SAT
Expanding Access to the SAT: Fall 2026 Registration is Now Open
Registration for SAT Weekend is now open for fall 2026 test dates, marking the start of a new testing season focused on greater flexibility, access, and a smoother experience. Registration for spring dates will open after the new school year begins, with availability expected in October.
As we look ahead to the start of the new school year, we’re introducing several enhancements to the testing experience based directly on feedback from students, families, and educators.
To make it easier for students to find a seat close to home, we’re rolling out two new features for SAT Weekend, Seat Reserve and Waitlist:
- Seat Reserve allows participating schools to hold a portion of seats for their own students, helping more students test in a familiar setting.
- The Waitlist gives students in the U.S. an option to preregister when nearby centers are full, automatically placing them into an open seat as one becomes available.
Together, these features will help reduce uncertainty in the registration process and give students more ways to find a seat.
New features are not the only way we’re increasing access to testing. In high-demand areas, we’ve added significant capacity at school testing locations, local colleges, hotels, and event centers. We’re also opening afternoon testing sessions in select U.S. regions and continuing to enhance the text-to-speech accommodations experience, shifting to center-based testing, to create a more consistent experience for students and simplify coordination for schools. We’ll share more information with coordinators about accommodations in the coming weeks.
Even with these investments, we know that demand can shift quickly. We’ll continue to monitor registration patterns in real time and add seats as they’re needed. If a convenient option isn’t available right away, students should check back or join the waitlist.
Beginning this fall, as part of our ongoing focus on providing a secure testing experience for all, verified mode will be required on all school-managed Chromebooks used for testing. Students should check with their schools in advance to make sure devices are properly configured. The SAT continues to be an intuitive digital testing experience delivered through the BluebookTM app, with built-in tools and a consistent format from practice to test day.
As always, a range of supports is available to help students prepare and participate. Students can access free, high-quality practice resources, including full-length digital practice tests, new peer-to-peer tutoring options in partnership with schoolhouse.world, and enhanced tailored practice. SAT fee waivers and device lending options are also available for eligible students. These supports help to ensure every student can take the SAT and show what they know.
Our goal is simple: make the SAT experience more accessible, flexible, and responsive to the needs of students and educators. We’ll continue gathering feedback after each administration to shape future enhancements for test takers and testing staff.