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ACT & SAT College Entrance Exams

ACT & SAT College Entrance Exams

If you are planning to go to a four-year college, you may want or need to take the SAT or the ACT. In Washington State, most colleges are now test-optional. This means you are not required to take the SAT or ACT in order to apply for admission, and you will not be penalized for not taking the tests.

What are the ACT & SAT?

The ACT and SAT are standardized tests used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most students take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of their junior year, then retake in the fall of their senior year with the intent of improving the score. Students are responsible for registering for the test and sending any test scores. Register early to help ensure a convenient testing date and location and include any college or university you want your scores sent to when you register. You can also send scores at a later time. If you receive testing accommodations at school, you may be eligible for accommodations on the ACT or SAT. Contact your school counselor for more information.

  • Test Date Regular Registration Deadline (Late Fee Applies After This Date) Late Registration Deadline
    October 18, 2025 September 12 September 30
    December 13, 2025 November 7 November 24
    February 14, 2026 January 9 January 23
    April 11, 2026 March 6 March 24
    June 13, 2026 May 8 May 29
    July 11, 2026 June 5 June 24


    ACT Testing Information

    Register for the ACT and View Full Testing Schedule

  • SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation and Late Registration
    November 8, 2025 October 24 October 28
    December 6, 2025 November 21 November 25
    March 14, 2026 February 27 March 3
    May 2, 2026 April 17 April 21
    June 6 May 22 May 26

     

    Register for the SAT

    Full Testing Schedule

  • Both SAT and ACT testing organizations offer lots of resources to help you prepare and study. Both also offer preparatory tests you can take early. Your local library has books that can help you prepare. And if you don’t do well the first time, don’t panic — you can retake the tests to try to raise your score.

    1. Take the classes through your high school PSTA -  SAT Prep Classes are available in the fall and in the spring. Ask your school counselor for the dates. Read how to interpret your PSTA scores.
    2. Use Khan Academy - Khan Academy collaborates with College Board to offer free, online SAT prep program. You can link you Khan Academy account with your College Board account to get free, individualized prep for the SAT.
      Register at Khan Academy
    3. March2Success is a free, online resource hub, designed to empower users to boost their performance on critical standardized tests. Whether you're gearing up for state exit exams, college entrance exams, or the ASVAB military entrance test, they have you covered. Register at March2Success

  • These tests all require registration fees that can vary depending on the test options you choose. Check with your high school counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.

Overview: ACT

Overview: SAT