Choosing a suitable location to take the SAT or ACT can be a crucial step in your college admissions journey. As these standardized tests play a significant role in the application process, it is essential to find a testing center that offers convenience, a conducive environment, and a reliable administration of the exams.
However, with numerous testing centers scattered across different regions, you might wonder, “Where can I take the SAT or ACT?” This blog post explores various options and resources to help you locate the ideal testing center for your needs.
So whether you prefer a familiar spot or a new place to focus, we’ll help you find the perfect testing center to ace those exams!
Table of contents
Where Can I Take SAT?
To find specific test centers for the SAT, you can remember to check the available dates and the availability of seats at each test center. Also, we recommend that you register early enough to secure your preferred test date and center.
Here are the steps to locate test centers:
For the SAT:
- Visit the College Board website (collegeboard.org).
- Go to the SAT section of the website.
- Look for the “Register” or “Find Test Centers” option.
- Enter your location details, such as city, state, or ZIP code.
- The website will display a list of nearby test centers and their addresses.
Visit the official website of SAT
When Can I Take the SAT?
The SAT is administered seven times a year, typically on Saturdays, in the following months: March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. For precise dates, consult the most recent SAT date schedule.
Before the deadlines for college applications, we advise taking the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year and once more in the fall. Most students who repeat the SAT—and some do so more than once—improve their scores.
Thousands of locations across the country offer the SAT, many of which are high schools or colleges. However, not all exam centers are open on test days, and not all have the same seats.
Students frequently take the SAT in a familiar environment close to them. Find out if your school administers the SAT and, if so, what dates it offers. If your school is not a test location, pick the one that is open on the requested date and is the nearest to you. Use our online search engine to locate SAT locations.
SEE ALSO: Your Guide on How to Reschedule SAT Date in 2024
How Long Does it Take for SAT Scores to Be Reported?
You can check your SAT scores about 14 days after taking the test. The College Board makes scores available by 8 a.m. ET on each release date.
You’ll get an email when your SAT scores are available online. Go to Student Score Reports and sign in with the username and password associated with your College Board online account. You’ll also see your scores for any PSAT-related or SAT Subject Test.
How Long Does it Take for ACT Scores to Be Reported?
You should also be aware of any scholarship deadlines you are pursuing. It usually takes three to eight weeks before your test before your ACT scores are reported.
If you have taken the ACT Plus writing exam, you typically receive your scores in about 10 days.
What is most important is that students take the exam early enough. Schools will clarify the last test date for which they will accept scores.
See Also: The ACT and SAT Scores You Need to Get Into Harvard in 2024
Can I Change my SAT Test Date or Location?
Changing your SAT date or location is possible, but it depends on the policies and availability set by the College Board. Changing your registration date may require you to change your test center, and changing your testing center may also require changing your date.
Here are the general steps to change your SAT date or location:
- Log in to your College Board account on the official SAT website (collegeboard.org).
- Navigate to the SAT section of the website.
- Look for the “My SAT” or “My Test Registrations” option.
- Find the registration for the test you want to change and click on it.
- You should find options to modify your test date or location within the registration details.
- Follow the instructions provided to make the desired changes.
- Be aware that fees may be associated with changing your test date or location, especially if the deadline has passed or limited seats are available.
Read Also: Your Guide on How to Reschedule SAT Date in 2024
How Much Does SAT Cost?
The SAT base price includes the two main sections, Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and currently costs $60.
Other SAT fees may be incurred if you sign up during the late registration period, sign up by phone, or change an existing registration. Regional fees apply to students taking the SAT outside of the United States.
Every SAT registration includes free score reports to four schools. There are fees for additional score reports or further services such as rush ordering or score verification.
How Long is the SAT?
The SAT consists of two main sections: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The total duration of the test, including breaks, is approximately 3 hours and 5015 minutes.
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is 65 minutes long and contains reading comprehension questions, writing and language questions, and an optional essay. The Math section is also 65 minutes long and covers multiple-choice and grid-in questions.
In addition to the main sections, there is an optional 50-minute essay section called the SAT Essay.
There are two breaks during the exam: one 10-minute break after the first section (Reading) and one five-minute break after the third section (Math — No Calculator). Including breaks, the SAT is exactly three hours and 15 minutes long.
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How Much Does ACT Cost?
Based on the information on the ACT’s official website, here’s a rundown of how much the ACT costs.
| The full ACT (no writing) | $66.00 | Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided when you register). |
| The full ACT with writing | $91.00 | Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided when you register). More about the ACT with writing |
| Test option change | $25.00 | You may add or remove the writing test through the late deadline in MyACT. |
However, be reminded that the cost of taking the test and score reports are included in the ACT fee for both the standard ACT and the ACT with writing. The student, the high school where they are enrolled, and up to four colleges or universities of their choice will all receive copies of the score report.
The students must provide the four-digit identification code for each school when registering for these reports to be distributed to the four schools without additional cost.
How Long is the ACT?
Technically, the ACT lasts for 2 hours, 55 minutes. The exam lasts for three hours and thirty minutes, including breaks. The ACT Plus Writing test takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, or a little over 4 hours with breaks if you want to take the optional essay.
The ACT consists of 215 total questions, including 1 optional essay. There are 75 questions in the English part, 60 in the math section, and 40 in the reading and science areas.
FAQs On SAT and ACT
The SAT and ACT are primarily offered as in-person, paper-based exams.
Generally, you can choose any test centre that is available and convenient for you. However, checking each test center’s availability and registration deadlines is essential, as some centers may reach capacity quickly, especially during popular testing dates.
Changing your SAT date or location is possible, but it depends on the policies and availability set by the College Board.
The ACT is administered multiple times throughout the year. The exact dates for the ACT exams vary each year, but typically they are offered in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.
Conclusion
Finding a suitable testing centre for the SAT or ACT to ensure a smooth and stress-free examination experience. You can quickly locate authorized testing centers in your area by using the resources provided by the official test administrators, such as the College Board and ACT websites. Remember to factor in your convenience, accessibility, and the testing environment when deciding.
References
- USNews.com – ACT vs. SAT: How to Decide Which Test to Take
- Princetonreview.com – SAT vs ACT: Which Test is Right for You?
- Educations.com – Your Quick & Easy Guide to the SAT and ACT Exams for US Universities
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