The How-to’s of Changing your Scheduled SAT/ACT Test Date/Site
Change is possible
Winds of change. Change of heart. Change of scenery. We’ve heard the idioms, and more likely than not, we’ve experienced relatively sudden change in one form or another.
It can be daunting…but it’s often for the better.
Perhaps the most common example is a change of plans that affects our schedule. So, if you or your student has already registered for an SAT or ACT and then there’s an unexpected change of plans, how do you go about rescheduling?
We’ll tackle here some of the common questions about changing your SAT or ACT test date.
THE SAT
Q: Can I simply reschedule my test for a different date?
A: The short answer is no. First, you’ll have to access your College Board account. You must then CANCEL your existing test before registering for a new test. The cancellation of your original date is subject to a $29 cancellation fee when you cancel before the “change deadline”.
Q: What are the “change deadlines” for upcoming SAT tests?
A: Cancellation deadlines depend on your selected test date. The cancellation deadlines for upcoming SAT tests are as follows:
For the May 3, 2025 test, deadline for changes and regular cancellation: April 22, 2025. For the June 7, 2025 test, deadline for changes and regular cancellation is May 27, 2025.
Q: Can I still cancel/make changes after the “change deadline” has passed?
A: You may cancel your registration after the change deadline, and up until Thursday 11:59 p.m. ET before test day. This action is subject to a “late cancel fee” of $39.
Q: How do I go about making this change?
A: First, visit www.collegeboard.org and sign in to your My SAT account. Then locate the existing registration you want to cancel. From the "I would like to" menu, select “Cancel Registration.” Remember, you will need to do this even if you are selecting a different date to take the test.
Q: What if I want to keep the same date but need to change my test center location?
A: Again, to change your test center location, you will first need to cancel your existing registration. Choosing the same date at a different test center than your original location is still subject to the $29 cancellation fee.
Q: What happens with my original registration fee?
A: If you cancel your SAT registration by Thursday 11:59 p.m. ET before test day, you'll receive a full refund of your registration fee. (note: the aforementioned cancellation fees still apply). You'll get your full registration fee back in your original form of payment. Refunds are processed beginning 3–5 business days after you cancel your registration.
Q: Is it possible to speak to a human if I have questions?
A: Yes, to contact College Board Customer Service, call (866) 630-9305. If you choose to send an email, click this link to fill out a form (Note: although the typical response time is 2 working days, it could take up to 5 working days to get a complete answer).
The ACT
Q: Under what circumstances can I make changes to my scheduled ACT date?
A: A test date change can be used to sign up for a different test date if you are absent or unable to test on the original test date, or if your registration is cancelled for failure to meet ACT's test security requirements.
Q: What if I want to keep my date but change my test center location?
A: If a seat and materials are available for your test option at your new preferred test center on your preferred test date, you will be able to make a test center change. You cannot request a test center change after the late registration deadline, but you can sign up for standby testing here: link
Q: What should I do if I need to reschedule my ACT?
A: First, visit www.act.org and log in to your MyACT account. Next, select "Make Changes to Your Registration." Alternately, call ACT Student Services, (319) 337-1270.
Q: What fees should I anticipate?
A: Any change you make is subject to a $44 fee, including Test Day Change and Test Center Change.
Q: Is there a deadline to register for a new date?
A: You will have to pay a fee to change the date or location, and you must register for your new date before the late registration deadline.
Q: What are the late registration deadlines for upcoming ACT tests?
A: The late registration deadlines are as follows:
Test Date Late Registration Deadline
April 5, 2025 March 16, 2025
June 14, 2025 May 27, 2025
July 12, 2025 June 20, 2025
September 6, 2025 August 19, 2025
October 18, 2025 September 30, 2025
December 13, 2025 November 24, 2025
February 14, 2026 January 21, 2025
*Note: If you register for a test during the late period—after the regular registration deadline but before the late registration deadline—a $38 fee will apply.
Q: How about changing my Test Option?
A: Before the late registration deadline, you can add the writing test and change between paper or online testing if a seat is available. Starting in April 2025 and through July 2025, the science test will also be available as an optional test if you test online.
Q: If I change my mind and opt out of taking the ACT altogether, will I be able to get my money back?
A: No. ACT registration fees are non-refundable, so we encourage you to think carefully and plan ahead before registering.
It’s worth noting that Fee Waivers do exist for both the SAT and ACT, but these are subject to eligibility requirements…and that’s a conversation for another blog post. We hope you’ll pick a date and stick to it, but rest assured in knowing that change―while it might not come free―is possible.
