Step 2: Admission Exams (ACT and SAT)

When: Complete by November of your senior year. 

What to do: Make sure you take the ACT and/or SAT no later than the end of November to be considered for SDSU or other universities. You can log onto the websites to register and retake either exam (SAT) (ACT).

• The SAT is offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.
  • See the SAT Practice site.
  • Register online.
  • Note: If you are planning to apply to a UC campus, then register for the SAT II Subject Tests as well (math and an additional subject).

• The ACT is offered several times a year. Most students should take the ACT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.
  • See Preparing for the ACT (PDF file; download Adobe Acrobat, if needed).
  • Register online.

• Take the exams more than once. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can retake them after you have submitted your application.
• Check to see if you qualify for a fee waiver (ACT) (SAT). This is important! You can have your college application fees waived by doing this!
• Be sure to provide your high school and university codes for reporting purposes.