Upcoming SAT Score Release Dates (2025-2026)
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the College Board typically releases scores about two weeks after the test. Below is the complete schedule for SAT dates and score release.
| SAT Test Date | Estimated Score Release Date* |
|---|---|
| November 8, 2025 | November 21, 2025 |
| December 6, 2025 | December 19, 2025 |
| March 14, 2026 | March 27, 2026 |
| May 2, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| June 6, 2026 | June 22, 2026 |
*Dates are based on the typical SAT score release schedule and College Board projections.
Use the chart above to mark your calendars so you don't miss anything. For example, knowing that the November SAT score release date and the December SAT score release usually fall just before major school breaks allows you to plan your college applications accordingly.
SAT School Day Score Release
The SAT school day score release timeline differs slightly from weekend administrations. If you take the test during the school week in October, scores are typically available to students about 3-4 weeks later. For the 2025 cycle, the school day SAT score release generally begins in late October or early November, depending on your specific testing window. Check out our detailed guide on SAT School Day for more information.
What Time Does the College Board Release SAT Scores?
Knowing the specific date is only half the battle. While the College Board does not officially publish a specific minute-by-minute schedule, historical trends give us a very accurate picture. The first major batch of scores typically drops at approximately 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET).
However, it is crucial to understand that SAT results are not released to every single student simultaneously. To prevent the website from crashing due to heavy traffic, the College Board utilizes a "batch" system.
- Morning Batch: The majority of students will see their scores between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM ET.
- Afternoon Batch: If your dashboard is empty in the morning, do not panic. A second large wave of SAT scores is released later in the day, typically between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM ET.
If you are wondering what time SAT scores will be released for you personally, it is effectively a lottery between these two windows. There is no way to predict which batch you will be in based on your location or last name.
Why Score Release Times May Vary by Time Zone
Since the SAT score release time is anchored to Eastern Time, students across the United States and the globe need to adjust for their local time zones. What time of day are SAT scores released in your specific region? Use this breakdown to plan your morning:
| Time Zone | Morning Batch Begins (Approx) |
Afternoon Batch Begins (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Central Time (CT) | 7:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 5:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
For international students, this often means scores appear in the evening or late afternoon. If you are asking what time SAT scores are released in Europe or Asia, you will likely see them later in your local day compared to U.S. students.
Digital SAT Reporting Timeline Explained
With the transition to the new format, the digital SAT score release date has become highly reliable. Unlike the old paper exams, which required shipping materials and physical scanning, digital exams are uploaded instantly. This efficiency is why the SAT exam score release consistently hits that 13-day target. While the official guidance says 2-4 weeks, virtually all standard SAT score release events now happen strictly on the two-week mark.
Score Processing Time for US vs International Testers
In the past, international students often faced delays. Today, the SAT score release dates are synchronized globally. Whether you test in California or Seoul, the SAT scores release date remains the same. If you are worried about when the SAT scores will be released for an overseas exam, you can rest assured that the timeline matches the U.S. schedule perfectly.
How to Check Your SAT Scores
Once the notification email hits your inbox, accessing your report is simple.
- Log in: Visit studentscores.collegeboard.org and sign in.
- Navigate: Go to your "My SAT" dashboard.
- Review: Click on "View Details" to see your full report.
Once you have your scores, you need to know what they mean for your college applications.
- Analyze Performance: Use our guide on how to interpret your SAT score report to understand your section breakdowns.
- Percentiles: Curious how you rank against other test-takers? Read what does SAT percentile means.
- Next Steps: If you need to send these results out immediately, follow the steps on how to send SAT scores to colleges.
Want to improve your SAT score? Get fully prepared for the exam with our all-in-one SAT prep course. It includes a comprehensive study guide and an extensive question bank packed with exam-style questions.
What Causes SAT Score Delays
Sometimes the SAT score release day arrives, but your score is "Pending." This can be stressful, but it is usually resolved quickly. Common reasons include:
- Administrative Review: If a proctor reported a distraction or technical issue at your test center, the College Board may hold the SAT exam score release dates for that location to investigate.
- Score Verification: If your score jumped hundreds of points from a previous attempt, the system may flag it for a validity check. This confirms your improvement is genuine.
- Account Issues: Mismatched names or email addresses can stall the SAT test score release.
If you feel your performance suffered due to external factors and want to scrap the test entirely, you can check our guide on how to cancel SAT scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What time do SAT scores usually come out?
The College Board typically begins the rollout at 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET). This means if you are on the West Coast, you might wake up to your scores already waiting for you, while students in Europe will see them in the afternoon. It is important to remember that this is just the start time, not the moment every single score appears for every student.
However, if you check your account at 8:05 AM and see nothing, do not panic. Results are released in two main batches to manage the massive volume of website traffic. If you miss the morning window, your score will likely appear in the second large batch, which typically drops between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM ET. Because of this system, you might spend the day wondering exactly when your specific score will post, but rest assured, they almost always arrive by the end of the day.
