When will my child’s test scores be available?
As a parent, waiting for your child’s SAT test scores can feel just as stressful as the test day itself. You’re eager to understand their performance, help them plan the next steps, and—if needed—retest or apply to colleges with confidence. So, when will your child’s SAT scores be available? In this guide, we break down the SAT score release timeline for students and families, along with key things to know.
Understanding the SAT Score Release Timeline
Typically, SAT scores are released about 2 weeks after the test date. However, this timeline can vary slightly depending on whether your child took the SAT on a weekend, during a school day, or is part of an international testing group.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Weekend SAT Test: Scores usually become available 13–15 days after the test date.
- SAT School Day: Scores are often released within 2–4 weeks after the test.
- International SAT Testing: The same 13–15 day window applies, but there may be slight variations due to time zones and processing logistics.
Note: Score release time is typically between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. ET on the scheduled date. If scores don’t show up that morning, don’t worry—there may be a small delay, and they should appear later that day.
How to Check Your Child’s SAT Scores
SAT scores are delivered through the student’s College Board account. Parents can check the scores if they have access to their child’s login, or they can have their child log in and show them the results.
Here’s how your child can check their scores:
- Go to https://www.collegeboard.org
- Log in to their College Board student account
- Click on the “SAT Scores” tab
- View detailed score reports, including:
- Total score (out of 1600)
- Reading & Writing section score (out of 800)
- Math section score (out of 800)
- Subscores and percentiles
You can also download a PDF score report for your own records.
Score Delivery to Colleges
If your child chose to send their SAT scores to colleges during registration, the College Board will send them shortly after scores are released. Most colleges receive scores electronically within 10 days of the release.
However, if your child sends scores after receiving them, it may take several days to a week for colleges to receive them.
Pro tip: You can monitor which colleges received the scores via the student’s College Board account under the “Send Scores” section.
SAT Score Release Dates: 2024–2025 Overview
To help you plan, here’s a sample of expected SAT score release dates for upcoming tests (based on recent patterns):
| Test Date | Expected Score Release |
|---|---|
| August 24, 2024 | September 6–9, 2024 |
| October 5, 2024 | October 18–21, 2024 |
| November 2, 2024 | November 15–18, 2024 |
| December 7, 2024 | December 20–23, 2024 |
| March 8, 2025 | March 21–24, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | May 16–19, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | June 20–23, 2025 |
Dates are estimates and subject to change. Always check the College Board website for the latest info.
Why Might SAT Scores Be Delayed?
Occasionally, SAT scores are not released on time. Some common reasons include:
- Test security reviews (random checks for irregularities)
- Incomplete information in the registration
- Late answer sheet submission from the test center
- Technical issues with digital testing
If your child’s scores are delayed, the College Board will usually notify the student via email or in their account dashboard.
Understanding the Score Report
Once you receive your child’s SAT score report, take time to review:
- Section breakdowns: Helps identify strengths and weaknesses
- Subscores and cross-test scores: Useful for understanding performance in areas like problem-solving, command of evidence, and analysis
- Percentile ranks: Shows how your child did compared to other students
This information can help inform your child’s college application strategy or whether it’s worth retaking the SAT.
What If Your Child Didn’t Do Well?
Not every student hits their goal on the first try—and that’s okay. The SAT can be taken multiple times, and colleges often superscore, meaning they take the highest section scores across multiple tests.
Consider helping your child:
- Review their weak areas
- Take full-length practice tests using the Bluebook™ app
- Use official SAT prep resources
- Build a personalized study plan for the next test date
Knowing when your child’s SAT scores will be available is essential for planning their college admissions timeline, evaluating their test performance, and reducing family stress. Generally, you can expect scores within two weeks of test day, available directly in their College Board account.
Staying informed and proactive helps your child take the next step with confidence—whether that’s applying to college, prepping for a retake, or celebrating a strong performance.