Just Took the SAT? What to Do Before Your Scores Come Out

After the SAT, rest first. Then do three things while you wait: write down what felt hard while it's fresh, decide whether a retake is likely, and check the next registration deadline. For the November 7, 2026 test, scores are scheduled for November 20, which is also the registration deadline for December 5.

Tonight: write it down

Within a day, spend ten minutes noting what you remember (without sharing any test content, which College Board prohibits): which section felt harder, where you ran short of time, which question types slowed you down, and how you felt in Module 2. If you retake, this is the most honest guide to what to fix, and it fades fast.

When do scores come out?

Test date	Score release	Next registration deadline
November 7, 2026	November 20	December 5 test: November 20 (late: November 24)
December 5, 2026	December 18	March 6, 2027 test: February 19

College Board says weekend scores typically arrive about 13 days after test day and reach the colleges you chose about 10 days after release.

Should you cancel your scores?

Usually not. Most colleges let you choose which test dates to send (Score Choice), so a disappointing score rarely needs hiding. Cancelling makes sense mainly for a real problem: you were ill, your device failed, or something disrupted the room. You can cancel in your College Board account until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time one week after the test. Once cancelled, the score can't be recovered.

Decide about a retake before the score arrives

Because the December registration deadline lands on score release day, it's worth deciding in advance. Ask yourself:

What score would make me stop? Use the middle of your target colleges' ranges (see what is a good SAT score).
Were my recent practice scores clearly above where I think I landed?
Do I have about four weeks to prepare differently, not just retake?

If two answers point to a retake, register for December 5 now. If your score comes back high, it's better to have registered and not need it than to need it after the deadline.

If you're retaking on December 5

Four weeks is enough to fix pacing, careless errors and a few high-frequency topics:

Week 1 (Nov 9–15): one practice test in Bluebook, full review, two focus areas per section.
Week 2 (Nov 16–22): 45 minutes a day on those areas. When your score report arrives, check the domain breakdown and adjust.
Week 3 (Nov 23–29): practice test early in the week, then timed modules.
Week 4 (Nov 30–Dec 4): redo every logged mistake, light practice, normal sleep.

Our SAT study schedule has the full 4-, 8- and 12-week versions, and how to raise your SAT score covers what to focus on at your score range.

If you're done

Congratulations. Send your scores to the colleges on your list, double-check each college's testing policy and deadline, and put the time you'd have spent on prep into your essays.

Common questions

When will I get my November 7 SAT scores?

College Board has scheduled the November 7, 2026 score release for November 20, 2026. Scores appear in your College Board account, and colleges receive them about 10 days after release.

Should I cancel my SAT scores if I think I did badly?

Usually not. Many colleges let you choose which test dates to send, so a weak score rarely hurts you. Cancelling is mainly for a real problem on test day, like illness or a technical failure. You can cancel until 11:59 p.m. Eastern one week after the test.

Should I register for the December SAT before I get my scores?

If you're fairly sure you'll want a retake, yes. The December 5 registration deadline (November 20) is the same day the November scores come out, and late registration closes November 24.

Sources

Dates, policies and test details change. Check the official source before you make a decision.