This past year left the future of taking the SAT and ACT uncertain for many students, as many test centers closed down with no clear picture of when they would be reopening. Some students had their tests postponed and cancelled multiple times, leaving them frustrated after dedicating significant effort and countless hours prepping for these important tests.
Fortunately, with schools reopening and the large number of vaccines being distributed, 2021 is looking like it will be much more stable and conducive for students who are planning for their academic futures. Dates for both the ACT and SAT have been set for the immediate future, and tentative dates have been outlined for further down the line.
Knowing when and where to register for your SAT and/or ACT makes the process of preparing for the test much easier. To help you out, here is a summary of important dates and deadlines, as well as information regarding finding test centers and acquiring the materials you’ll need when it comes time to take your test.
When Are the SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines?
Below is a table highlighting test dates, registration deadlines, and late registration deadlines, including anticipated dates for late 2021 and 2022.
| SAT Test Day | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline* |
| May 8, 2021 | April 8, 2021 | April 20th for mail-in registration and April 27th for online registration |
| June 5, 2021 | May 6, 2021 | May 18th for mail-in registration and May 26th for online registration |
| August 28, 2021 (anticipated) | Not Announced | Not Announced |
| October 2, 2021 (anticipated) | Not Announced | Not Announced |
| November 6, 2021 (anticipated) | Not Announced | Not Announced |
| December 4, 2021 (anticipated) | Not Announced | Not Announced |
| March 12, 2022 (anticipated) | Not Announced | Not Announced |
| May 7, 2022 (anticipated) | Not Announced | Not Announced |
| June 4, 2022 (anticipated) | Not Announced | Not Announced |
Please keep in mind that the test dates listed after June 5, 2021 are tentative. Please continue to check the official SAT website for updates to test dates and registration deadlines.
*Those who register late will be charged an additional $30 fee.
Colorado’s statewide SAT day is April 13, 2021, but makeup tests are available April 27, 2021 and May 18, 2021.
Where Can I Take the SAT in Colorado?
When you register for the SAT online, part of the registration process involves selecting a test location. You can add your zip code into the search feature, and you will be able to see all of the test locations nearby as well as if there is any availability for a specific location and date.
If you want to see test locations nearby without having to register first, you can use CollegeBoard’s test location finder, which you can find here. This tool does not offer the option of entering a zip code, and if you select a city, it will only show you locations located physically in that city (rather than locations in nearby cities or towns), meaning that the options you’ll see are more limited than when you search via the registration process. You can conduct a general search for all test locations in Colorado, but it will take a bit longer to sift through all of your options.
What Should I Bring to the SAT?
On your test day, you’ll want to bring:
- A photo ID
- Your admission ticket
- Multiple sharpened #2 pencils (mechanical pencils are not allowed)
- An SAT-approved calculator (with additional batteries)
- Drinks and snacks that you can have during your break
Additionally, during this time, test centers will most likely require you to bring a face mask, so be sure to bring yours along. You may also want to bring a watch with you if you’d like to pace yourself during the test, but the watch cannot have an alarm or be able to connect to the internet (such as a smartwatch).
When Are the ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines?
Below you’ll find a list of ACT test dates along with registration/late registration deadlines for 2021 and 2022.
| ACT Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline* |
| April 17, 2021 | March 12, 2021 | March 26, 2021 |
| June 12, 2021 | May 7, 2021 | May 21, 2021 |
| July 17, 2021 | June 18, 2021 | June 25, 2021 |
| September 11, 2021 | August 6, 2021 | August 20, 2021 |
| October 23, 2021 | September 17, 2021 | October 1, 2021 |
| December 11, 2021 | November 5, 2021 | November 19, 2021 |
| February 12, 2022 | January 7, 2022 | January 21, 2022 |
| April 2, 2022 | February 25, 2022 | March 11, 2022 |
| June 11, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| July 16, 2022 | June 17, 2022 | June 24, 2022 |
*Please note that you will be charged a $35 fee for registering late.
Also, while the later dates are not listed as being tentative, it is still a good idea to monitor the Official ACT website for any updates or schedule changes.
Where Can I Take the ACT in Colorado?
To find ACT testing centers, you can use the ACT testing location finder tool, found here. Similar to the SAT location finder, searching by city will not include surrounding cities or towns, so searching by state will give you a better sense of what your options are.
Again, you can also begin the registration process online to see a list of ACT testing centers near your zip code, and you’ll also be able to see if any seats are available for a particular location and test day.
What Should I Bring to the ACT?
When you arrive to take your ACT, you should have:
- Your admissions ticket
- A photo ID
- Multiple sharpened #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- A watch to help with self-pacing (smart watches and watches with an alarm are not allowed)
- A calculator that meets the ACT’s calculator policy
- Snacks and drinks to have during your break
- A face mask
Closing Up
Hopefully this information gives you an idea of what your options are regarding registering for your SAT and/or ACT as well as what materials you should acquire before your test day arrives. After a year of test cancellations and tentative postponements, it’s reassuring to many students that both official test organizations have marked their calendars with official dates and deadlines. Knowing when you will take your test can also help you plan your test prep strategy accordingly, and keeping an eye out for updates will allow you to better adapt to any upcoming changes. Good luck!
Need Help with Your ACT/SAT Test Prep?
The scores that students obtain on their ACT and SAT can serve as a big influence in which colleges accept their applications. Additionally, high scores can earn students significant money in scholarships, which can make a dramatic difference in reducing the financial burden of the family or the amount of loans taken out by the student. Because the potential outcomes associated with these scores are so impactful, many students find preparing for the ACT/SAT to be overwhelming.
The good news is that preparing early and strategically can make these tests appear much less daunting. At CollegeDrive, we are familiar with the format and content of both the SAT and ACT, and we work hard to identify each student’s core areas of need to create specific and effective study plans.
Whether you’re looking to take an SAT/ACT practice test to establish a baseline score, enroll in a test prep class to prepare alongside other students, or find a tutor to help you on a one-on-one basis, our experts can help. Browse our services, or get in touch today with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you and learning about your academic goals!
