How To Get Old SAT Scores

There are many reasons you may need to know how to get old SAT scores. Perhaps you’ve taken a gap year or two after high school and are now applying to colleges. Maybe a prospective employer has requested your test scores. Or, maybe you’re transferring to another university. Whatever the reason, you now need to know how to get SAT scores. If you aren’t sure how to get old SAT scores, then you’ll be surprised to know the process only requires a few easy steps. Let’s get started.

In this article, we will answer the questions:

• How long does it take to get SAT scores?
• When are SAT scores considered “old?”
• How much does it cost to retrieve SAT scores?

How Long Does It Take to Get SAT Scores?

If you’re thinking how to get my SAT scores, you’ll want to know how long it takes. As well, you might also consider what makes an SAT score “old?”

According to the College Board, after one year, all SAT scores are archived. This means that SAT scores are considered “old” after this time. However, scores are still accessible and can be requested at any time.

In general, it’s good practice to allow yourself a cushion of time for scores to be retrieved and sent. So, if you’re aware that you’ll need to know how to get SAT scores for an upcoming scholarship application, plan accordingly. Yet, there may be a solution if you need your score in a pinch. More on that later.

In most cases, you should allow for up to five weeks between the request date and the delivery date. So, if you’re looking up how to get old SAT scores, know that you might have to wait some time before receiving them.

How to Get SAT Scores – Continued

To ensure the process runs smoothly, you should make sure to compile all necessary information before requesting your scores. For example, if you need to send the SAT scores to a specific university, confirm the address and contact information. You should also know your approximate test date and any program codes, if needed. As well, it’s important to ensure the form is completed in neat, legible text and that all boxes are checked. Incomplete forms will not be processed.

While you can request test scores more than five years after the initial test date, the results will be accompanied by a message from the College Board. The message will state that your prior SAT scores may be less valid predictors of your academic aptitude. So, while you know how to get old SAT scores, be aware this message will accompany them.

How to Get SAT Scores 

Now that we’ve answered how long does it take to get SAT scores, you’re ready to order.

The first step of how to get old SAT scores is to complete the online order form through the College Board’s website. This current form is valid through June 30, 2024.

However, be aware that you will need to mail a physical copy of the order form. The order form will be sent to P.O. box with the following address:

P.O. Box 025505, Miami, FL 33102

Address the envelope to: SAT Program.

How to Get SAT Scores – Continued

Also, you should be aware that there is a fee associated with retrieving your SAT score. The standard archival retrieval fee is $31. For all non-rush, standard orders, the flat fee is $14. So, the total for a non-rush order will be $45. This payment can only be collected via credit card. Additionally, it’s important to note that the flat fee has increased as of 2023.

However, your first four score reports are free if you order them within nine days after your initial test date. If needed, please note that there are fee waivers available for students who qualify.

If you’re on a time crunch, then you can place a rush order on your SAT scores. This order exponentially speeds up the process, and you should receive your scores within 1-4 business days. Be aware this estimate does not include holidays, so you should still plan accordingly. As well, you should also know this rush order will cost an additional $31.

Note: Be aware that the flat fee applies to every report you order. So, for example, if you order three score reports, you will need to pay three separate fees for every report sent.

How to Get SAT Scores – Continued

If you’re looking for another method of how to get old SAT scores, you can also call the College Board’s customer service numbers. The College Board offers both domestic and international numbers, so ensure you call the correct line. If you call customer service, then you should arrive well-prepared for the call and know what information is necessary.

You will need to provide your current name and address, test date and registration number, your name and address at the time of the test, and credit card information.

Domestic Number: (866) 756-7346

International Number: (212) 713-7789

In addition to the score report fee, it’s important to note that $15 will be charged for the call.

Note: In the event that your scores cannot be located for any reason, the College Board will issue a refund upon request.

Scoring Scale

Now that you know how to get old SAT scores, you might have questions about the results. The SAT has undergone some changes in recent years regarding the scoring metric. For example, the grading scale changed in 2016. So, if you’ve taken the test previously, you might be confused about how things have changed. Before 2016, the range for SAT scores was 600-2400.

Today, the SAT scoring metric ranges from 400-1600.

So, if you’re looking at requesting a score from prior to 2016, your scores may look different when compared to today’s metric.

Even so, you may still be wondering what is a good SAT score? In short, on today’s scale, scoring a 1050 is about average. Earning this score means you’re within the fiftieth percentile of all test takers. To put that in perspective, that’s about equivalent to a 1480 if you completed the exam prior to 2016. A score of 1200 on today’s scoring metric would put you, roughly, in the seventy-fifth percentile. With a score of 1200, your score and application would have a more competitive edge.

However, you should be able to convert old SAT scores into new ones relatively easily. That way, you’ll have a better idea of how your scores compare. Suffice it to say, the higher number you earn on the scale, the better you preformed on the exam.

Transferring Colleges

One reason why you might need to know how to get SAT scores is because you’re transferring colleges. Some institutions may request that you send your test scores to their admissions office before transferring. In this case, you will need to know how to get old results.

If you are transferring, then it’s necessary to know how long does it take to get SAT scores sent to the correct place. Speak with the admissions office as soon as possible to obtain any necessary codes and addresses. Allowing a sizable timeframe is a good practice to make your transferring process as smooth as possible.

Note: Thinking about transferring? This database contains the acceptance rates and transfer acceptance rates for hundreds of institutions.

When Should I Take the SAT?

Maybe you haven’t taken the SAT yet, or maybe you have and are looking for another chance at the test. While most high school students take the SAT for the first time during the fall or spring of their junior year, you might decide to wait until your senior year. Conversely, you may feel ready to take the test during your sophomore year.

No matter what you decide, you’ll want to reference when the SAT is offered so you can plan to take the exam during the right time for you. Allowing yourself enough time to prepare for the exam is essential for a better outcome. So, make sure you know when the SAT is offered to create a timeline that best fits your educational goals.

Note: Be sure that you register for the SAT well in advance of the test. You will need to be registered to be allowed to sit for the exam. Generally, you should aim to be registered at least two weeks in advance of the test. Currently, the fee for the SAT is $60. International fees vary.

How to Get SAT Scores – In Review

Now that you know how to get SAT scores, you should feel better prepared if the need for them arises.

Ultimately, you should know the process of retrieving SAT scores takes a few weeks. When answering how long does it take to get SAT scores, you should allow for up to five weeks for delivery. However, if you do find yourself in a bind, know there is always the option for a rush order. Though, the rush order does contain an extra fee.

The College Board has made the process of obtaining old SAT score relatively seamless, so you should have no trouble finding what you need.