Key takeaways
- Students can change their SAT date by canceling their existing test date and scheduling a new one.
- Although students will receive a registration fee refund, there is a cancellation fee.
- Students should cancel and reschedule their SAT if they are not prepared for the exam or if they have a scheduling conflict.
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As your SAT date approaches, you may be wondering: “Can I change the test date?” The answer is yes, you can! You can reschedule your SAT date by canceling your existing test date and scheduling your new one. Let’s look at some reasons students change their SAT date, advice on rescheduling, and a step-by-step guide on registering for a new date.
When is the deadline to change your SAT date?
If you need to cancel your SAT date, you will need to do so by the Thursday before your test date at 11:59 PM ET. You will receive a full refund, but know that you will also be charged a $34 cancellation fee. If you cancel after this deadline, you will be charged $44.
How can you reschedule your SAT?
To cancel and change your SAT date, you can log in to your My SAT account and select Cancel Registration from the “I would like to” menu. You may then select a new date to take the test.
To reschedule your SAT date, you need to:
- Log into your My SAT College Board account
- Select Cancel Registration from the “I would like to” menu
- Receive registration fee refund
- Pay $34 cancellation fee (or $44 for late cancellation)
- Register again for the new desired SAT date
You may also change other information through your My SAT account, including photo, address, high school information, score reports, or if you are testing with accommodations. If you wish to change your name, date of birth, or gender, you will need to contact SAT support.
How to know if you should change your SAT date
There are usually two reasons you may want to change your SAT date: you’re not prepared, or the date no longer works for your schedule.
1. You’re not prepared
If you’ve spent very little time studying for the SAT or haven’t taken any practice tests, it may be worth reconsidering your exam day. While some colleges are now test-optional, a strong SAT score can still boost your college acceptance odds. If you’re choosing to take this test, you want to make sure it reflects your abilities and effort rather than a rushed attempt.
That being said, feeling unprepared is different from feeling nervous. Test anxiety has a way of getting the better of us, but don’t let that be the reason you delay your SAT, especially if you’ve been studying for months. You might not feel ready, but if you’ve been preparing, you’ve got this.
However, if you truly haven’t had the time to prepare, canceling and rescheduling allows you more time to study so that you can show up to test day feeling more confident.
2. You have a scheduling conflict
Life happens—and sometimes an unavoidable scheduling conflict coincides with your SAT exam. It could be a school event, a family commitment, an illness, or another obligation that just cannot be moved. If you won’t be able to make the SAT date, it is best to reschedule. When choosing a new date, give yourself enough time to prepare and plan with future commitments in mind so you avoid cancellation fees.
Consider your college application before changing your SAT date
If you are wanting your SAT scores to be considered with your college application, then you will need to submit them before a certain date. For students applying Regular Decision, this often means December is the latest test date that schools will accept. If you are applying under Early Action or Early Decision, you may even need your scores a bit earlier. Scheduling your exam too late could mean that your scores aren’t released in time for schools to review with your application.
Because certain schools have different testing policies, it’s important to check with the admissions department in advance. Some schools have rolling admissions and accept SAT scores by a later date, while others are test-optional and do not require or even consider SAT scores at all.
Should you change your SAT date?
Changing your SAT date only takes a few steps—log into your College Board account, cancel your current exam, and register for a new test date. However, before making the change, it’s worth pausing to consider if it is the best option for your goals and preparedness.
Take a moment to think about your readiness and if your new date lines up with upcoming college deadlines. While there are fees that come with rescheduling, it’s important to choose an SAT date that allows you to fully prepare and feel more confident so you can perform your best. Whatever you choose, make a decision that sets you up for success.
Did you know that many colleges and universities release accepted students’ scores? Using College Raptor’s College Match tool, you can see how you stack up against students who were just accepted to your dream school and know what goals to aim for yourself.
