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Mark Your Calendars: SAT and ACT Testing Dates for 2022-2023

ByAimee Heller

The College Board and ACT have released the full schedule of SAT and ACT testing dates for the 2022-2023 school year, so be sure to mark your calendars appropriately!

ACT Test Dates

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
September 10, 2022 August 5 August 19
October 22, 2022 September 16 September 30
December 10, 2022 November 4 November 11
February 11, 2023 January 6 January 20
April 15, 2023 March 10 March 24
June 10, 2023 May 5 May 19
July 15, 2023 June 16 June 23

SAT Test Dates

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
August 27, 2022 July 29 August 16
October 1, 2022 September 2 September 20
November 5, 2022 October 7 October 25
December 3, 2022 November 3 November 22
March 11, 2023 February 10 February 28
May 6, 2023 April 7 April 25
June 3, 2023 May 4 May 23

The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the increasing number of students who are choosing to take either the SAT or the ACT even though many colleges are not requiring the standardized tests as part of the application process. Students are taking these tests in a bid to separate themselves from other applicants.

Prepare for the SAT and ACT Testing Dates by Creating a Study Plan

As college counselors, students often ask us, “Which test should I take?” The answer is that all colleges accept either the SAT or ACT and there is no one right choice. Which test a student takes depends entirely on what works best for them.

To get an idea of what each exam is like, which subject areas may need extra attention, and which test is the best fit, we recommend that all students begin with a diagnostic test for both the ACT and the SAT. These are available online, through tutoring services, or in test prep books. Review the pros and cons of both tests, including format, timing, and performance (you can compare your score on each test here) and then, choose one. Students should then work hard to master the content, format, pacing, and question style. Once you have properly gauged your test-taking abilities, plan to dedicate at least three months to preparing for your chosen exam, the SAT or ACT. Since students usually take these exams for the first time in the fall of their junior year, summer after sophomore year is a great time to start test prep. A test prep plan may include:

  • Using the free resources at khanacademy.org/sat for the SAT or https://cloud.e.act.org/free-practice-act-test for the ACT
  • Self-administering timed practice tests regularly
  • Establishing realistic score and performance goals
  • Purchasing test prep books and flash cards
  • Meeting with a knowledgeable tutor for extra practice and motivation
  • Setting aside a specific block of time each week for studying
  • Reviewing familiar, foundational concepts that may come up on the test in an unfamiliar way

Half the battle of standardized tests is understanding what the questions are asking and eliminating wrong answers. Student should not expect to ace the exam on the first try! Since most colleges allow a student to “superscore” their ACT or SAT (i.e., use the best score in each section across all test dates), retakes are a great option. There are no limits to how many times a student can take each exam – we recommend most students take the SAT or ACT more than once, with three takes being the norm for our students; we do not believe that colleges prefer a “one and done” strategy.

Students should give themselves time to execute their study plan. Consider selecting a date that allows at least three months for study. International College Counselors recommends students plan to finish their standardized testing by the start of their senior year. This will give them more time to focus on their college applications, which are due as early as October of senior year.

An ICC Tip for SAT and ACT Registration: Register early.

Registering early helps ensure that students will not incur late fees. You will also have a better chance to reserve a spot on your test date and for the testing location of choice. SAT and ACT testing dates and registration deadlines are listed on both the ACT and College Board websites; however, keep in mind that deadlines usually fall about a month prior to the testing day, so plan to register as far in advance as possible. Also, students who receive accommodations should meet with their school counselor since additional paperwork from your school will be needed.