SAT Score Release Information

How to Access Your SAT Scores

With the Digital SAT, accessing your scores is faster and easier than ever. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Wait for Email Notification

The College Board will send an email to the address associated with your account when your scores are ready. This typically happens within 10-13 days of your test date. Make sure to:

• Check your email regularly during the score release window
• Check your spam/junk folder if you don't see the notification
• Ensure your College Board account has the correct email address

Step 2: Log Into Your College Board Account

• Visit collegeboard.org
• Click "Sign In" in the top right corner
• Enter your username and password
• Navigate to "SAT" from your dashboard

Step 3: View Your Scores

Once logged in, you'll see:

• Your total SAT score (400-1600)
• Section scores for Reading and Writing, and Math (200-800 each)
• Detailed subscores and cross-test scores
• Percentile rankings
• Question-level feedback showing which you got right or wrong

Understanding Your SAT Score Report

Total Score (400-1600)

Your total score is the sum of your two section scores. This is the number most colleges focus on when reviewing applications.

• 1400-1600: Excellent - competitive for top-tier schools
• 1200-1390: Very Good - competitive for most selective colleges
• 1000-1190: Good - meets requirements for many colleges
• Below 1000: Retake recommended for improved college options

Section Scores (200-800 each)

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Combines your performance on reading passages and grammar questions
• Math: Reflects your performance on both calculator and no-calculator sections

Subscores (1-15 scale)

Subscores provide detailed insights into specific skills:

• Reading: Command of Evidence, Words in Context
• Writing and Language: Standard English Conventions, Expression of Ideas
• Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math

Cross-Test Scores (10-40 scale)

• Analysis in History/Social Studies: Questions drawing from history, social studies, and related contexts
• Analysis in Science: Questions related to scientific contexts and data analysis

Percentile Rankings

Your percentile shows how you performed compared to other test-takers:

• 99th percentile: Scored higher than 99% of test-takers
• 75th percentile: Scored higher than 75% of test-takers
• 50th percentile: Average score (around 1050)

Sending SAT Scores to Colleges

Free Score Sends

You can send your scores to 4 colleges for free:

• When Registering: Select colleges when you register for the SAT
• After Registration: Add or change colleges up to 9 days after your test
• Note: These free sends are sent automatically when scores are released

Additional Score Reports

After the free period or once scores are released:

• Cost: $14 per college
• Delivery: Electronic delivery within 1-2 weeks
• Rush Delivery: Not typically necessary with digital delivery

Score Choice Policy

The College Board's Score Choice allows you to choose which SAT test dates to send to colleges. However:

• Not all colleges participate in Score Choice
• Some colleges require all scores from all test dates
• Check each college's policy before sending scores
• If a college superscores, sending all scores can benefit you

Superscoring

Many colleges superscore the SAT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across all test dates:

What to Do After Receiving Your Scores

If You're Satisfied With Your Scores

• Send scores to remaining colleges on your list
• Focus on other application components: essays, recommendations, extracurriculars
• Research scholarship opportunities that may require SAT scores
• Consider subject-specific test prep for AP exams or subject tests if applicable

If You Want to Improve Your Scores

1. Analyze your performance: Review question-level feedback to identify weak areas
2. Register for another test: Choose a date 2-3 months out for adequate preparation
3. Create a targeted study plan: Focus on specific skill gaps
4. Take additional practice tests: Track improvement over time
5. Consider prep resources: Books, courses, tutoring, or platforms like CurioLearn

Score Improvement Guidelines

• First to Second Attempt: Average improvement is 50-100 points
• Targeted Preparation: Can yield 100-200 point improvements
• Diminishing Returns: After 3 attempts, significant gains become less likely
• Time Investment: Plan for 40-80 hours of study between tests for meaningful improvement

SAT Score Delays: What to Know

Reasons for Delays

While most scores are released on schedule, delays can occur due to:

• Administrative Review: Random selection for quality control
• Testing Irregularities: Issues at your test center
• Incomplete Registration: Missing information or payment issues
• Score Verification: Unusual score increases triggering review
• Accommodation Processing: Extended time or other accommodations may take longer

What to Do If Your Scores Are Delayed

1. Check your College Board account for updates or messages
2. Verify your registration was complete and payment processed
3. Wait 2-3 business days past the expected release date
4. Contact College Board customer service if delay extends beyond one week
5. Notify colleges if delay will impact application deadlines

Canceling or Withholding SAT Scores

Score Cancellation

You can request score cancellation if you feel you performed poorly:

• Deadline: 11:59 PM ET on the Wednesday after your test (U.S. tests) or 5th day after test (international)
• Process: Log into your College Board account and request cancellation
• Result: Scores will not be sent to you or any colleges
• No Refund: Registration fees are not refunded
• Consider Carefully: You might perform better than you think—wait for scores if uncertain

Using Your SAT Scores Strategically

Test-Optional Policies

Many colleges have adopted test-optional admissions policies. Consider submitting scores only if:

• Your scores are at or above the college's 50th percentile
• Your scores strengthen your overall application
• Your GPA is lower and strong test scores balance it
• You're applying for merit scholarships that require test scores

When NOT to Submit Scores (Test-Optional Schools)

• Scores below the college's 25th percentile
• Strong GPA and course rigor make scores less critical
• Other application components are significantly stronger

Frequently Asked Questions