How long are SAT scores valid?

SAT scores are valid for five years after the test date. After that, College Board no longer actively reports them unless you specifically request archived scores.

The five-year rule

College Board actively reports SAT scores to colleges for five years. After five years, scores become archived — they still exist, but you have to specifically request them to be released.

Do colleges accept older scores?

Most colleges only accept SAT scores from the past five years. If you took the SAT before that window, plan to retake.

What this means for your prep

Do not leave this answer as background knowledge. Connect it to a practice decision: what to drill, when to test, how to pace a module, or how to interpret a score report.

If the answer is about timing or format, test it in a timed module.
If the answer is about scoring, run your current numbers through the score calculator.
If the answer is about tools or calculator policy, practice the relevant Math question type immediately.

What to do with this score information

Enter your latest section scores in the score calculator instead of estimating from memory.
Compare the total score against the middle-50% range for colleges on your list.
Choose the weaker section for the next drill block before taking another full module.