SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

As the year begins to transition into fall, you likely have going back to school on the brain. But August is also a great time to take your SAT—you can get it done before application deadlines, it'll give you lots of time to study, and even time to take it again if your score isn't where you'd like it to be.

In this article, we'll give you all the information you need to figure out if the August SAT date is right for you. We'll tell you when it is, when scores are released, and even how to prepare for this test so you can do your best.

Feature image: Karen Arnold/Pixabay

When Is the August SAT?

Here's the schedule for the August SAT, including all of the dates you should know about if you plan to take it. These dates have been confirmed by the College Board.

*These are anticipated dates released by The College Board. We will update these test dates when The College Board releases the finalized dates.

The fee for the August SAT is $60. (If you're an international student, you will have an additional fee on top of this—this article has more international student SAT fee information.)

Fee waivers are available for many students—consult the College Board requirements for fee waivers to see if you qualify.

To take the August SAT in 2023, you should be registered by July 28, 2023. Late registration is available until August 15 and carries an extra $30 fee.

NOTE: The College Board has suspended the SAT waitlist at least through the 2022-2023 school year. This means that the late registration deadline (in this case July 29) is the final day to register for the SAT. Registering later than that is not possible. For updates on when the College Board reinstates the SAT waitlist, check our SAT waitlist article.

When Are the August SAT Scores Available?

Once you've taken your test, another important question arises—when will you get your scores?

The expected score release date for the August SAT is September 8, 2023. Scores are sent to colleges within 10 days of release, meaning scores should be to your colleges of choice by September 20 at the latest.

You can also call the College Board to receive your scores by phone or by mail, but both options incur an additional cost.

Sometimes, scores may run late. There's a variety of reasons why this may happen, but if for some reason your scores are delayed, you can contact the College Board to find out why.

However, even if your scores do come in late, it's not likely that it will impact your college applications. Most application deadlines are in the fall, so even if your scores run a little late, they will most likely reach your college before the deadline.

Pros and Cons of Taking the SAT in August

Like all SAT dates, the August SAT date has some pros and cons. Weighing whether or not this is the right date for you is ultimately a personal decision, but here are some pros and cons to help you figure out if August is the right time for you to take the SAT.

Pros

Your Scores Will Arrive On Time for Early Action and Early Decision

If you're applying early action or early decision, the August SAT date is one of the last opportunities you'll have to take the test and get your scores in on time. Deadlines for early action and early decision are typically in the fall. So, if your scores arrive by mid-September, as they're expected to, you will generally have no problem meeting these application deadlines.

You'll Get Your SAT Done Before You Need to Apply

If you take the SAT in August of your junior year, you'll be able to focus your attention on applications rather than on studying in the fall.

You'll Have More Time and Flexibility

Taking the test in the summer—even the late summer—gives you more time to retake the test if you want to improve your score. You can take the test again in October, or multiple times if it's your junior year.

Cons

Studying May Be Difficult

Depending on how long you plan to study for the August SAT, you may end up running into conflict schedules with studying for AP tests, your finals, or even just your summer activities. Taking the SAT in summer is still a commitment, so be sure that you plan your study time accordingly.

August SAT Recap

Here's all of the important stuff you need to know. First, the date of the August SAT is August 26, 2023. To take this test without an additional fee, you'll need to register by the July 28 deadline. If you miss that deadline, you can sign up (and pay a late fee) until August 15. 

Scores will be released September 8, and ten days after that they'll be sent to colleges. As long as your college application deadline is September 20 or later, your scores will arrive in time.

What's Next?

Going into senior year of high school? Make sure to check out our articles on preparing for the SAT the summer before and the fall of senior year as well as the best scholarships for high school seniors.

What other SAT test dates are available this year? Find out with our continually-updated SAT test date post.

To do well on the SAT, you need to make sure you're studying with high-quality materials. Get access to free official SAT practice tests here.

What is a "good" or "bad" SAT score? It depends on what your goals are! Learn how to calculate your personal target SAT score and get tips on how to achieve it.