Should You Cancel Your SAT Scores? How to Decide and What to Do Next

As we discussed in the previous blog post, sometimes, despite your preparation, SAT test day doesn’t go as planned. Whether it was noisy distractions, tech issues, a tough section, or just not feeling your best, you may be wondering:“Should I cancel my scores?” This post will help you make that decision — and walk you through exactly how to cancel your scores if you decide to go that route.

🧠 How to Decide Whether to Cancel Your SAT Scores
Before doing anything, ask yourself:

• Did something significantly interfere with my ability to focus or complete the test?
• Do I believe this score will be well below my potential?
• Do I have time to retake the SAT before application deadlines?
• Am I confident I can improve on a retake?
  
  

If you answered “yes” to most of these, score cancellation might be the right move. If you’re unsure, keep reading...

🚫 When You Shouldn’t Cancel Your Scores
Canceling may not be necessary if:

• You felt off, but still finished the test with no major issues
• You’re running short on time before application deadlines
• You only need a modest score increase
• You’re planning to use Score Choice to control what colleges see
  
  

Remember: once canceled, scores are gone forever and can’t be retrieved.


✅ When It Is Smart to Cancel Your Scores
You should strongly consider canceling if:

• You had a major disruption (illness, tech failure, noise, or poor proctoring)
• You left a section incomplete due to timing or a test center issue
• You’re early in your testing journey and have more chances ahead
• You’re aiming for competitive colleges where every score matters
  
  
  

📋 How to Cancel SAT Scores (Step-by-Step)

🕒 Deadline: You must cancel by 11:59 PM ET on the Thursday after your test(OR before you leave the test center — whichever comes first)

✅ Option 1: Cancel at the Test Center

• Ask the test coordinator for a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form
• Fill it out and sign it before leaving
  
  

✅ Option 2: Cancel After the Test

• Download the cancellation form: SAT Request to Cancel Scores (PDF)
• The College Board does not allow cancellations by email, phone, or online — fax only.
  
• Fill out: Name, address, registration number (from your College Board account),Test date and test center info
  
• Fax the signed form 610-290-8978
  

🗣️ Final ThoughtsCanceling your SAT scores can feel like a big decision — and it is — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you take a moment to assess how your test day went and follow the guidelines above, you’ll make the choice that’s right for you. Whether you decide to keep your scores or cancel them, what matters most is that you stay focused on your long-term goals. One test day doesn’t define you — and there’s always a path forward.