Entrance exams
Learn what’s required when taking the ACT and SAT
What is a college entrance exam?
The American College Testing (ACT) and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) are entrance exams that are used by some colleges and universities to assess a student’s college readiness. Tests are usually taken in your junior and senior years of high school and are administered in one sitting over the course of a few hours.
Do I have to take an entrance exam to be admitted to college?
Not all colleges and universities require the SAT or ACT. In recent years, more schools have decided to make the tests optional as these often tell an incomplete story about a student’s ability to succeed in college. All three public universities in Arizona - ASU, NAU and Arizona - are “test blind,” meaning that the schools don't factor in a test score or lack of one in admission decisions.
If they are not required, what’s the point in taking entrance exams?
There are still benefits to taking a college entrance exam. Even if a college or university does not require the tests, many recommend sending your scores, as strong scores can impact your eligibility for scholarships and other merit-based financial aid.
Upcoming ACT exams
2026-2027 Test Dates
|
Test Date
|
Registration Deadline (Late fee applies after this date)
|
Late Deadline
|
Photo Upload & Standby Deadline
|
Initial Score Release
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 19, 2026
|
August 14
|
September 1
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September 14
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October 6
|
|
October 17, 2026
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September 11
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September 29
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October 12
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October 27
|
|
December 12, 2026
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November 6
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November 29
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December 7
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December 22
|
|
February 27, 2027
|
January 22
|
February 9
|
February 22
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March 16
|
|
April 10, 2027
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March 5
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March 23
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April 5
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April 20
|
|
June 12, 2027
|
May 7
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May 25
|
June 7
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June 22
|
|
July 10, 2027
|
June 4
|
June 22
|
July 5
|
July 20
|
Upcoming SAT exams
August 2026- June 2027 Test Dates
|
SAT Test Date*
|
Registration Deadline
|
Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration**
|
|---|---|---|
|
August 22, 2026
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August 7
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August 11
|
|
September 12, 2026
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August 28
|
September 1
|
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October 3, 2026
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September 18
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September 22
|
|
November 7, 2026
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October 23
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October 27
|
|
December 5, 2026
|
November 20
|
November 24
|
|
March 6, 2027
|
February 19
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February 23
|
|
May 1, 2027
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April 16
|
April 20
|
|
June 5, 2027
|
May 21
|
May 25
|
*Students who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day.
**Late registration is available worldwide. Additional fees apply.
College entrance exams
ASU ACT/SAT school codes
ACT: 0088
SAT: 4007
Entrance exams
NAU ACT/SAT school codes
ACT: 0086
SAT: 4006
Arizona ACT/SAT school codes
ACT: 0096
SAT: 4832