How Long It Takes to Get Test Results: SAT, ACT, and PSAT
Understanding how long it takes to receive your test scores helps students plan their college application timeline and make informed decisions about when to take each exam. Below is an overview of the typical score release timelines for the SAT, ACT, and PSAT/NMSQT.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
- Scores are usually released about **2–4 weeks** after the test date.
• For digital SATs (most U.S. test dates), scores are often available in about **13 days**.
• Students who take the test on a school day may receive results slightly later depending on their school’s reporting schedule.
• Colleges typically receive SAT score reports **1–2 weeks** after students see their results in their College Board account.
ACT (American College Testing)
- Most multiple-choice scores are released within **2–4 weeks** after the test date.
• If a student takes the optional Writing section, that score may take up to **an additional 2 weeks** to appear.
• Some test dates (especially summer) can take up to **6–8 weeks** for all scores to be finalized.
• Students can view their scores first through their ACT online account.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
- The PSAT/NMSQT is typically given in **October** each year through high schools.
• Scores are usually released in **early to mid-December** — about **6–8 weeks** after testing.
• Students receive an email from the College Board when scores are ready to view in their online account.
• Because it’s a school-administered test, score release timing can vary slightly by district.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Test | Time to Receive Scores | Notes |
| SAT | 2–4 weeks | Digital SAT often in ~13 days |
| ACT | 2–4 weeks | Writing scores may take up to 6–8 weeks |
| PSAT/NMSQT | 6–8 weeks | Typically released in December |
Tips for Students and Families
- Plan test dates early so that results are available in time for college deadlines.
- Check your online account regularly — that’s where scores appear first.
- Allow extra time for official reports to be sent to colleges.
- If testing close to an Early Action or Early Decision deadline, confirm score release dates ahead of time.
2025–2026 SAT, ACT, and PSAT Score Release Calendar
This guide provides families and students with an overview of expected score release dates for the 2025–26 academic year. Use this calendar to plan test dates backward from your college application deadlines.
SAT (Weekend Administrations)
| Test Date | Scores Released |
| Aug 23, 2025 | Sep 5, 2025 |
| Sep 13, 2025 | Sep 26, 2025 |
| Oct 4, 2025 | Oct 17, 2025 |
| Nov 8, 2025 | Nov 21, 2025 |
| Dec 6, 2025 | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 |
| May 2, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Jun 6, 2026 | Jun 22, 2026 |
Scores are typically released 2–4 weeks after testing.
PSAT/NMSQT (In-School Testing Window: October 1–31, 2025)
| School Test Date | Scores Released |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Oct 23, 2025 |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Nov 6, 2025 |
| Oct 31, 2025 | Nov 13, 2025 |
PSAT results are released approximately two to three weeks after school testing concludes. Exact timing may vary by school district.
ACT (National Test Dates — Initial Score Release)
| Test Date | Initial Release Begins |
| Oct 18, 2025 | Oct 28, 2025 |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Dec 30, 2025 |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Mar 3, 2026 |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 21, 2026 |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Jun 23, 2026 |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Jul 21, 2026 |
Most ACT scores are released within 2–4 weeks, though Writing scores may take up to 8 weeks.
Tips for Families
- Plan test dates backward from Early Action or Early Decision deadlines.
- Check student online accounts for the fastest access to results.
- Allow 1–2 extra weeks for colleges to receive official score reports.
- Delays can occur during peak testing seasons or due to test-center issues.
5 Tips to Get Better SAT, ACT, and PSAT Scores, and Why It Matters
Improving your test scores can open the door to more college admissions opportunities and larger scholarship awards. Use these proven strategies to prepare effectively and boost performance.
1. Start Early and Practice Consistently
Tip: Begin preparing at least 3–6 months before your test date using official practice materials (such as the College Board Bluebook for SAT or ACT.org practice tests).
Why it matters: Consistent, focused practice builds familiarity with the test format, reduces anxiety, and can significantly raise scores, often unlocking more college and scholarship options.
2. Focus on Weak Areas
Tip: Use diagnostic or practice tests to pinpoint your weakest sections (math, reading, or grammar). Spend most of your study time on those problem areas.
Why it matters: Concentrating on your weak spots leads to faster score improvement and a higher composite score, which can help qualify for honors programs and merit-based aid.
3. Learn Time-Management Strategies
Tip: Practice under timed conditions to learn pacing, for example, about 60–75 seconds per question on reading passages.
Why it matters: Many students know the content but struggle to finish on time. Strong pacing can raise your total score and ensure balance across all test sections.
4. Review Mistakes After Every Practice Test
Tip: Don’t just score your practice tests, analyze every missed question and identify what concept or strategy would fix it.
Why it matters: Reviewing errors transforms practice into progress. This self-reflection helps eliminate repeated mistakes and improves long-term retention.
5. Prioritize Rest, Nutrition, and Mindset
Tip: Get enough sleep, eat a balanced meal before testing, and visualize success. Avoid cramming the night before.
Why it matters: A clear, rested mind improves focus, recall, and confidence, helping you perform your best on test day.
Final Thought
Higher test scores can make the difference between a college acceptance and a scholarship award. By planning ahead and following these steps, students can approach testing with confidence and maximize results.
AZCollegePlanning.com can help!