Decided that you should take the SAT and wondering, "when do SAT scores come out?" You're not alone! After carefully choosing between SAT vs ACT and selecting the optimal SAT test date, the few weeks of waiting to see your score can be a rollercoaster.
This article sheds light on all aspects of the SAT score release dates, how the process works, how to retrieve your scores, troubleshooting potential issues, and more! Let this be your guide to navigating the SAT score release process, helping to ease post-test anticipation.
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When Do SAT Scores Come Out?
SAT scores are usually posted online within a 2- to 4-week window after you take the test. If you opted for the SAT with Essay option (rather than strictly multiple choice) you may have to wait a few additional days. As a general guide:
- For those who have taken the SAT on a Saturday, you can generally expect to see your multiple-choice scores roughly two weeks post-test.
- For weekday SAT takers, specifically, those who take the test at school, the waiting period extends to approximately three weeks.
- If you took your SAT in the summer, you may find there are delays (due to the volume of test takers).
SAT Score Release Dates
Here are the latest dates from the SAT website; note that these dates change annually:
How To Access Your SAT Scores
Once your SAT scores are ready, the College Board will notify you via email, and you can access them by logging into your College Board account. If you don’t have an account, creating one is quick and provides easy access to your SAT and other test scores. If you registered by mail without an account, your scores will be sent by mail, though an online account offers faster access.
What Time Are SAT Scores Released?
SAT scores are generally released starting at 8 A.M. Eastern Time on the scheduled release dates, but they roll out in batches throughout the day.
This means you may not see your scores immediately at 8 A.M., so don’t worry if there’s a delay—it doesn’t reflect your performance. Patience is key, as scores will be accessible later in the day if not immediately.
When Will Colleges Receive SAT Scores?
Once you gain access to all your SAT scores online, the College Board begins the process of delivering these results to your university list. Generally, colleges receive your SAT scores within 10 days from when your scores are fully available to you.
As we noted above, if you opted for the SAT with Essay, your essay scores will be posted a few days after your multiple-choice scores are available. This slight delay might lead to a day or two more before your entire score report, including your essay score, reaches colleges.
Need Help Getting Your SAT Scores?
Receiving your SAT scores is generally straightforward. However, sometimes you might face a few challenges. Let's take a look at some common issues and how you can troubleshoot and resolve them.
Not Seeing Your Scores?
If your SAT score release date has passed and you still can't see your scores, don't panic. Here are a few reasons why this could happen:
- You're checking too early in the day: Remember, SAT scores are rolled out in batches throughout the day. Check back a bit later.
- Your test is still being scored: This could especially be the case if you took the SAT with Essay as the essay scores take a few more days to be ready.
- There's a delay in scoring: This is rare but can happen due to various reasons like a discrepancy in your test booklet.
If your scores are significantly delayed, it's best to reach out to the College Board directly for assistance.
Difficulty Accessing Your Online Account?
If you're having trouble signing in to your College Board account, try resetting your password. Remember, this is where your scores will be posted first, so you’ll want to ensure you can log in.
Not Receiving Emails from the College Board?
Ensure that the email address associated with your College Board account is correct and up-to-date. Also, check your spam or junk folder just in case the emails are being sent there.
Need Paper Score Reports?
If you registered by mail and didn't include an email address, a paper score report will be mailed to you. Paper reports are generally sent about four to six weeks after the test date.
Remember, it's normal to feel a bit anxious waiting for your SAT scores but rest assured they are on their way. If you're encountering issues, the College Board is there to assist you. Just reach out to them with your queries, and they'll guide you through the process.
Not sure if the SAT is for you? Check out this video:
Should You Retake the SAT?
The SAT is a challenging test, and it's not unusual to feel disappointed or anxious if your score isn't as high as you had hoped.
The first step in determining whether you should retake the SAT is to realistically assess your score. Compare it against the average scores of accepted students at the colleges you're interested in. If your score is noticeably below these averages, you might want to think about a retake.
Also, reflect on your SAT preparation:
- Did you prepare as fully as you could have?
- Did you have a good SAT study schedule?
- Were there sections of the test you struggled with?
- Did you know how to study for the SAT and feel confident in doing so?
If you believe that further study and practice could improve your score, then retaking the test might be a good idea.
Furthermore, consider whether there were any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your test performance. Perhaps you were ill on test day or dealing with a personal issue. If your score doesn't reflect your true academic abilities due to such factors, a retake may be advisable.
However, remember that SAT scores are just one factor that colleges look at during the admissions process. A lower-than-desired SAT score does not automatically mean you won't get into the school of your choice. Schools also consider factors like your GPA, extracurriculars for college, college recommendation letters, and college essays.
Before you decide to retake the SAT, it can be helpful to speak with a college admissions consultant or teacher who knows your academic abilities well. They can provide guidance based on their understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to achieve a high score on the SAT, but to gain admission to a college where you will thrive and succeed. Whether or not you decide to retake the SAT, the most important thing is to continue working towards this larger goal.
FAQs
1. How long does it take for SAT scores to be released?
Typically, SAT scores are released 2-4 weeks after the test date. For summer administrations, it might take a bit longer. If the SAT was taken with an essay, the essay scores are made available a few days after the multiple-choice scores are posted.
2. How will I be notified when my SAT scores are ready?
You will receive an email notifying you when your SAT scores are available. You can then log in to your College Board online account and go to the Student Score Reports section to view them.
3. How do I create a College Board online account to access my SAT scores?
It's quite simple to create a College Board online account if you don't already have one. Just visit the official website and follow the prompts for creating a new account.
4. When will colleges receive my SAT scores?
The College Board sends your SAT scores to your chosen colleges within about 10 days of you receiving all your SAT scores. If you took the SAT with an Essay, it may take a day or two longer for colleges to get your scores.
5. What time of day are SAT scores released?
SAT scores start to roll out at 8 A.M. Eastern Time (ET) on designated release dates, though not everyone's scores are available simultaneously. Hence, you might have to wait until later in the day to access your scores.
6. What are the SAT score release dates for specific test dates?
The score release dates are typically about 10 days after the test date.
7. What if I took the SAT on a school day?
Many schools now offer SAT School Day, which lets you take the SAT at your school on a weekday. The scores are typically available about three weeks after the test date.
8. What if I need assistance accessing my scores?
If you're having trouble accessing your scores, you can get help from the College Board's customer service. They can guide you through the process and resolve any issues you may be encountering.
9. Are there colleges that do not require the SAT?
Yes, there are colleges that do not require the SAT or the ACT.
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