Who Will See My SAT Score?
When you take the SAT, your scores are considered private and are shared only with the individuals and institutions you choose. However, there are a few important groups and circumstances under which your scores may be seen or accessed. Understanding this can help you make informed decisions about sending your results.
1. Colleges and Universities You Select
The most common recipients of your SAT scores are the colleges and universities you apply to. During registration, and for a limited time after testing, you can choose a number of colleges to receive your scores for free. After that period, you can send additional score reports for a fee.
These institutions use your SAT scores as part of their admissions process, alongside your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters.
Important: Colleges only see the scores you choose to send. If you’ve taken the SAT more than once, you can decide which test date’s scores they receive (unless the college requires all scores).
2. You and Your Parents (if applicable)
You will always have access to your own SAT scores through your College Board account. If you’re under 13, your parents or guardians may need to request your scores on your behalf, as online access is restricted due to privacy laws.
3. Your High School
If you enter your high school’s code when you register for the SAT, your school counselor or academic advisor may receive your scores. Schools use these scores to help guide students through the college application process and sometimes for placement in advanced courses.
4. State and District Education Agencies
In some cases, state or district-level education departments may receive aggregate or individual test data if the SAT is administered as part of a state-wide testing program (like SAT School Day). This data is often used for statistical analysis and education planning rather than admissions decisions.
5. Scholarship Organizations (Optional)
When registering for the SAT, you may opt into programs that allow the College Board to share your information, including your test scores, with eligible scholarship providers. This can help match you with scholarship opportunities based on your academic profile.
This is entirely optional. If you opt out, your score will not be shared with these third parties.
6. The National Merit Scholarship Program (PSAT/NMSQT only)
While this doesn’t apply to the SAT specifically, it’s worth noting that students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade and meet the cutoff may have their scores reported to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for scholarship consideration.
7. Test Prep Services and Others (Only If You Consent)
No third-party test prep or marketing service will receive your SAT scores unless you explicitly give permission. College Board maintains strict privacy policies, and you control how your data is shared.
Who Does Not Automatically See Your SAT Scores?
- Colleges you didn’t select
- Future employers
- Social media platforms
- Friends, classmates, or teachers (unless you tell them)
Can You Cancel or Withhold Scores?
Yes. You have the right to cancel your SAT scores shortly after the test if you feel you didn’t do well. You also have control over which scores are sent to which schools using the Score Choice feature—unless a college has a policy requiring all scores.
Your SAT scores are shared only with:
- Colleges you choose
- Your high school (if selected)
- State education departments (if applicable)
- Scholarship programs (if you opt in)
- You and your parents
You remain in control of your scores. This system ensures your academic information is kept private unless you decide otherwise.