Registering for the SAT

How do I sign up for the SAT?

You can register for the SAT at collegeboard.org. If you took the PSAT, you probably have a CollegeBoard account that you can use to register. The registration process can be a bit lengthy. Many of the questions are just for internal research purposes, so don’t sweat the details too much! Be sure to carefully pick the correct test date, location, and accommodations (if applicable).

When is the SAT?

The SAT is hosted several times per year. National Tests are open to all students. Most years, the SAT hosts National Tests in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. Also, if you have special testing accommodations, talk to your counselor to find a test date and location that can meet your needs. Your school may also host a special in-school test on a separate date. Find a prep course that prepares you for your preferred test date.

How do I get extended time on the SAT?

When you register for the SAT, you should get an opportunity to enter information about your 504 plan or IEP. If you have any trouble entering that information, you can call CollegeBoard directly or speak to your college counselor. If you don’t already qualify for these accommodations, you’ll have to go through a lengthy process to qualify. Talk to your college counselor or learning specialist to see if that’s worthwhile.

In a Capstone course, all of our diagnostic tests are proctored with your qualified accommodations (learn more).

When I register for the SAT, should I submit my scores to college?

You will most likely submit your SAT scores to colleges at some point. However, it’s important that you submit them at the correct time! When you initially register for the SAT, do not submit your scores to any colleges until you actually see how your score. Sending the scores before actually taking the test is way too risky, especially when many schools don’t require you to submit all of your scores.

When you work with Capstone, we will advise you on when and how to submit your test scores to colleges (check out our college admissions program).

SAT Test Day

What time does the SAT start? Where is it?

The SAT is typically hosted on Saturday mornings at local high schools. For most Saturday tests, you should arrive at your test center at 7:45am. You should check your admission to be sure of the exact date, time, and location.

What should I bring to the SAT?

You are required to bring a charged device, pencil, calculator, your printed admission ticket, and a photo ID. Make sure your charged device has the SAT Bluebook app downloaded and that you’ve completed your test check-in before you arrive.

You should also bring water, snacks, a device charger, and comfortable clothing. Bring any allowed items that will make you more comfortable and confident in your testing setting!

What’s on the SAT?

The SAT is made up of 2 Verbal modules and 2 Math modules. Capstone students will recognize these exact sections from the diagnostic tests they took throughout their prep course.

When will my SAT be over?

Standard time testers should expect to be dismissed between 10:30am and 11:30am; Extended Time testers should expect to be dismissed between 11:30am and 12:30pm. The exact time depends on the site and proctor, so make sure you don’t have important obligations too early in the afternoon.

After the SAT

When do SAT scores come out? How do I get my SAT scores?

SAT scores are typically released the second Friday after the test date (13 days later). You can find your SAT scores at collegeboard.org. But don’t panic if that Friday passes and your scores aren’t released. Sometimes scores can be delayed. When in doubt, check your CollegeBoard account and/or call CollegeBoard customer service.

What’s a good SAT score?

A good SAT score depends on the student and the school! The best thing a student can do is set a goal. Students should base their goal off their starting scores and their college goals. It’s best to aim for a target score 100-200 points above your starting level (Capstone’s average score improvement is 160 points).

Students can find the average SAT score for admitted students at their target schools online. By hitting that goal, you aren’t guaranteed admission, but you'll increase your odds of being accepted and earning scholarship funds.

Can I take the SAT again? How many times can I take the SAT?

Most students take the SAT more than once! In fact, you can technically take the SAT as many times as you’d like, but admissions officers agree that you should aim to take the SAT two or three times before submitting college applications. For schools that allow Superscoring, you can submit the highest sections from individual test administrations.

How do I improve my SAT score?

For Capstone students, when you get your SAT score, email your director to let us know how did. We’re here to help all of our students until they have completed their testing journey! If you aim to improve your score more, we can invite you to refresher classes, make you a study plan, or pass along practice materials.

For students who haven’t prepared yet: Join Capstone for your SAT Prep. Learn more about our approach that helps students improve their score by an average of 160 points.