SAT Sign-Up: A Complete 7-Step Guide (With Pictures)
- You can register for the SAT online or by mail.
- The standard registration fee for the SAT is $60.
- You’ll need a photo ID to sign up for the SAT to help verify your identity on test day.
- There is a cancellation fee, so pick your test date and center carefully.
Many U.S. colleges use the SAT or ACT, in addition to materials like essays and transcripts, to help determine whether an applicant is a good fit. Some institutions, like Georgetown University, require students to take the SAT or ACT to be considered for admission.
When you should take the SAT depends on your schedule, score goals, and commitments. Often, students take the test multiple times to try for a higher score. As such, it’s important you know how to sign up for the SAT and what to expect in terms of registration fees.
Do You Register for the SAT Online or by Mail?
Students can register for the SAT either online or by mail. Registering online is a faster, easier, and more popular way to register. If you can’t register online, you can register by mail. Note, however, that you must request a registration booklet from the College Board or a school counselor.
There are a few situations that might require students to register by mail. For example, a test-taker may register by mail if they can only pay the fee with cash or check.
Eligible students can also apply for SAT accommodations with the College Board. Accommodations must be approved before a student registers for the SAT.
How to Register Online for the SAT in 7 Easy Steps
While low-income students may be eligible for waivers, the standard fee for the SAT is $60. Be sure to register on time since there is a hefty late fee. Here’s a quick overview of all the fees associated with SAT sign-up:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| SAT Registration Fee | $60 |
| Change Test Center | $25 |
| Cancel Registration | $25 |
| Cancel Registration Late | $35 |
| Late Registration | $30 |
Source: The College Board
1. Create a College Board Account
To register online for the SAT, create an account with the College Board. It’s best to do this on a personal computer so you can remain logged in. If you’re using a public computer, make sure you have a safe connection.
Regardless, use a strong password and write it down. You’ll use the same account to access your SAT scores and register for future tests, if desired.
2. Visit the SAT Registration Page, and Click “Register Now”
Once you’ve created your College Board account, you can begin the SAT registration process. Log in, go to the SAT suite, and then navigate to the College Board’s SAT registration page. Click the “Register Now” button.
If you’d like to know which tests you can register for, scroll down to see a list of the next three deadlines.
3. Enter Your Personal Information
Next, you’ll need to enter your personal information. The main thing you need to have ready for this section is a digital photo or copy of your ID. You must submit these materials because test administrators will need to confirm your identity when you take the SAT.
You may also be asked for information like your GPA, academic interests, and household income.
4. Select Your Test Date and Test Center
You can use the SAT test center search tool to look for a test date and center by zip code. You can also search by state, city, and distance from your location.
Many students elect to take the SAT at their school if that option is available. Taking the exam at your high school might help you feel more comfortable on test day since you’re more familiar with the environment. If their school is not an option, students usually choose the most convenient test center.
Once you find a test date and center that fits your schedule, click “Register for the SAT.”
5. Upload Your Photo
You’ll now be asked to upload a photo of yourself. On the day of the test, your SAT administrator will compare the photo you upload to your photo ID for security purposes. The photo you upload should meet the following requirements:
- Both of your eyes must be visible
- The photo can only include you (the test-taker)
- The picture must be clear and depict you in focus
- It cannot include digital alterations, like a filter
- Your head must be uncovered, other than for religious purposes
6. Add Optional Services and Practice Materials
Toward the end of SAT registration, you can choose to add answer services for an additional $16 and/or SAT practice materials for $29.99.
“Answer Services” refers to the option to review answers after the test. This also lets you see each question’s difficulty, even though it has no bearing on your final SAT score. The main purpose of choosing this option is to help you prepare for future tests.
That said, SAT practice materials are, in essence, a study guide. Usually, it is best to find a cheaper, albeit high-quality, SAT prep guide online. Your local library might also have free study guides available.
7. Review Your Order and Confirm Your SAT Registration
The last step is to review and confirm your order, and then pay $60 for your SAT registration. Make sure all your information matches what’s on your ID, especially your name.
At this point, you can use an SAT fee waiver if you have one. Low-income students in 11th or 12th grade may be eligible to receive a waiver. For more information, contact your high school counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Registration
Students can cancel their SAT registration, but there is a deadline and fee. You can cancel your registration through your online College Board account. Simply access your SAT account and select the registration you want to cancel.
Then, from the menu, select “Cancel Registration.” While students technically receive a full refund, there is a cancellation fee of $25 before the deadline and $35 after.
Each SAT test date has a late registration deadline. The deadlines for late registration and regular cancellation typically occur 10 days before the test. After the late registration deadline, it is officially too late to sign up for that test date.
However, you can look at other available dates. In the U.S., the SAT is administered seven times each year. The College Board website lists testing schedules so you can plan ahead.
Registering for the SAT costs $60, and the late fee is $30. So, in total, it would cost $90 to register late for the SAT. Late registration with a fee waiver is allowed at no extra charge.