The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardized examination used by many colleges and universities for admissions. The period following the test is often filled with anxiety while waiting for the official results. Understanding the typical scoring timeline and the factors that can influence it helps manage expectations.
Standard Score Release Timing
The time it takes for SAT scores to be returned follows a defined schedule. For most weekend test administrations, scores are typically released online approximately two to three weeks after the test date, often on a Friday. This timeline represents the College Board’s standard processing period for scoring the exams and preparing the detailed reports.
Scores are often made available to students in batches throughout the designated release day, not all at once. Most scores are generally accessible by the end of the day, but the exact time a student can view their results may vary. Scores for tests taken during the school day, such as SAT School Day, may take longer, often appearing three to four weeks after the administration date.
Reasons for Delayed Scores
While a standard timeline exists, several circumstances can cause a score release to deviate. A common reason for delay is a security or administrative review of the test results. Scores may be flagged for review if a student shows an unusually large score improvement from a previous administration, prompting a check for scoring accuracy and potential impropriety.
Other administrative issues can also slow down the process. These include irregularities reported by a proctor at the testing center or problems with the physical answer sheet. If an answer sheet is incomplete, damaged, or contains missing information, the College Board requires additional time to process the data. Errors made by the test center itself, like the late submission of test materials, can also impact the timely release of scores for all students at that location.
Viewing and Reporting Scores
Once the scores are released, students can access their official score report by logging into their College Board account. This online portal provides the total score, section scores, and detailed subscores for analysis. The official score report is the only document colleges will accept; printed copies or unofficial reports are not recognized for admission purposes.
After viewing the results, students can initiate the process of sending their official scores to colleges. If a student selected schools to receive their scores when they registered, those reports are sent approximately one to two weeks after the scores are released online. For students who order additional reports, the College Board processes and sends the scores to institutions within a few business days. Colleges then require extra time, sometimes up to a week, to process the electronic score reports and incorporate them into the student’s application file.