Standardized Testing - 2026-2027 - SAT/ACT Test Dates & Score Policies

Sep 14, 2026

Standardized Testing guidance explains how test-optional policies affect college applications and outlines common scenarios where scores may still be required, including appeals and the potential need for additional writing supplements. It details SAT scoring on a 1600 scale, recommends superscore usage, and contrasts with Score Choice approaches. The document also covers the enhanced ACT format and provides official 2026–2027 SAT and ACT test date tables, registration deadlines, and guidance on submitting official scores directly to colleges.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Test-Optional Admissions Overview

When Scores Are Still Required

Appeals and Application Impact

Digital SAT

Superscoring and Score Choice

SAT Test Dates (2026-2027)

The Enhanced ACT

ACT Format Changes and Composite Scores

ACT Test Dates (2026-2027)

Official Score Submission

STANDARDIZED TESTING 2026-2027 The vast majority of colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies. Some competitive programs such as Nursing, Business, or Engineering still require test scores. If your college/program requires scores and you are unable to provide them, many colleges will consider appeals for test-optional applications on a case by case basis. Visit [https://fairtest.org/university/optional](https://fairtest.org/university/optional) for a list of colleges who have test-optional policies. As always, it is best to visit individual college websites for the most relevant information. Counselors will be available to help you make informed decisions about your applications while considering the impact of sharing/not sharing your scores. Be aware that if you choose not to send your scores, some colleges require an additional writing supplement, while other components of your application carry more weight. Digital SAT Scoring for the SAT is on a 1600 point scale, with the Math and Reading sections scored between 200 and 800. We recommend using a “superscore” when asked to give your SAT scores. This allows you to submit your highest score from each section, across multiple test dates. Most colleges will use the “superscore” when evaluating you for admission. On the other hand, some colleges will only look at your highest test date, disregarding the fact that you may have a better score in math on another test date. This leads to the topic of College Board’s program called “Score Choice”. We encourage you to research this program on their website at [http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-score-choice](http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-score-choice. The)[. The](http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-score-choice. The) program allows you to send only your highest test date to colleges, and disregard the test date(s) where you may have performed poorly, with the notion that colleges will not see those poor test dates. This doesn’t favor many students because most students will superscore from multiple test dates to reach their highest possible total. Additionally, College Board has publicized the score policy that each college follows in this PDF packet: [http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf](http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf. Here you)[. Here you](http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf. Here you) can review what each college plans to do with your scores (whether you like/chose it or not): review your highest section, review your highest test date, require all scores from all test dates, etc. Bottom line: It is in the student’s best interest to submit ALL scores. 2026-2027 SAT Test Dates | Test Date | Regular Registration Closes | Late Registration / Deadline for Changes | | --- | --- | --- | | August 22, 2026 | August 7, 2026 | August 11, 2026 | | September 12, 2026 | August 28, 2026 | September 1, 2026 | | October 3, 2026 | September 18, 2026 | September 22, 2026 | | November 7, 2026 | October 23, 2026 | October 27, 2026 | | December 5, 2026 | November 20, 2026 | November 24, 2026 | | March 6, 2027 | February 19, 2027 | February 23, 2027 | | May 1, 2027 | April 16, 2027 | April 20, 2027 | | June 5, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | If you have registered for either the SAT or the ACT we highly recommend that you double check that the test is still being administered . When tests are cancelled you should receive an email, but it is advisable to double check the SAT and ACT registration websites or with the school that is administering the test . The Enhanced ACT Most colleges will accept the ACT in lieu of the SAT. After reviewing your ACT score on the Concordance Table ( [https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/act-sat-concordance.html](https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-ac

FAQs

What should applicants do if their college program requires test scores but they cannot provide them?

Many colleges consider appeals for test-optional applications case by case. Review each college’s specific policy and consult counselors for guidance.

How does SAT superscoring affect admission evaluation?

Superscoring allows students to submit the highest score from each section across multiple test dates. Many colleges use superscoring, while others may only consider the highest single test date.

What changes define the Enhanced ACT, and which sections count in the composite score?

The Enhanced ACT rollout began in 2025 and students can take it on paper or online with a shorter format. Writing and science are optional, and only English, Math, and Reading are included in the composite score.

Sep 14, 2026

Upload by Lucas Vance