Key takeaways
- When searching for a testing location for the SAT or ACT, consider how far away the center is, how familiar it is to you, and what test dates are available at each one.
- To register for the SAT or ACT, you’ll need a College Board account or a MyACT account.
- While studying and taking practice tests are important steps in preparing for the SAT or ACT, it’s just as important to plan for test day by gathering required materials, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced breakfast on the morning of the test.
Ever ask yourself where you can take the SAT or ACT? These tests are conducted at various high schools, colleges, universities, and places across the country. The educational institutions where the tests are held are called test centers. Every state has one or more SAT/ACT test centers, depending on its population. Let’s look at what’s new with the SAT and ACT, as well as how to choose your testing location and what dates are available in 2026.
But first… what’s new with the SAT and ACT in 2026?
SAT in 2026:
The SAT has officially transitioned from the classic paper test to a fully digital format. The test is now shorter (only 2 hours, 14 minutes), more secure, and adapts based on student performance.
ACT in 2026:
The ACT is now offered in both digital and paper formats. The test is shorter with fewer questions, which means students get more time per question.
How to find your SAT or ACT test centers
- You can find the complete list of SAT testing centers using College Board’s online test center locator.
- You can find the list of ACT test centers using the search feature on the ACT website.
- Once you’ve located the testing centers around your area, choose where you should take the test. Here are three factors to take into consideration when deciding where to take your SAT/ACT:
1. Proximity to the center
When you look up the test centers in your state, you will find that they are scattered at various locations around the state, with some much closer to you than others. As a general rule, it’s always better to choose a test center that’s closest to you. That way, you don’t have to worry about leaving home several hours in advance to ensure you make it there on time.
The day of the test can be stressful, so anything you can do to lower your stress levels helps. Choosing the nearest test center can help you stay more relaxed, and more relaxed students tend to perform better on their exams.
In some cases, the nearest center might still be a long drive from home. In this instance, you will want to plan ahead about how you will get there on test day. Maybe you consider booking a hotel close to the test center, you meal prep breakfast in advance, or you do a practice drive ahead of time to make sure you do not arrive late.
2. Familiarity with the center
Are you familiar with any of the test centers? This can actually make a difference. Imagine walking into an unfamiliar building and spending time looking for the room where the test is being held. One wrong turn could cause unnecessary stress as you try to find your bearings.
When you’re familiar with the center, you know exactly how to get to the location from home. Once inside the building, you’ll feel less stressed if you know how to get to the room where the test is being held. If your high school is one of the centers, that may be your first choice, so you already feel comfortable in the location you’re testing at.
If you are not familiar with any of the buildings listed, it may be a good idea to take some time to check out the center ahead of time so you can focus on the exam and not get lost on the day of the test.
3. Available test dates
While there may be plenty of test centers around you, they might not all offer the test date you want. Before registering, you should check which test centers are available on the specific date you plan to take your exam. It’s important to look at test center availability ahead of time to save you from limited options and reduce unnecessary stress.
How to register for the SAT or ACT
SAT registration
To register for the SAT, you’ll first need a College Board account. You’ll then need to choose a date that works for you. The 2026 SAT spring and summer test dates are:
- March 14, 2026 (register by February 27)
- May 2, 2026 (register by April 17)
- June 6, 2026 (register by May 22)
These are confirmed fall SAT dates, but registration is not yet open:
- August 22, 2026
- September 12, 2026
- October 3, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- December 5, 2026
Please note the following about SAT registration fees:
- The SAT costs $68, although some students may be eligible for a fee waiver.
- If you change your test center or cancel, the fee is $34.
- If you register late, the fee is $38.
- If you cancel after the change deadline, the fee is $44.
ACT registration
To register for the ACT, you’ll first need a MyACT account. You’ll then need a computer, photo ID, and a credit card to register. The current 2026
- April 11, 2026 (register by March 6)
- June 13, 2026 (register by May 8)
- July 11, 2026 (register by June 5)
- September 19, 2026 (register by August 14)
- October 17, 2026 (register by September 11)
- December 12, 2026 (register by November 6)
Please note the following about ACT registration fees:
- The ACT costs $68 for English, math, and reading sections.
- The optional writing portion is an additional $25.
- The optional science portion is an additional $4.
- The late registration fee is $40.
- To change your test day or test center, the fee is $48.
- Some students may qualify for the ACT Fee Waiver Program.
Preparing for your exam
Once you’ve chosen your date and test center and have registered successfully for the SAT and/or ACT, it’s time to prepare. Keep these tips in mind leading up to test day:
- Take practice tests: You can take free practice tests from College Board and act.org. Taking these tests in advance will help you get familiar with what’s on the exam and help with pacing.
- Know what to bring on test day: Have everything you need ready to go before test day—electronics, eligible calculator, photo ID, admission ticket, and pencils.
- Take care of yourself: Make sure you get a good night’s rest before test day and eat a well-balanced meal the morning of the test. The last thing you want is to feel tired, hungry, or unfocused while taking an important test.
Confidence starts with preparation
Preparing for the SAT and ACT isn’t just about studying—it’s also about planning ahead. When you take the time to choose a date and test center that works for you, the day becomes less stressful. Prepare confidently, do your best, and know that this one test doesn’t define your future.
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