When Does College Board Release Sat Scores

College Board SAT scores – that moment of truth, the culmination of weeks (or even months) of preparation, practice tests, and nervous energy. You've taken the test, you've bubbled in your answers, and now you're in that agonizing waiting period. When exactly will you know how you performed? Understanding the SAT score release timeline can help manage your expectations and plan your next steps. The anxiety surrounding the SAT results is something every student has experienced, so don't worry, you're not alone.

The release of SAT scores isn't a uniform, instant event. It's a phased process that hinges on several factors, and knowing the specifics can ease some of the stress. College Board aims to release scores as quickly as possible, while also ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the results. So, let's delve into the intricacies of the SAT score release schedule, exploring the factors that influence it and offering tips on how to stay informed.

Decoding the SAT Score Release Schedule

College Board typically releases SAT scores approximately 13 days after the test date. However, this is just an average, and the actual release date can vary. Several elements contribute to these variations:

• Test Date: Each SAT test date has its own specific release window. College Board publishes a list of anticipated release dates on its website. While these dates are generally accurate, they're subject to change.
• Score Type: The SAT consists of different sections, including Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and the optional Essay. In most cases, all scores are released simultaneously. However, in rare instances, there might be a slight delay for the Essay score while the multiple-choice section is released on time.
• Processing Time: College Board needs time to process the answer sheets, verify the results, and perform quality checks. This process can take slightly longer for certain test administrations, especially those with a larger number of test-takers.
• Technical Issues: Although rare, technical glitches can sometimes delay the score release. College Board usually communicates any significant delays through their website and social media channels.
• Security Concerns: If College Board identifies any potential security breaches or irregularities during a test administration, they may need to investigate, which could lead to a delay in score release for affected students.

Where to Find the Official Score Release Dates

The most reliable source for determining the exact SAT score release date is the College Board website. Here's how to locate this information:

1. Visit the College Board website: Go to
2. Navigate to the SAT section: Look for the "SAT" tab or search for "SAT" on the website.
3. Find the "Scores" section: Within the SAT section, there should be a page dedicated to scores and score reporting.
4. Check the official score release dates: The College Board usually posts a calendar or table that lists the anticipated score release dates for each SAT test date.

It's important to remember that these are estimated dates, and College Board reserves the right to modify them if necessary. Therefore, it's advisable to check the website periodically for any updates or announcements.

Understanding the Score Release Time

While College Board provides the date of score release, the time of day the scores are released can also vary. Generally, scores are released in batches throughout the day, rather than all at once. This means that some students may receive their scores earlier in the morning, while others may have to wait until the afternoon or evening.

There's no specific time that's universally consistent for score release. However, many students report seeing their scores between 8 AM and 8 PM Eastern Time on the designated release date. Keep in mind that this is just an observed pattern, and your score may appear outside of this timeframe.

The timing of score release is likely determined by the College Board's processing and data management systems. It's possible that scores are released in batches based on geographic region, test center, or some other internal criteria.

How Will You Receive Your SAT Scores?

The primary way to access your SAT scores is through your online College Board account. Here's how:

1. Log in to your College Board account: Go to the College Board website and log in using the username and password you created when you registered for the SAT.
2. Navigate to your score report: Once you're logged in, look for the "My SAT" or "SAT Scores" section. This will take you to a page where you can view your score report.
3. View your scores: Your score report will display your overall SAT score, as well as your section scores for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. If you took the optional Essay, your Essay score will also be included.
4. Download or print your score report: You can usually download your score report as a PDF file or print it directly from the website.

In the past, College Board also mailed paper score reports to students. However, they have largely phased out this practice in favor of online score reporting.

It's crucial to ensure that your College Board account information is up-to-date and accurate, especially your email address. College Board will typically send you an email notification when your scores are available online.

What If Your Scores Are Delayed?

While most students receive their SAT scores on time, there are instances where scores may be delayed. If you haven't received your scores within a reasonable timeframe after the expected release date, here's what you should do:

1. Check your College Board account: Make sure you're logging in with the correct username and password. Verify that your account information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Review the College Board website: Check the College Board website for any announcements or updates regarding score delays. They may have posted information about specific test dates or regions that are experiencing delays.
3. Contact College Board customer service: If you've checked your account and the website and still haven't received your scores, contact College Board customer service. You can find their contact information on their website. Be prepared to provide them with your name, date of birth, test date, and test center information.
4. Be patient: Score delays can be frustrating, but it's important to remain patient. College Board customer service representatives will investigate the issue and provide you with updates as they become available.

Possible reasons for score delays include:

• Matching Issues: Sometimes, there may be difficulty matching your answer sheet with your registration information. This can happen if there are discrepancies in your name, date of birth, or other identifying information.
• Security Review: If there were any security concerns at your test center, College Board may need to conduct a review, which could delay score release for all students who tested at that location.
• Essay Scoring: In rare cases, there may be a delay in scoring the Essay section, which could delay the release of your overall score report.

How Colleges Receive Your SAT Scores

Colleges don't automatically receive your SAT scores. You need to officially send your scores to the colleges you're applying to. Here's how:

1. Log in to your College Board account: Go to the College Board website and log in using your username and password.
2. Navigate to the "Send Scores" section: Look for the "Send Scores" or "Score Choice" section within your account.
3. Select the colleges you want to send your scores to: You can search for colleges by name or code.
4. Choose which scores to send: College Board offers a service called "Score Choice," which allows you to choose which test dates you want to send to colleges. Some colleges require you to send all of your scores, while others allow you to select the highest score from a single test date. Check the specific score-reporting policies of each college you're applying to.
5. Pay the score-reporting fee: There is usually a fee for sending your scores to colleges. The fee varies depending on the number of colleges you're sending scores to.
6. Confirm your order: Review your order and confirm that you've selected the correct colleges and scores.

Colleges typically receive your scores electronically within a few days of your request. However, it's a good idea to send your scores well in advance of application deadlines to ensure that they arrive on time.

Understanding Your SAT Score Report

Your SAT score report provides a wealth of information about your performance on the test. Here's a breakdown of the key elements:

• Total Score: This is the sum of your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and your Math score. The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600.
• Section Scores: These are your scores for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. Each section score ranges from 200 to 800.
• Essay Score (if applicable): If you took the optional Essay, your score report will include your Essay score, which is reported on a scale of 2-8 for each of the three dimensions: Reading, Analysis, and Writing.
• Subscores: Your score report also includes subscores in various skill areas within each section. These subscores provide more detailed information about your strengths and weaknesses.
• Percentiles: Your score report will show your percentile rank, which indicates how you performed compared to other students who took the SAT. For example, if your percentile rank is 80, that means you scored higher than 80% of other test-takers.
• College Readiness Benchmarks: Your score report will indicate whether you met the College Board's college readiness benchmarks in each section. These benchmarks are designed to indicate whether you're on track to succeed in college-level coursework.

What To Do After You Receive Your SAT Scores

Once you receive your SAT scores, here are some important steps to take:

1. Review your scores carefully: Take the time to thoroughly review your score report and understand your performance in each section and skill area.
2. Compare your scores to college requirements: Research the average SAT scores of students admitted to the colleges you're interested in. This will give you an idea of whether your scores are competitive.
3. Consider retaking the SAT: If your scores are significantly lower than the average scores of admitted students at your target colleges, you may want to consider retaking the SAT.
4. Send your scores to colleges: As discussed earlier, you need to officially send your scores to the colleges you're applying to.
5. Explore other college application components: Remember that your SAT scores are just one factor that colleges consider when evaluating your application. They also look at your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
6. Celebrate your accomplishment: Taking the SAT is a significant achievement. No matter what your scores are, take some time to celebrate your hard work and dedication.

Managing Stress While Waiting for Your Scores

The waiting period after taking the SAT can be stressful. Here are some tips for managing your anxiety:

• Stay busy: Engage in activities you enjoy to take your mind off the test.
• Focus on what you can control: You can't change your SAT scores, but you can focus on other aspects of your college application, such as your essays and extracurricular activities.
• Talk to someone: Share your feelings with friends, family, or a counselor.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to calm your nerves.
• Remember that your SAT score is not the only measure of your worth: Your value as a person is not defined by a test score.

Key Takeaways

• SAT scores are typically released approximately 13 days after the test date, but this can vary.
• Check the College Board website for the official score release dates.
• Scores are usually released in batches throughout the day, between 8 AM and 8 PM Eastern Time.
• You'll access your scores through your online College Board account.
• If your scores are delayed, contact College Board customer service.
• You need to officially send your scores to colleges through your College Board account.
• Understand your score report and use it to inform your college application strategy.
• Manage stress while waiting for your scores by staying busy, focusing on what you can control, and talking to someone.

The SAT is an important part of the college application process, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. By understanding the score release timeline and taking steps to manage your anxiety, you can navigate this process with confidence. And remember, regardless of your scores, you have valuable skills and talents to offer the world. Good luck!