Validity of SAT Scores

The validity of SAT scores refers to the period of time during which your scores are considered current and can be used for various purposes, such as college admissions. SAT scores are typically valid for a certain number of years, after which they may expire.

Expiration of SAT Scores

SAT scores do not technically expire. Once you receive your scores, they will remain on record with the College Board indefinitely. However, colleges and universities may have their own policies regarding the acceptance of older SAT scores. Some institutions may only consider scores from the past two or three years, while others may accept scores from a longer time frame.

Colleges' Policies

It is important to research the specific policies of the colleges or universities you are interested in attending to determine their score acceptance period. Most institutions will outline their policies on their admissions websites or in their application materials. Some colleges may require that scores be submitted within a specific time frame, such as within five years of the test date, while others may accept scores from any test date.

Score Superscoring

Another factor to consider is the practice of superscoring. Some colleges engage in superscoring, which involves considering the highest section scores from multiple test dates to calculate a combined superscore. In this case, even if your individual test scores are older, they may still be used to calculate a superscore.

Importance of Recent Scores

While colleges may have different policies regarding the acceptance of older scores, it is generally advantageous to submit recent scores. Admissions committees often prioritize recent scores as they provide a more accurate representation of a student's current abilities and academic progress.

Conclusion

In summary, SAT scores do not have a specific expiration date, but colleges may have their own policies regarding the acceptance of older scores. It is important to research the score acceptance period of the colleges you are interested in and consider submitting recent scores whenever possible to provide the most up-to-date representation of your academic abilities.