Canceling Your SAT Weekend Scores: What You Need to Know
After taking the SAT on a weekend, some students may feel unsure about their performance. Maybe test-day nerves got the best of you, or maybe you encountered an unexpected issue during the exam. Whatever the reason, you have the option to cancel your scores — but it’s important to know how and when to do it.
This guide will explain the process of canceling your SAT Weekend scores, what happens when you do, and when it might be a good decision.
Can You Cancel SAT Scores?
Yes, the College Board allows students to cancel their SAT scores, but the cancellation must be requested within a very short time frame. Once canceled, your scores will not be reported to any colleges or scholarship programs, and they will not appear on your record.
When Can You Cancel SAT Scores?
There are only two ways to cancel your scores:
- Immediately after the test: While you’re still at the test center, you can ask the test coordinator for a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form. Fill it out before you leave.
- Shortly after the test (by deadline): If you didn’t cancel at the test center, you can submit your request by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the Thursday after your Saturday test date. If you took the test on a Sunday, the deadline is the following Friday at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
After this deadline, cancellation is no longer possible.
How to Cancel Your SAT Scores
If you decide to cancel your scores after leaving the test center, here’s how to do it:
- Download the Cancelation Form: Go to the College Board website and download the “SAT Request to Cancel Test Scores” form.
- Fill It Out Completely: Include your name, address, registration number, and test date.
- Submit the Form: Fax it to the number provided on the form. You can also mail it, but faxing is faster and more reliable given the short deadline.
Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for your records.
What Happens After You Cancel
Once your scores are canceled:
- They are not scored or processed.
- They do not appear in your student report.
- Colleges and scholarship programs will not receive them.
- The cancellation is permanent and cannot be reversed.
It will be as if you never took the test on that date.
Reasons You Might Want to Cancel
- You were feeling ill during the test.
- You couldn’t complete one or more sections.
- There was a technical issue (for digital tests).
- You know you didn’t perform as well as expected and plan to retake it.
Canceling scores can be a smart move if you’re confident that your performance doesn’t reflect your actual abilities.
Should You Cancel Your SAT Scores?
Before you cancel, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you planning to retake the SAT soon?
- Were there specific problems that affected your performance?
- Could your score still be useful for practice or baseline comparison?
Sometimes, it’s better to keep the scores, especially if you haven’t taken the SAT before. Some colleges consider superscoring, meaning they take the highest section scores across multiple SAT attempts. Even a lower score could help in the long run.
If you’re unsure, talk to a school counselor or trusted advisor before making your decision.
Final Tips
- Don’t wait until the last minute. If you decide to cancel, act quickly to meet the deadline.
- Keep your confirmation after faxing or submitting the form.
- Use your cancellation as motivation to prepare more effectively for your next test date.
Canceling your SAT Weekend scores isn’t a decision to make lightly, but knowing the option exists can give you peace of mind on test day. Being informed and acting quickly ensures you stay in control of your college application strategy.