | Typical Score Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League / Top 10 | 1500–1580+ | Highly competitive; test-optional policies vary |
| Top 50 National Universities | 1350–1500 | Middle 50% for admitted students |
| State Flagship Universities | 1200–1400 | Varies widely by school |
| Community / Open Enrollment | Any | SAT may not be required |
The table below covers test dates for the 2025–2026 academic year. International dates (including the Asia-Pacific region and Korea) are typically a subset of the US dates.
| Test Date | Region | Registration Deadline (approx.) | Score Release (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 23, 2025 | US only | July 25, 2025 | ~Aug 26, 2025 |
| October 4, 2025 | US & International | Sep 5, 2025 | ~Oct 7, 2025 |
| November 1, 2025 | US & International | Oct 3, 2025 | ~Nov 4, 2025 |
| December 6, 2025 | US only | Nov 7, 2025 | ~Dec 9, 2025 |
| March 14, 2026 | US & International | Feb 13, 2026 | ~Mar 17, 2026 |
| May 2, 2026 | US & International | Apr 3, 2026 | ~May 5, 2026 |
| June 6, 2026 | US only | May 8, 2026 | ~Jun 9, 2026 |
Blue rows indicate dates available to international students (including South Korea). Confirm availability of test centers in your area at collegeboard.org.
Go to collegeboard.org and create a free account if you do not have one. Students outside the US will need to register as an international student.
During registration, select a test center near you. International test centers fill up quickly — register as early as possible.
As of 2025, the SAT fee is $68 USD for domestic students. International fees vary by country (typically higher). Fee waivers are available for qualifying US students.
The Digital SAT is administered through College Board's Bluebook application. Download it on your laptop or tablet and run the practice exam to confirm your device is compatible.
Print or save your admission ticket. Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early with a valid photo ID.
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| US students (standard) | $68 |
| International students | $68 + international fee (varies by country) |
| Late registration | Additional $30 late fee |
| Score sends (additional colleges) | $13 per school (first 4 are free) |
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