Upcoming ACT, SAT Test Dates and What to Know Before Taking the Exam

Are you getting ready to take the ACT or SAT exam? Since last spring, taking the ACT or SAT exam has brought on new challenges including closed testing centers, canceled exams, or limited test dates and student capacity due to COVID-19. This has often resulted in frustrating experiences for students. 

To cut through the confusion, we’ve outlined testing dates for upcoming ACT and SAT exams, along with some frequently-asked questions you may have about testing center availability, social distancing guidelines, and when scores are available.

Here are the upcoming ACT and SAT test dates for 2021:

How will I know if my test day changes?

According to the ACT FAQ page, “ACT sends out daily communications to examinees when a change at their test center impacts their registration” such as the testing center is closed or has a reduction in capacity, or the test taker was registered at an unlisted test center which was established only to test specific examinees.  

Test takers can request a free change through your MyACT account, or complete a form to request a refund of your test registration fees.

For those taking the SAT, refer to the College Board test center closings page to see if your testing center is closed. The College Board also reaches out to you in the event that your testing center is closed. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date to ensure you receive all text or email notifications and updates about potential testing center closures.

My school is closed and doing remote learning. Can I still take the exam there?

Schools serving as test centers still have the option of administering the ACT or SAT test, even if they are closed and doing remote learning for their students. Both ACT and College Board are working closely with testing centers and will be communicating the status of testing centers for upcoming test dates.

Will I be required to follow social distancing guidelines?

Yes, test takers will be required to follow all CDC-recommended guidelines for social distancing at all test centers. These include:

• Face coverings must be worn by students and staff at all times when inside of the test facility. You will be prohibited from entering the testing facility without a face covering. Masks will not be provided by the test center. 
• Hand sanitizer is available and recommended for use.
• Students must maintain six feet distance at key locations such as check-in and seating arrangements. 
• Health screenings and wellness checks are required for both testing staff and examinees on test day. A series of questions will be asked of examinees, such as if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, potential symptoms you are experiencing, exposure to anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, or anyone displaying COVID-19-related symptoms. 

I registered to take the exam, but am under quarantine due to potential exposure to COVID-19. Am I able to reschedule the exam at no cost?

Yes—log into your MyACT account and make a test change at no fee. For the SAT, you will be able to transfer your registration to another test date at no charge through March 2, 2021. If you prefer to cancel your registration, you will be issued a full refund by contacting customer service. 

When will my scores be released?

For the ACT exam, scores are posted online, added multiple times a week, and can be accessed using your MyACT account. 

Learn more about when SAT scores will be released.

Need help preparing for the ACT or SAT exam? Check out Peterson’s ACT test prep or SAT test prep to help you ace the exam.