What is the last SAT or ACT that seniors can take for college admissions?
For Admissions: For seniors applying to college in the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, timing matters more than most families realize. One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming they can “just take one more test later.” In reality, different colleges have very different score deadlines — especially for Early Action and Early Decision applications. We will look at a few of them below!
For Bright Futures: The ACT®, CLT®, or SAT® exams may be taken an unlimited number of times through August 31 of the high school graduation year (or through January 31 for mid-year graduates). Seniors can take the test all the way through the summer AFTER they graduate. Graduating seniors still have time!
Explore BTS June Bootcamps for focused reviews of both high level and low level math and reading!
Get started with a summer SAT class or ACT Class beginning July 13th!
Understand the Difference Between Application Deadlines and Score Deadlines
Many students think: If the application is due November 1, I need scores before November 1.”
That is sometimes true — but not always. Some colleges allow students to submit updated SAT/ACT scores after the application deadline through a materials deadline or “additional score deadline.” Others do not. That distinction can buy seniors an extra month or more of preparation time.
Here’s a quick guide to the latest realistic SAT and ACT dates seniors can take for a few major universities.
Latest SAT & ACT Dates Seniors Can Take (Class of 2027)
Early Action / Early Decision
| School | App Deadline | Materials Due | Latest Realistic SAT | Latest Realistic ACT |
| UF | Nov. 1, 2026 | Nov. 8, 2026 | Oct. 3, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
| FSU | Oct. 15, 2026 | Dec. 1, 2026 (scores) | Nov. 7, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
| UCF | Oct. 15, 2026 | Nov. 15, 2026 | Nov. 7, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
| UPenn (ED) | Nov. 1, 2026 | Nov. 1, 2026 | Oct. 3, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
| UMichigan (EA) | Nov. 1, 2026 | Nov. 15, 2026 | Oct. 3, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
| Tulane (EA/ED) | Nov. 15, 2026 | Nov. 15, 2026 | Nov. 7, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
| Vanderbilt (ED) | Nov. 1, 2026 | Nov. 1, 2026 | Oct. 3, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
| UMiami (EA/ED) | Nov. 1, 2026 | Nov. 15, 2026 | Nov. 7, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT* |
| UGeorgia (EA) | Oct. 15, 2026 | Oct. 22, 2026 | Oct. 3, 2026 SAT | Oct. 17, 2026 ACT |
Regular Decision
| School | App Deadline | Materials Due | Latest Realistic SAT | Latest Realistic ACT |
| UF | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 22, 2027 | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| FSU | Dec. 1, 2026 | Jan. 1, 2027 (scores) | Nov. 7, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| UCF | Rolling | Rolling | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| UPenn | Jan. 5, 2027 | Jan. 5, 2027 | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| UMichigan | Feb. 1, 2027 | Feb. 15, 2027 | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| Tulane | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| Vanderbilt | Jan. 1, 2027 | Jan. 1, 2027 | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| UMiami | Jan. 1, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
| U. of UGeorgia | Jan. 1, 2027 | Jan. 8, 2027 | Dec. 5, 2026 SAT | Dec. 12, 2026 ACT |
The biggest takeaway is simple: start earlier than you think you need to. Every year, many seniors realize too late that their final realistic testing opportunity has already passed — especially for Early Action and Early Decision applications. Even students who are already scoring well can often improve significantly with just a few months of focused preparation. Starting sooner creates flexibility, reduces stress, and gives students more chances to capitalize on superscoring and improved performance. Whether your goal is college admission, merit scholarships, or Bright Futures eligibility, having a clear testing timeline and prep plan can make a substantial difference by senior year.
