What Time Does SAT Scores Get Released? Do SAT Scores Come Out at 12 Am? Where to Check SAT Scores?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Sep 08, 2023
SAT Overview
The SAT is a standardized test that plays a significant role in college admissions in the United States. Since its inception in 1926, this test has undergone various name changes and scoring adjustments. Initially known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, it comprised two sections: Verbal and Mathematical, with each section scored on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.
Over time, it transitioned through names such as the Scholastic Assessment Test, SAT I: Reasoning Test, SAT Reasoning Test, and finally, just the SAT. Owned, developed, and published by the College Board, a non-profit organization, the SAT is administered by the Educational Testing Service on behalf of the College Board.
It serves the primary purpose of assessing students' readiness for college. Although it was originally designed to be independent of high school curricula, adjustments were made for the 2016 SAT to align more closely with what students learn in high school, particularly with the Common Core standards adopted by many states.
Starting from the 2015–16 school year, the College Board collaborated with Khan Academy to offer free SAT preparation resources. In a significant change, on January 19, 2021, the College Board announced the discontinuation of the optional essay section and SAT Subject Tests after June 2021.
Beyond its role in college admissions, the SAT serves as a tool for researchers studying human intelligence and intellectual giftedness. Some employers also incorporate SAT scores into their recruitment processes. While much research has been conducted on the SAT, it continues to be the subject of questions and misconceptions. Its evolving nature reflects its enduring significance in the American education system and beyond.
What Time Does SAT Scores Get Released?
SAT scores are typically released by the College Board at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the designated score release dates. This time is consistent for most SAT score reports, including those taken during the regular SAT test administrations and those taken as part of the SAT School Day program.
For students who have taken the SAT, whether in the regular administration or through School Day, it's essential to know that the College Board follows a consistent schedule. Approximately 14 days after you have completed the SAT test, you can expect your scores to be available online at 8 a.m. ET on the scheduled release date.
It's crucial to keep in mind that specific release dates may vary from year to year, so it's a good practice to check the College Board's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding score release dates.
Do SAT Scores Come Out at 12 Am?
SAT scores are not typically released at 12 a.m. Instead, they are generally made available at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the designated score release dates. It's important to note that the College Board, the organization responsible for the SAT, maintains this release time to ensure fairness and uniformity for all test-takers.
While some standardized tests or online services may release information at midnight, the College Board has chosen a later release time for SAT scores to avoid potential technical issues and to provide equal access to all students.
SAT Score Release Dates 2023-24
SAT scores are released to students and colleges multiple times each year, with the College Board sending scores to colleges approximately 10 days after students receive them. The table below shows SAT score release dates through June 2024, with asterisks denoting laptop or tablet-based tests.
Test Date
When Students Receive Scores
When Colleges Receive Scores
Aug. 26, 2023
Sept. 8, 2023
Sept. 18, 2023
Oct. 7, 2023
Oct. 20, 2023
Oct. 30, 2023
Nov. 4, 2023
Nov. 17, 2023
Dec. 5, 2023
Dec. 2, 2023
Dec. 15, 2023
Dec. 26, 2023
March 9, 2024 (Digital)*
March 22, 2024
April 1, 2024
May 4, 2024 (Digital)*
May 17, 2024
May 27, 2024
June 1, 2024 (Digital)*
June 14, 2024
June 24, 2024
When Do SAT School Day Scores Come Out?
The SAT School Day program, available in over 9,000 schools and 3,000 school districts across the nation, offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take the SAT during regular school hours. Students can typically expect to receive their scores in approximately two weeks.
To participate, students register through their schools and are encouraged to create a College Board account. Importantly, the score release dates for SAT School Day tests differ from regular SAT score reports. The table below outlines the 2023-24 SAT School Day score release dates.
Test Date
When Students Receive Scores
When Colleges Receive Scores
Oct. 11, 2023
Nov. 1, 2023
Nov. 11, 2023
Oct. 26, 2023
Nov. 16, 2023
Nov. 26, 2023
March 4-April 26, 2024 (Expected)
March 25-May 17, 2024 (Expected)
April 4-May 27, 2024 (Expected)
Where to Check SAT Scores?
To access your SAT scores, one essential step is to create a College Board account. Alternatively, you have the option to receive your score report by phone. This user-friendly online platform is where you'll obtain comprehensive details about your performance on the SAT.
Your SAT score report is a comprehensive document that delivers key information about your test results. At the top of the report, you'll find your total SAT score, which ranges from 400 to 1600, helping you understand your overall performance. Additionally, the report includes your percentile ranking, which shows where your score stands compared to other test-takers.
This percentile information offers valuable context about the relative strength of your performance. For a deeper dive into your abilities, the score report also breaks down your performance into two main sections: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections. These individual section scores give you insight into your strengths and areas that may need improvement.
Beyond the main sections, your report further provides scores for the Reading, Writing Language, and Math tests, offering a granular view of your performance in each of these skill areas. This breakdown can be especially useful for pinpointing specific areas where you may wish to focus your efforts for improvement.
Towards the bottom of the report, you'll discover additional insights in the form of cross-test scores and subscores. These scores offer a more detailed analysis of your performance in specific skill categories, providing you with valuable feedback for targeted enhancement.
Moreover, if you decide to take the SAT multiple times, your report will feature an exam score report for each test attempt, allowing you to track your progress and assess your performance trends over time.
In essence, your SAT score report is a comprehensive tool that provides a holistic view of your SAT performance. It offers valuable insights into your overall score, section scores, individual test scores, and various subscores, all of which can be used to guide your future preparation and academic endeavors.
What Time Does SAT Scores Get Released - FAQs
You can check your SAT scores by creating a College Board account online. Alternatively, you can choose to receive your scores by phone.
The SAT score report includes your total SAT score out of 1600, percentile ranking, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math section scores, individual test scores in Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, cross-test scores, and subscores
The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, providing an overall assessment of your performance on the test.
The percentile ranking shows where your score stands in comparison to other test-takers, offering context about your performance relative to your peers.
You can identify your strengths and areas for improvement by reviewing your individual section scores, test scores, cross-test scores, and subscores, which provide a detailed breakdown of your performance.