No college-bound student wants to hear the word “waitlist” from the school of her dreams. But the waitlist option can be a boon to anyone who misses the registration deadline or decides at the last minute to take a test.
Getting on the waitlist for a particular test carries a real reward in terms the possibility of testing earlier than you could otherwise but also real downsides:
- You are not guaranteed a seat: Waitlisted students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Your morning will be full of uncertainty and delay: Waitlisted students are seated after all regularly registered test-takers have been admitted and if sufficient test materials, staff, and seating are available.
- You might not know where you are testing until the last minute: College Board allows students to register for an SAT seat by radius. Waitlisted students will be automatically placed into an open seat as they become available within the set radius 3 days before test day at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Procrastination has a price in terms of an additional fee on top of all other test fees. Furthermore, not every student can taker advantage of the waitlist. If you receive test accommodations beyond 50% Extended Time, are a first-time Sunday tester, or meet certain other criteria, you may not take advantage of the waitlist.
Obviously, registering for the test you want to take on time is very important. Even late registration is preferable to the waitlist. But if you missed those deadlines and still want to test, be sure to register for the waitlist at least 6 days before the test date, get your paperwork in order, and arrive to your test center early: Test centers admit standbys on a first-come, first-admitted basis and only if there are seats, test materials, and staff available after all registered students have been admitted for their test option. You are not guaranteed a seat or, in the case of the paper ACT, a test booklet..
TIPS FOR STANDBY TESTERS
The most important fact to keep in mind is that students on the waitlist, or what ACT refers to as Standby Testing, are NOT guaranteed a seat. During the days of universal paper testing, students on the waitlist usually got a seat to take the test. These days–particularly in regions with limited capacity–the likelihood of testing will be less certain.
In addition, that uncertainty inherent in standby status can definitely impede performance, especially in those instances where a test taker already struggles to manage response to stress. Make sure that you prepare so much that the only anxiety you feel is based on your waitlist status.
Last but not least, standby testers should show up with the same attitude they would bring to a test they were guaranteed to take. Arrive with everything needed for an optimal testing experience, including a device in ideal working condition. Definitely have a seat secured for a later test and treat any opportunity to test off the waitlist as an extra benefit with everything to gain and nothing to lose. Make every official test count!
Have you taken an SAT or ACT when you were on the waitlist? Be sure to share your story.
LAST UPDATED: August 2026
Mike Bergin