What is the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)?

The SAT is a test run by the College Board that is necessary for admission to many American universities. It has a Reading and Writing aptitude component and a Math section. Not every school requires it, but it’s better to be prepared by taking the test in case that one school you want to attend does require it.

You should read through the College Board website to find out about how the test is structured and how to take the test. The test is taken on your laptop in a testing centre. You must bring ID. Each section is divided into 2 modules, and there is a 10 minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Based on how you perform on the first module, the second module will either be more difficult or less difficult.

If you are in grade 12:

If you want to apply to American schools, you will want to take the test in time to meet the regular admission dates to US universities and colleges, which are generally in early January, 2026.

Test date                Registration date             Late registration date              Score release date
Oct 4, 2025              Sept 19, 2025                        Sept 23, 2025                                  Oct 17, 2025
Nov 8, 2025             Oct 24, 2025                         Oct 28, 2025                                     Nov 21, 2025
Dec 6, 2025              Nov 21, 2025                         Nov 25, 2025                                    Dec 19, 2025

Register for the SAT here. Find your local testing center here. Register early because spots do fill up.

Before you take the test, it is advisable to build a study plan and do some practice tests. You can practice at the Khan Academy site but you should also take some practice tests using the College Board’s Bluebook app. You should download the Bluebook app and take practice tests to find out what testing strategies work best for you. For instance, should you flag a question if you can’t answer it in the first 30 seconds and come back to it later, or does that throw off your timing?

To set up your account with the College Board, go here.

After you take a practice test in Bluebook, you can review your answers, the correct answers and a review button that breaks down each answer choice in the My Practice section of your College Board account. For every official SAT practice test, Khan Academy also has a matching review course to walk you through each question. Not only can you read through a detailed answer explanation, but you can also jump immediately to a lesson that covers the skills you need to answer similar questions in the future.

If you are in grade 11:

It is recommended to start preparing for your exam 6 months ahead. This means if you are taking the test next year it is recommended to start studying now. Here are the test dates for fall, 2026 and the recommended times to start studying for them:

Test date                       Begin studying
Sept 12, 2026                  Start June 2025
Oct 3, 2026                     Start July 2025
Nov 7, 2026                     Start Sept 2025
Dec 5, 2026                    Start October, 2025

You can study on your own, using the online resources provided by the College Board and Khan Academy mentioned above or with a local tutor, or the Princeton Review’s online tutoring.