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How long are SAT scores valid for?
20/06/2024•9 minute read
The SAT, formally known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, has been a staple entrance exam for many US universities. It assesses a high school student’s college readiness and serves as a standardised metric for comparing applicants. While its significance varies across institutions, recent developments suggest a resurgence in its importance. To keep you informed, we’ve compiled a short guide to address common queries about the SAT.
How long are SAT scores valid for?
While SAT scores generally do not expire, some schools have a validity window and may not accept scores that are older than five years. In fact, College Board, the organisation that administers the SAT, will send out old score reports that are five years or older with a message: “these scores may be less valid predictors of college academic performance than more recent scores”.
Highly selective universities may prefer more recent test scores from the past one to two years, while five-year-old scores may be accepted for less selective institutions. Do ensure to check the prospective universities’ websites as their policies differ. Generally, if your SAT score is nearing the end of its validity period, you may want to consider retaking the SAT for more updated results.
How do you get access to old SAT scores?
The College Board archives a student's test scores one year after the test date but fret not, they remain accessible and retrievable. Through the College Board portal, follow these instructions and prompts and accept the message about ordering older score reports. Should you wish to send your scores to certain universities, be sure to add them to the recipient list. Alternatively, you can also contact College Board through telephone to retrieve your archived scores.
If you need your SAT scores urgently, you also have the option to request for rush reporting which sends your scores within one to four business days.
How many times can a student take the SAT?
With seven test dates across the year, students are free to take the SAT as many times as they want. Most universities will only consider your best scores and may even use a process called “superscoring” to calculate the student’s overall SAT score. Superscoring essentially combines a student’s highest Maths section score with their highest Reading and Writing section score even if these scores are from different test dates. As such, some universities may require the applicant to send over all test scores. Again, do check their websites to find out whether test scores are superscored.
Most students achieve a higher score when they retake the SAT a second time. Students typically sit for the SAT twice, in their junior and senior years, giving them ample time to work on their weaknesses and strengthen their knowledge.
What are the new SAT changes in 2024?
The SAT has moved away from its traditional paper-and-pencil format to a new digital format. Previously criticised for creating barriers to equity, the updated format is expected to improve accessibility for all students due to the time reduction, supplied tools, and flexibility in scheduling and location.
However, the new version is more than just an online adaptation of the traditional format, it is fundamentally different in several ways. Here are the key changes for the new SAT:
- A new digital format. The test will be adaptive in nature which means that the student’s performance on the first part of each section will determine the difficulty of subsequent questions.
- Shortened test duration from 3 hours to 2 hours.
- More concise questions. Lengthy reading passages are now replaced with shorter texts, with only one question tied to each passage.
- Each student receives a unique set of questions, making it harder to cheat in a fair environment.
- A calculator is now allowed for the entire Maths segment. Students can now bring their own graphing calculator or use the one that’s embedded in the test.
- Students now receive their test scores in days rather than weeks.
What are the SAT policies for the top 10 universities in the US?
| QS Rankings 2025 | University | Testing Policy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MIT | SAT or ACT Required |
| 4 | Harvard University | SAT or ACT Required In exceptional cases when these tests are inaccessible, one of the following can meet the requirement: - AP results - IB scores - GCSE/A-Level results - National Leaving Exams results |
| 6 | Stanford University | SAT or ACT Required for Fall 2026 entry and beyond |
| 10 | California Institute of Technology | SAT or ACT Required for Fall 2025 entry and beyond |
| 11 | University of Pennsylvania | Test-Optional |
| 12 | University of California, Berkeley | Test-Free |
| 16 | Cornell University | Colleges and Schools that are test-recommended for Fall 2025 entrants - College of Arts & Sciences - College of Engineering - College of Human Biology - Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy - School of Industrial and Labor Relations SAT or ACT Required for Fall 2026 entry and beyond |
| 21 | University of Chicago | Test-Optional No Harm Testing Policy - Any submitted SAT scores will only be used in review if it will positively affect an applicant’s chance of admission |
| 22 | Princeton University | Test-Optional |
| 23 | Yale University | Test-Flexible - Standardised tests are required and students can choose to include scores from four options: - SAT - ACT - AP - IB |
To access further information, simply scroll down the table.
Please note that SAT policies are constantly changing, so be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
