What to Do After Taking the SAT: Next Steps for Students
You’ve just finished taking the SAT—now what? Many students aren’t sure what to do next, but post-SAT planning is just as important as the preparation. Your next steps will determine how you use your scores for college applications, scholarships, and future testing decisions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
✔ When and how to check your SAT scores
✔ Understanding your SAT score report and percentiles
✔ How to decide if you should retake the SAT
✔ How to send your SAT scores to colleges
✔ How to use your SAT score for scholarships and merit aid
✔ Next steps in your college application process
📌 Related Guides:
- What is the SAT? An Overview of the SAT Exam
- How to Use SAT Practice Tests Effectively
- How to Increase Your SAT Score by 100+ Points in 2 Months
- The Role of SAT Scores in College Admissions (2025 Updates)
- Best Free and Paid SAT Prep Resources: How to Choose the Right Study Tools
1. When and How to Check Your SAT Scores
📌 When Do SAT Scores Come Out?
Your SAT scores are typically released about 2 weeks after the test date (for U.S. test takers). For international students, scores may take a bit longer.
✅ How to Check Your SAT Scores
- Log into your College Board account (College Board Website).
- Go to the SAT section and click on “View My Scores.”
- Download your official SAT score report for reference.
🔹 Pro Tip: Once scores are released, colleges will only receive them if you send them manually (unless you selected free score reports during registration).
2. Understanding Your SAT Score Report
Once you get your SAT scores, it’s important to understand what they mean and how they compare to other students.
📌 Key Parts of Your SAT Score Report
✔ Total Score (Out of 1600) – Your combined Math and Reading & Writing score.
✔ Section Scores (Out of 800 each) – Math and Reading & Writing section scores.
✔ Percentile Rank – Compares your score to other test-takers. For example, if you’re in the 85th percentile, you scored higher than 85% of students.
✔ Subscores & Cross-Test Scores – Break down your performance in specific areas like algebra, problem-solving, and command of evidence.
🔹 Pro Tip: Compare your total score to the average SAT score of your target colleges (check their admissions websites).
📌 Related Guide: The Role of SAT Scores in College Admissions (2025 Updates).
3. Should You Retake the SAT?
Not sure whether to take the SAT again? Here’s how to decide:
| Situation | Should You Retake? |
| Your score is below the average for your target colleges | ✅ Yes, consider retaking. |
| Your score is on par or above the average for your schools | ❌ No, focus on other parts of your application. |
| You didn’t study properly before the first test | ✅ Yes, use a structured study plan and retake. |
| You struggled with test anxiety | ✅ Yes, but work on stress management strategies. |
🔹 Pro Tip: If you retake the SAT, use a targeted study plan and practice timed, full-length digital SAT tests.
📌 Related Guide: How to Increase Your SAT Score by 100+ Points in 2 Months.
4. How to Send Your SAT Scores to Colleges
If you’re applying to colleges, you’ll need to send your SAT scores officially through the College Board.
📌 How to Send Your SAT Scores
✔ Free Score Reports – When registering for the SAT, you can select four free schools to send your scores to.
✔ Sending Additional Scores – If you didn’t select schools before, you can send scores later for a small fee per school.
✔ Score Choice Option – Some schools allow you to choose which scores to send (instead of sending all SAT attempts).
🔹 Pro Tip: Check whether your colleges require all SAT scores or allow Score Choice before sending scores.
📌 Related Guide: How to Use SAT Practice Tests Effectively.
5. Using Your SAT Score for Scholarships & Merit Aid
Even if your college is test-optional, SAT scores can still help you get scholarships!
📌 Scholarships That Consider SAT Scores
✔ National Merit Scholarship (Based on PSAT/SAT scores)
✔ University-Specific Merit Aid (Some colleges automatically offer scholarships for high SAT scores)
✔ State-Based Programs (Some states offer tuition discounts for students with high SAT scores)
✔ Private & Corporate Scholarships (Many private scholarships require SAT scores)
🔹 Pro Tip: Even if a college is test-optional, SAT scores can still improve your chances for financial aid!
📌 Related Guide: The Role of SAT Scores in College Admissions (2025 Updates).
6. Next Steps in the College Application Process
Once you have your SAT scores, it’s time to focus on your college applications.
✅ What to Do After Receiving Your SAT Scores
✔ Finalize your college list – Compare your SAT score with your target colleges’ average scores.
✔ Start working on college essays – Many schools require personal statements and supplemental essays.
✔ Gather letters of recommendation – Ask teachers or mentors for recommendations early.
✔ Submit applications before deadlines – Most Early Decision (ED) deadlines are in November, while Regular Decision (RD) deadlines are in January.
🔹 Pro Tip: Check each school’s SAT score submission deadline—some require scores earlier than the application deadline.
📌 Related Guide: Best Free and Paid SAT Prep Resources: How to Choose the Right Study Tools.
Final Takeaways: What to Do After Taking the SAT
✔ Check your SAT scores online after release.
✔ Understand your SAT score report and compare it to college requirements.
✔ Decide whether to retake the SAT based on your target schools.
✔ Send SAT scores to colleges that require them.
✔ Use your SAT scores for scholarships and merit-based aid.
✔ Continue with the college application process!
🚀 Need help planning your next SAT steps? Our SAT prep courses provide expert guidance, personalized study plans, and test-taking strategies to help you achieve your goals!
📞 Book a Free SAT Consultation Now!
Contact Us
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📞 Phone: +1 (714) 655-8138
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