Did you miss the SAT registration deadline for your preferred test date? Don’t panic—you still have a chance to take the test if you can get on the SAT waitlist. Here’s how you can request waitlist status and some tips to help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
Requesting SAT Waitlist Status
If you missed the regular registration deadline, you can still request to be placed on the SAT waitlist. You can submit your waitlist request between the late registration deadline and up to five days before the test date. To do this, simply log into your College Board account and submit your request.
The process for requesting waitlist status is similar to regular registration. You’ll need to pay the SAT registration fee ($55), upload a photo of yourself for your admission ticket, and print your Waitlist Ticket once it’s issued to you.
What Happens the Day of the Test?
If you’re placed on the SAT waitlist, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to take the test. Students on the waitlist are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. The test center will only admit waitlisted students if there are enough test materials, proctors, and seats available after all regular registrants are seated.
- If you are admitted to the test center, you’ll need to pay an additional waitlist fee of $53, which is non-refundable and cannot be covered by fee waivers.
- If you’re not admitted, the SAT registration fee will be refunded, but the waitlist fee is non-refundable.
Be sure to bring the required photo ID, your Waitlist Ticket, and any other materials needed for the test. If you require accommodations, such as extended time or breaks, you can still test under those conditions, provided that they don’t require special equipment (e.g., a scribe, computer, or magnifier).
When Should You Consider Requesting Waitlist Status?
There are situations where being placed on the SAT waitlist might be a good idea:
- It’s Your Last Chance to Take the SAT: If it’s your senior year and you missed the registration deadline for the last test before college applications are due, getting on the waitlist might be your final opportunity to take the SAT. This could be a crucial factor if you’re unhappy with your previous scores and need another chance to improve.
- Important for Your College Application Plan: If you’ve been planning for a specific test date, such as a spring test during your junior year, the waitlist could give you a chance to take the exam when it aligns best with your application strategy.
- You Want to Access the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS): The QAS is an SAT feature that allows you to review all your answers, including those you got wrong, along with explanations. It’s only available for the October, March, and May SAT test dates. If you’re planning to use the QAS as a study tool, being on the waitlist could be a good idea, especially if this is your last opportunity to access it. If you’re looking for more details about the SAT’s structure and timing, you can refer to our post on How Long is the SAT?.
When Should You Avoid the SAT Waitlist?
While the waitlist can be a lifeline, there are also valid reasons to skip it:
- Waiting Until the Next Date Won’t Impact Your Plans Much: If you missed the registration deadline but can take the test at a later date, it might not be necessary to put yourself on the waitlist. You may still have time to register for the next SAT, especially if it’s early in your high school career.
- The Waitlist Fee Is Too High: If paying the $53 waitlist fee is a significant financial burden, you might consider skipping the waitlist. This fee is only refundable if you’re not admitted to the test center, and you can’t use a fee waiver for it.
Final Thoughts
You can request SAT waitlist status up to five days before the test. The waitlist operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and you’ll need to pay the standard SAT registration fee, plus the non-refundable waitlist fee of $53 if you are admitted to the test center.
If you’re planning to use the SAT results for your college applications and missed the regular registration, the waitlist may be your last chance to take the exam before applications are due. However, it’s important to weigh the costs, the likelihood of getting a spot, and how critical it is for your college application timeline.
Pro tip: The best way to avoid being in a waitlist situation is to stay ahead of the registration deadlines. Always plan well in advance and register as early as possible for your preferred test date. You can also check our post on How Long is the ACT Test? if you’re considering other options for college admissions testing.
Good luck, and don’t forget to check back for more tips on SAT prep and college applications!
