How to Register for the SAT Exam in 2023 [What You Need to Know]

How To Register for the SAT Exam

Thousands of high school students from and outside the U.S. take the SAT and each one is required to register so they can pick a test schedule and location. 

So, how do you register for the SAT? 

In this article, we will look at the step-by-step process involved and other SAT registration instructions that a test-taker like you should know about. 

You can register in two ways: online and by mail. What you choose will vary in terms of the procedures to follow. 

SAT Registration Online

Step 1: Create your College Board account

The first step in the registration process is to create your College Board account. To do this, just visit the College Board’s official website (1), click Sign in, then click Create Account.

 If this is not your first time taking the SAT, then you don’t have to create a new account. You can use your original account to register for another SAT. Once you log into your SAT account, click the yellow button that says “Register.”

Register an account

Step 2: Type in your personal information

The registration process has 5 parts and can take you 30 to 40 minutes to complete. First, you will be required to enter your personal information. This part of the SAT registration is crucial, so make sure that every detail you provide is correct and true.

You will be asked to enter the following information:

  • First name
  • Middle initial
  • Last name
  • Sex
  • Date of birth
  • Month and year of high school graduation
  • Username and password
  • Security information

After you filled out the required fields, you will be asked to review and then confirm. Then, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Create your student profile

The next step is to create your own student profile. If you have taken the SAT before, you can skip this step. If not, then you will be required to fill up this portion. 

In this part you will be asked to enter the following:

  • GPA/Rank
  • Course works in Math, Science, English, Social Sciences, and Languages
  • Extracurricular activities
  • College plans

Compared to the personal information, this part is not really that important, so don’t stress too much about it. Thoroughly filling this portion up will take a lot of time, so you don’t have to input information too accurately. 

Step 4: Select a test center and date

You’ve now reached the point where you have to choose a test date and testing center. Before selecting, however, you will have to agree to the College Board’s terms and conditions. 

First, you have to choose in which country you are going to take the SAT. You can choose to take the SAT in the U.S. (including U.S. territories) or outside the U.S. Then, choose a test type. If you’re taking the standard SAT and not a Subject Test, choose “SAT”. 

Then, you will have to choose an SAT date from the College Board’s schedule of SAT administration dates (2). This is very important. Make sure to choose a test date that is suitable for your personal schedule, preparation, and college application deadlines. 

You’ll also have to choose if you’d take the Essay section or not. There is an additional fee for the Essay section, but we highly recommend that you take it. If you have a fee waiver (3), provide the necessary information. 

After choosing an SAT test date, it’s time to choose the test center. An easy way to find a test center is by entering your zip code. Through this, you will be able to locate test centers near you. You can also manually choose a test center on the list provided.

Step 5: Upload your photo

Now, you have to upload a photo of yourself. We’re not talking about just a random photo, however. The College Board has set photo requirements that you must comply with. These are: 

  • You’re easy to recognize
  • You’re the only one in the picture
  • Head-and-shoulders view
  • Your face, eyes, and hair are all visible
  • You’re in focus
  • No dark spots or shadows
  • Black and white photos are accepted 

Here are examples of acceptable photos:

Acceptable photos

Here are examples of unacceptable photos:

Unacceptable photos

Step 6: Checkout

The last step of the SAT test registration process is the checkout. You will be offered study materials such as books at this portion. If you don’t really need them, you don’t have to purchase them. 

In checking out, review your personal information. After that, click “Make Payment.” You can pay through PayPal or credit card (AmEx, Discover, Mastercard, VISA, JBC). 

SAT Registration by Mail

SAT registration online is the easiest way to register for the SAT. However, if you need to register for the SAT by mail, you should ask your counselor for the Student Registration Booklet for the SAT. You must also submit the following:

  • An acceptable photo
  • A form of payment
  • Letter from a religious leader (if applicable)
  • Fee waiver (if applicable)

How to register for the SAT Subject Tests

To register for the SAT Subject Tests, you basically just have to follow the same procedure for the SAT application. Instead of choosing “SAT” in the “Select a test date and center” portion, however, you click on “SAT Subject Tests.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Final thoughts

There you have it, the step-by-step process on how to sign up for the SAT. Taking the test after high school or during high school is required for most colleges and universities in the country. If you are taking it, use this SAT sign up procedure as your guide. 

The important thing to remember is that you have to ensure that the personal information you provide is correct, so you won’t have problems later on.

Good luck on your SAT!

References

  1. https://www.collegeboard.org/
  2. https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines
  3. https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/fees/fee-waivers