How Long Is Your SAT Score Valid? What You Need to Know.

The validity period for SAT scores depends on the requirements for individual colleges and universities. We share insider information about how SAT scores are used in the admissions process and what to consider before retaking the test.

In most cases, SAT scores and ACT scores are valid for five years after the date of the test.

That said, there are a few reasons why SAT score validity may vary:

• Individual college and university score validity requirements
• The test-optional trend for many institutions
• Student preference to retake the SAT even if their score is still valid

To understand why these differences exist, it’s helpful to have a little background about the SAT.

The Purpose of the SAT

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test that measures academic preparedness of high school students.

When schools are evaluating thousands of applicants, it’s useful to compare them with an objective measure of academic ability. Do they have strong enough reading, writing and math skills to be successful college students?  

As college professors, we expect our first-year students to have strong critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. It’s difficult to achieve these higher-level skills and abilities without a strong foundation of reading, writing and math.

The SAT is designed to measure these important skills and knowledge. Admissions officers use the SAT score as one data point in a student’s application to determine that student’s likelihood of success.

There’s been a lot of research on the SAT and whether or not it can actually predict academic performance and college success. Concerns about bias (race, gender, socioeconomic status) have also been raised and studied for years.

(If you’re interested in digging into these issues, take a look at the 2020 University of California report on standardized testing. It’s a long document, but section V. Questions & Answers is particularly helpful.)

How Colleges Use the SAT in Admissions Decisions

How colleges and universities use the SAT in their admissions process differs widely. Their SAT score validity requirements will also vary. These differences often depend on the type of institution and level of selectivity. 

The information below is based on decades of my own experience in college admissions at highly selective, open enrollment and test optional schools. 

That said, here’s my best advice: Know the specific admissions policies at your target schools.

Highly Selective Schools and the SAT

Top universities in the US are highly selective and extremely competitive, so the SAT score often carries more weight in admissions decisions. With this in mind, I would strongly recommend taking the SAT (or ACT) more than once. 

Some of these schools may only accept SAT scores that are less than two years old. This is particularly important to know if you’re considering a gap year.

Check the school’s website to find out how long your SAT scores are valid. Another option is to communicate directly with your admissions officer and confirm the dates in writing. 

The SAT at Open Enrollment and Less Selective Schools

Schools with open enrollment or less selective admissions processes may consider the SAT score to be less important. Most of these schools will consider SAT scores to be valid for up to five years.

The score will oftentimes be used more for merit awards than acceptance. Communicate directly with your admissions officer and confirm. 

Test Optional Schools and the SAT

Since the pandemic, the trend toward test-optional admissions policies has increased exponentially. The good news is that test-optional means that SAT or ACT scores are not required for admissions decisions. 

But keep reading. This isn’t the whole story.

This shift in requirements is designed to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible for all students. The SAT and ACT are expensive and preparing to take them can also be expensive.

Students from affluent families can afford to pay the registration fee numerous times along with test prep courses and tutors. For those from low income families, taking the test multiple times is cost prohibitive. 

It’s important to note that a college or university may be test-optional for admission, but test scores are almost always necessary for institutional scholarship consideration. 

Our advice? Take the test and submit your scores to every school you’d like to attend regardless of their test-optional policy. 

Schools with a Holistic Admissions Process

Many institutions have transitioned or are in the process of transitioning to a holistic admissions process. I’ve been part of this positive change at several colleges.

A holistic admissions process takes into account multiple factors for determining a student’s potential to be successful in college. It also attempts to neutralize any bias against low income or other underserved populations.

Factors considered under a holistic admissions process may include essays, recommendation letters, community service, leadership roles and more.

Understanding SAT Scores

Students receive several scores when they take the SAT. Being able to interpret the scores is necessary to determine whether you’ve achieved a good SAT score for college applications.

The SAT Essay and SAT Subject Tests were officially discontinued in August 2021.

The composite score or total score is the sum of the two section scores above. Add the math score to the reading and writing score.

The maximum score on the SAT is 1600 and the minimum score is 400.

In 2022, over 1.7 million students took the SAT. The average SAT score (50th percentile) was 1050. Students in the top 10% of all test takers scored 1350 or higher.

Whether your score is a “good” score really depends on where you’re applying. You should be able to find out the average score at your target schools so you know how your scores compare.

Keep in mind that SAT scores are just one factor in the college admissions process. A good SAT score can certainly help you stand out, but it’s not the only thing schools consider. Other factors include GPA, extracurricular activities, essays and letters of recommendation.

Taking and Retaking the SAT

Most students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. Based on their test results, they may decide to retake it. This is a very personal decision with a number of considerations that we discuss below. 

When can I take the SAT?

Check with your high school guidance counselor to find out if the SAT is administered at your school. Many schools set aside a school day for all high school juniors to take the SAT.

The College Board website lists other official SAT test dates and registration deadlines for US students and international students.

Can I retake the SAT?

Yes. You can take the SAT multiple times if you’re not happy with your score. Many students retake it at the beginning of their senior year.

You’ll be able to submit your highest score to most colleges and universities. There are some schools, however, that want to see the official score of all your test attempts.

Make sure you know the admissions requirements for your desired college or university so you can make an informed decision about retaking the SAT. 

Should I retake the SAT?

Deciding to retake the SAT is a personal decision that depends on several factors: where you’re applying, application deadlines, scholarship opportunities and the registration fee.

If you’re applying to highly selective institutions, you may want to retake the SAT if your first score isn’t high enough to be competitive for admission. 

If you’re applying for merit-based scholarships and a better score is an important part of the application, it may be a good idea to retake it.

If you’re not applying to selective schools and you’re not competing for merit-based scholarships, there’s really no need to retake the SAT for a higher score.

Our SAT Recommendations

We’ll reiterate our suggestions one final time:

• Take each standardized test (SAT & ACT) once.
• Depending on your score and level of comfort, you can retake one of them. Students often gravitate toward one or the other as they’re very different tests. Schools will accept either one and often do not have a preference. 
• Look up the SAT score requirements for your target schools so you know how long your scores are valid.
• Review the admissions website at your target schools and communicate with your admissions officer if you have any questions.