Short answer: SAT scores usually come out 13–14 days after your test date. Scores are generally released on Friday, starting at 8 AM Eastern Time (ET).
College Board releases Digital SAT scores faster than it did for the old paper SAT. The old SAT could take around three weeks, while Digital SAT scores typically arrive in about two weeks.
Official SAT Score Release Dates 2026
Here is the expected SAT score release schedule for 2026:
| SAT Test Date | Expected Score Release Date |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2026 | March 21, 2026 |
| May 3, 2026 | May 16, 2026 |
| June 7, 2026 | June 20, 2026 |
| August 23, 2026 | September 5, 2026 |
| September 13, 2026 | September 26, 2026 |
| October 4, 2026 | October 17, 2026 |
| November 1, 2026 | November 14, 2026 |
| December 6, 2026 | December 19, 2026 |
Note: These dates should be verified against the official College Board schedule before publication. Score release dates can vary depending on the test administration.
What Time Do SAT Scores Come Out?
SAT scores generally start coming out at 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) on the release day.
Here is what that means in different time zones:
- New York: 8 AM ET
- Texas / Chicago: 7 AM CT
- California: 5 AM PT
- Pakistan: 5 PM PKT
- India: 5:30 PM IST
Most students receive an email from College Board saying, “Your scores are available.” However, emails can sometimes arrive two to three hours later.
The best option is to check your account directly through the official College Board My SAT portal.
Why Is My SAT Score Delayed?
If your friends have received their scores but yours are still missing, don’t worry. There are several possible reasons for a delay.
1. Your Score Is Under Review
College Board may review a score if it identifies circumstances that require further investigation. Some reviews can take additional time, but a large score improvement alone does not necessarily mean your score will be delayed.
2. Missing Information
Your score may be delayed if there is an issue with your registration details, photo, or test center information.
If your score is delayed, check your College Board account and follow any instructions provided. You can also contact College Board for assistance.
College Board Customer Service: 866-756-7346
How to Check Your SAT Scores
Follow these steps to check your SAT scores online:
- Go to the College Board My SAT portal.
- Log in with your College Board account.
- Open the My Scores section.
- Select your SAT test date.
- Review your total score and section scores.
Your score report provides your total SAT score, Reading and Writing score, Math score, and other performance information.
You can also send your scores to colleges. Check College Board’s current policies and deadlines to determine whether score sends are free and when you need to request them.
When Do SAT Scores Come Out for the August SAT?
For the August 23, 2026 SAT listed in the schedule above, the expected score release date is September 5, 2026.
Students applying through early action should plan their SAT dates carefully to ensure their scores arrive before their colleges’ application deadlines.
Always confirm the test date and score release date through College Board before making application plans.
Tips for SAT Score Release Day
Follow these tips to make score release day easier:
- Check your account directly: Don’t rely only on email notifications.
- Be patient: Scores may not appear for everyone at exactly the same time.
- Save your score report: Keep a copy of your results for future reference.
- Use our SAT Score Calculator: Compare your estimated score with your official results to understand your performance.
- Plan your next test: If your score is below your target, check upcoming SAT dates and registration deadlines.
FAQs
Do SAT scores come out at midnight?
No. SAT scores generally begin coming out at 8 AM Eastern Time on the release day. However, the exact time your score becomes available may vary.
How long does it take for SAT scores to come out?
SAT scores typically become available about 13–14 days after the test, although the exact timeline varies by test date.
Do all SAT scores come out at the same time?
No. Scores may become available at different times throughout the release day. Some students may also experience delays while their scores are processed or reviewed.
Can I get my SAT scores early?
No. College Board does not offer a standard service that allows students to receive their SAT scores before the official release. Avoid websites that claim they can obtain your scores early.