Entrance exams

purple bar

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
September 14
October 6
October 17, 2026
September 11
September 29
October 12
October 27
December 12, 2026
November 6
November 29
December 7
December 22
February 27, 2027
January 22
February 9
February 22
March 16
April 10, 2027
March 5
March 23
April 5
April 20
June 12, 2027
May 7
May 25
June 7
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
August 7
August 11
September 12, 2026
August 28
September 1
October 3, 2026
September 18
September 22
November 7, 2026
October 23
October 27
December 5, 2026
November 20
November 24
March 6, 2027
February 19
February 23
May 1, 2027
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.

Arizona State University logo

College entrance exams

ASU ACT/SAT school codes
ACT: 0088
SAT: 4007  

Northern Arizona State logo

Entrance exams

NAU ACT/SAT school codes

ACT: 0086
SAT: 4006

The University of Arizona logo

Arizona ACT/SAT school codes
ACT: 0096
SAT: 4832

Scroll to Top
Skip to content