Students are often curious about their SAT scores. Waiting for the SAT scores is hard because after putting in so much effort, they want the scores to come out as soon as possible. So, precisely how long is the waiting time for students?
The brief answer is that it depends upon the dates of taking the test. SAT scores are always crucial as the college administration uses the result to evaluate your academic competence.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your SAT Scores?
Generally, you can access the first test scores online almost 13 days after the exam. However, the exact date varies depending upon the date when you appeared for the SAT. Also, your region or test centre matters. All the tests scores do not come out on the same date.
The scores of the multiple-choice part of your test come out first. This includes evidence-based readings, Math, writing, and your overall score. These scores are generally available online 13 to 19 days after your exam date. In case of some summer test administrations, the scores may take up to five weeks.
Read More: How to Get SAT Scores?
When Does the SAT Essay Score Come Out?
Initially, the cumulative scores are available online without the inclusion of optional Essay part even if you opted to attempt the Essay as part of your test. The scores of Essay take some time to become available. Two instructors evaluate your Essay.
The SAT scores other than the Essay section come out earlier because of machine processes and scans the results as they are multiple-choice questions. Usually, your SAT essay score is available after the availability of 5 days of your SAT scores.
When Do the SAT Subject Test Scores Become Available?
Subject test scores’ release date is the same as the MCQs score of regular SAT. However, in some cases, the dates may be different.
This indicates that if you are thinking to take SAT Subject Exam on October 5, your scores will be available on Oct, 18. On this date, the regular SAT scores are also available.
SAT Score Availability Schedule 2020
| SAT Exam Date | Multiple Choice Scores Availability Date | Essay Score Availability Date |
| March 14, 2020 | March 27, 2020 | April 5, 2020 |
| May 2, 2020 | May 15-21, 2020 | May 25, 2020 |
| June 6, 2020 | July 15, 2020 | July 15, 2020 |
How Do I Access My SAT Scores?
You can quickly get your SAT scores through your online College Board account. Go to the home page of the College Board, and click the blue box that requires you to enter your user name and password.
Below your name, you will see the option of My SAT, click on it. You will be able to access your available test sores, mentioned according to the test date.
Read More: Ten Ways to Better Improve Your SAT/ACT Score
Monitoring Test Dates and Score Availability Dates
Keeping track of these dates seems a bit complex sometimes. You should maintain a calendar of these dates. For some students, a physical calendar serves as the visual reminder, and it keeps them organized. For others, an app or a visual calendar does the job. Additionally, you can set alert so that you do not miss the important schedule.
How to Understand SAT Score?
Composite Score
Understanding the test score is pretty simple. The total composite SAT scores have 400-1600 points, evaluated from two sections: Evidence-Based Reading, Writing and Math; each has 200-800 points.
The College Board (the SAT’s administration) made some amendments in the test in 2016 with the plan of a mean total score being 1000, which is the mid-point of the 400 minimum score and 1600 maximum score. Keeping this in view, you may have an idea as to how you compete with other candidates.
Percentiles
It is the more practical approach of getting an idea about your SAT score. College Board issues percentile on an annual basis. The report of your score would mention two percentiles; one as a National-Representative sample and one being the User Percentile.
The former makes a comparison of your score with the high school juniors or seniors, while the latter makes a comparison with the actual candidates who have taken the test. The user percentile is better as a data-point.
Read More: How to Prepare for the SAT Test?
The user percentile informs you about your ranking in comparison with other candidates. For instance, if your score falls in the 50% percentile, your score is at 50% or above as compared to that of others.
Sub-scores: The SAT also gives seven sub-scores that range from 1 to 15, four out of the Reading, Writing and Language parts (Instruction of Evidence, Contextual words, Demonstration of Idea, and general English Rules), and three out of the Math assessment (Main Algebra, Solution to Problem, and Data Evaluation).
Sub-scores are with colour code so that the identification of strengths and weaknesses becomes easy. Green refers to the preparedness for college. Yellow refers to being close to preparedness but needs some improvement in skills. Red indicates that candidates need to work seriously on their abilities.
As a result of sub-scores, students figure out where to focus more. Keeping sub-scores in mind, students can work harder to perform better next time when they appear for the test.
What is a Good SAT Score?
The College Board suggests that the average SAT score is 1059. Average Math score is 51; Writing and Evidence-Based Reading average score are 528. These scores indicate how your SAT score can lead you to get admission in your desired institute.
Most of the college’s issue students mid 50% of the SAT scores they have given admission to. If you have no clue what it means, the mid-50% is the score that lies between 25th percentile and the 75th. This score will be enough for you to secure admission.
What to Do if I scored Low in SAT Exam?
If your SAT score is not up to your expectations, don’t worry. You have time to improve your score unless it is December of your senior year. If students plan to improve their scores, they need to check the SAT calendar and keep an eye on the new test schedule.
Generally, SAT scores come out after almost thirteen days of your SAT exam. The SAT Essay scores are available after five days of your SAT scores release date.
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