ACT & SAT College Entrance Exams
If you are planning to go to a four-year college, you may want or need to take the SAT or the ACT. In Washington State, most colleges are now test-optional. This means you are not required to take the SAT or ACT in order to apply for admission, and you will not be penalized for not taking the tests.
ACT & SAT
The ACT and SAT are standardized tests used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most students take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of their junior year, then retake in the fall of their senior year with the intent of improving the score. Students are responsible for registering for the test and sending any test scores. Register early to help ensure a convenient testing date and location and include any college or university you want your scores sent to when you register. You can also send scores at a later time. If you receive testing accommodations at school, you may be eligible for accommodations on the ACT or SAT. Contact your school counselor for more information.
ACT: 2025 Spring and Summer National Test Dates Schedule
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline Late Fee Applies After This Date |
Late Registration Deadline |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 16, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 26, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
SAT: 2025 Spring and Summer National Test Dates Schedule
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline Late Fee Applies After This Date |
Late Registration Deadline |
| March 8, 2025 | Feb. 23, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | April 19, 2025 | April 26, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 24, 2025 | May 31, 2025 |
How can I prepare for the SAT/ACT?
Both SAT and ACT testing organizations offer lots of resources to help you prepare and study. Both also offer preparatory tests you can take early. Your local library has books that can help you prepare. And if you don’t do well the first time, don’t panic — you can retake the tests to try to raise your score.
- Take the classes through your high school PSTA - SAT Prep Classes are available in the fall and in the spring. Ask your school counselor for the dates. Read how to interpret your PSTA scores.
- Use Khan Academy - Khan Academy collaborates with College Board to offer free, online SAT prep program. You can link you Khan Academy account with your College Board account to get free, individualized prep for the SAT.
Register at Khan Academy - March2Success is a free, online resource hub, designed to empower users to boost their performance on critical standardized tests. Whether you're gearing up for state exit exams, college entrance exams, or the ASVAB military entrance test, they have you covered.
Register at March2Success
How to get testing fees waived
These tests all require registration fees that can vary depending on the test options you choose. Check with your high school counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.