The SAT registration is an important step students must complete before they can take the exam. Generally, the registration process is straightforward and you can complete it with a few simple steps. Also, you have different options when registering for the SAT exam.
In this guide, we outline how to complete each step to make the registration process easier. In addition, we explain exactly what documents and further information you need when signing up for an SAT date.
Table of Contents
Step by step guide to the SAT registration
Firstly, we guide you through the different sign-up methods for the SAT exam.
Today, you can only register through the official College Board website. The College Board is the organisation that arranges the SAT dates and locations. Presently, you cannot complete the registration through email or by phone.
Below, we provide instructions about how to book and enroll for an SAT exam date online.
College board registration
According to the College Board website, getting registered through the online portal is the easiest way to book an SAT exam date. Generally, registering through this method takes around 30 minutes. But you can save your progress and return to complete it at any time.
Before starting the registration process, you will need an acceptable photo and a valid payment method. In addition, you must know your test centre location and preferred test date. These details are available on the College Board website.
Once you have these details ready, follow the steps to complete the SAT registration.
- Firstly, you must log in to your College Board account via the company homepage. Simply click the ‘Sign In’ button in the top right corner and enter your email and password.
- If you do not have a log in, you must create a new student account. To do this, click ‘Sign In’ from the homepage. Then, click ‘Create an Account. Next, you enter your name, address, email, college and date of birth. Also, you must enter your parent or guardian’s name and email address.
- Next, complete the online registration form. Here, you input your test location, and preferred date and upload your photo.
- Lastly, complete the necessary payment information and confirm.
- The College Board will then email all the important details about your SAT exam date.
Important registration requirements
Before you complete the registration process, you must check the College Board requirements.
These registration requirements must be accurate and valid when you register for the SAT exam. Any incorrect or unacceptable information can lead to a loss of exam fees. Also, you might not be able to sit the test on your chosen date with incorrect information.
To help students fill in the SAT registration accurately, we have a checklist below.
Acceptable photo
When you upload your photo for the registration process, make sure it meets the following criteria:
- You are easy to recognise.
- Your face, hair and eyes are clearly visible (exceptions are made for religious purposes).
- The background is light and visible and not too dark.
- No one else is in the photo.
- The image is not too dark.
- You are not too far away from the camera (your head and shoulders should be visible).
In addition, you have various options when you select a photo to upload. For instance, you can select an image from social media sites, such as Facebook or Twitter, as long as it meets the above requirements.
Alternatively, you can upload your image from your computer or laptop. However, the file must be a .jpg, .gif, or .png format.
Important personal details
Before you submit your registration, it is important to check all the information provided is accurate and correct. Failure to submit the correct information might lead to rescheduling or cancellation of your SAT exam date.
Below are some of the most important things to double-check when completing your registration form online.
- Enter your full, legal name, as it appears on your passport or ID document. The College Board uses your legal name on test day for identification purposes.
- Provide details of your current high school, college or place of education.
- Enter the exact date and name of the test centre where you want to take the exam.
- Ensure you have read, understood and accepted the College Board terms and conditions. The terms and conditions contain important information about payment, fees, cancellation, test rules and rescheduling.
- Provide acceptable test payment details. Currently, you can pay for the SAT exam online via credit card or PayPal.
Additional fees
When you register for the exam, you must pay a fee to secure your test spot on your chosen day and at your preferred test centre.
Currently, the SAT fee is $60 for US students. But, the fee ranges from $43 to $53 for international students, depending on location.
Also, be aware that additional fees can apply if the SAT registration criteria are not followed or if you need to change location or date.
Below are the important fees to be aware of when signing up for an SAT exam.
| Service | Additional Fee |
|---|---|
| Changing test centre location after registration. | $25 |
| Cancelling your registration | $25 |
| Late cancellation of registration | $35 |
| Late registration for an exam date | $30 |
What is the SAT exam?
Often, high-school students take the SAT exam as part of their college or higher education application. After taking the test, students can apply to colleges and universities with their SAT scores.
The SAT content includes questions on math, reading and writing and language. These sections test your ability to answer questions at an undergraduate level. Most questions are multiple-choice, while some of the math questions also require written answers.
Below, we outline the test structure and more details about the exam content.
| Test Section | Number of Questions | Task Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 52 | Multiple choice only | 65 minutes (1 hour and 5 minutes) |
| Writing and Language | 35 | Multiple choice only | 35 minutes |
| Math | 80 | Multiple choice and written answers | 80 minutes (1 hour and 20 minutes) |
| Total | 154 | N/A | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
Reading section
Firstly, students read five separate passages and respond to multiple choice questions in the reading part. Each text is around 500-750 words long.
The topics of each text vary. Two texts are a passage from a famous piece of fiction. The others are about social science, a topic of global interest and science.
For the answers, students have to show an understanding of the following areas:
- How the author uses evidence to make an argument.
- Identifying how words are used in context to show the author’s tone and argument.
- Analysing arguments and data in non-fiction texts.
Writing and language
In the writing and language section, students read four extracts and examine the structure, grammar and punctuation in each. You answer multiple choice questions about mistakes in the text and how they can be improved.
The texts are around 400-450 words and cover topics like careers, science, the humanities, and history and social studies.
After reading each text, you answer questions to show the following skills.
- How to Improve the expression of ideas by identifying weaknesses in evidence provided, organisation or how language is used.
- Use of correct English by finding noticeable errors in subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, or incorrect use of punctuation.
Math
Lastly, the math section has calculator and non-calculator questions. Mostly, students answer multiple-choice questions. But you need to respond in written form in the ‘grid in’ section by providing formulas and equations.
This part of the test is also divided into three separate parts:
- Heart of algebra, where you respond to math problems and answer questions on statistics and data.
- Advanced math topics based on equations by using math formulas, sums and expressions.
- Additional topics, such as geometry and trigonometry.
Who can take the test?
The College Board has very few SAT exam eligibility. As a result, most people of all ages and educational backgrounds can take the test.
However, the exam tests students’ ability to respond to questions at an undergraduate level. Due to this, a previous high-school level of education is generally needed to perform well in the exam.
Also, anyone taking the SAT exam must be able to pay the exam registration fee and be available to take the test on a chosen date. Failure to follow these steps can lead to a test cancellation, loss of fees and additional costs.
FAQs
When can I register for the SAT in 2024?
Currently, students can register for any available SAT exam dates in 2024. These are available on the College Board website and you must register three weeks before the exam date to avoid a late registration fee.
What are the registration requirements?
Some of the most important requirements include a valid identity photo, full and legal name, details of your school or educational facility and payment details.
What should I do if my registration does not work?
Sometimes, you might encounter problems when registering through the College Board website. If this occurs, ensure you have signed up with accurate and correct information, such as a valid email address. However, if problems continue, contact the College Board support team through its website.
