What to Do After the SAT? Detailed Process Explained for 2026

Months of preparation, countless practice tests, and sleepless nights have finally paid off. Yes, you’ve given your best shot at the SAT, but now that the exam is behind you. A new question arises: What’s next?

In this blog, you will find everything you need to do after taking your SAT exam.

Key Highlights:

• Use your SAT score, academic profile, and financial capacity to shortlist target, reach, and safety universities for UG admissions
• Prepare SOPs, LORs, transcripts, résumés, and portfolios (if applicable), and complete application portals such as the Common App or UC Application.
• Gather financial documents such as bank statements, affidavits of support, loan sanction letters, and sponsor details required for the I-20 and visa.
• Follow country-specific visa procedures, gather documentation, schedule interviews (if required), and plan pre-departure tasks.

What After SAT?

Once you’ve completed the SAT, the next Step is to focus on the rest of your college application. Your SAT score is just one part of the larger application process, and it’s time to focus on the other key elements that will shape your college application.

Here’s a Step-by-Step guide on what to do after taking your SAT exam:

• Step 1: Shortlist Your Universities: Finalise a balanced list of reach, target, and safety universities based on your SAT score, academic profile, budget, and career goals. This ensures you apply strategically and maximise your chances of admission.
• Step 2: Complete University Applications: Begin filling out applications through the Common App for participating universities. For institutions outside the Common App, apply directly via their official websites while tracking deadlines carefully.
• Step 3: Organise Academic Transcripts: Collect and review your school transcripts for accuracy, including grades and subjects. Ensure they meet university requirements and are ready for upload or official submission.
• Step 4: Prepare for English Proficiency Tests: If required, register and prepare for IELTS or TOEFL to demonstrate English language proficiency, especially important for international applicants.
• Step 5: Send SAT Test Scores: Submit your SAT and English test scores to universities through official testing agencies, keeping in mind score-reporting deadlines and superscoring policies.
• Step 6: Prepare Important Documents for University Applications: Start working on your Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Statement of Purpose (SOP), and academic résumé, as these documents highlight your personality, achievements, goals, and overall profile beyond grades and SAT scores.
• Step 7: Prepare Financial Documents: Arrange and verify financial documents such as bank statements, affidavits of support, and scholarship letters to prove your ability to fund your education.
• Step 8: Apply for Your Student Visa: Once you receive an offer, begin the student visa application process, including documentation, interview preparation, and compliance with country-specific requirements.

Let's break down each Step individually! 

Shortlist Your Universities

Choosing the right university is one of the most crucial Steps after taking the SAT. Instead of focusing only on rankings, look for colleges that align with your academic interests, goals, and personal preferences. After your SAT exam, you’ll typically receive your score within 2–3 weeks through your College Board account. Once available, analyse your score breakdown and compare it with the average scores or cutoffs of your target universities.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when shortlisting the right universities:

• Evaluate your SAT score strategically: Compare your SAT score with the university cutoffs and aim for schools where you fall at or above the 75th percentile.
• Choose the right program, not just the ranking: Focus on courses that match your qualifications and interests, not just the institution’s rank.
• Explore alumni outcomes: Use LinkedIn to track alumni placements and understand career trajectories. Connect with enrolled students to get a sense of academic culture and campus life.
• Consider test-optional policies and superscoring: Submit your SAT score only if it strengthens your application, and use superscoring where accepted to showcase your best section scores.
• Track deadlines: Review admission criteria and note down application timelines, scholarship windows, and document requirements for each institution.

Complete University Applications

When applying to universities in the U.S., it’s important to know that colleges use two main types of application systems: Common App universities and Non–Common App universities. The key difference lies in how you apply. While the Common App lets you submit one application to multiple universities at once, Non-Common App universities require you to apply separately through their own portals or alternative platforms.

Common App Universities

If you’re planning to apply to universities in the United States, the Common Application (Common App) is one of the most widely used platforms. It simplifies the college application process by allowing you to apply to multiple universities through a single form. Currently, over 1,100 colleges and universities accept the Common App.

The application includes your personal information, academic records, extracurricular details, and a personal essay (up to 650 words). You can choose the universities you want to apply to with just a few clicks. However, not all universities use it. Here’s how to get started:

• Step 1: Visit theCommon App website and register for a new account.
• Step 2:  Add basic information, high school records, extracurriculars, and your Common App essay.
• Step 3: If permitted, report your SAT scores directly in the application. Otherwise, send official scores through the College Board.
• Step 4: Some universities are test-optional or test-blind, meaning they may not consider your SAT scores at all. Review each college’s policy before submitting.
• Step 5: Search for universities and add them to your dashboard. Each college may have its own short essays or supplemental requirements.
• Step 6: Keep a note of each college’s application and scholarship deadlines to avoid missing any important dates.

Non-CommonApp Universities

Top-ranked universities, such as MIT, UC Berkeley, Georgetown University, the University of Washington, and the University of Texas, follow their own application processes. Hence, not all universities in the U.S. use the Common Application and require you to apply individually through their official university portals. Some institutions also accept alternative platforms, such as the Coalition Application or Universal Application, instead of the Common App.

Here’s how to apply to non-Common App universities:

• Step 1: Visit the university’s official admissions website.
• Step 2: Create an applicant account on the portal.
• Step 3: Fill in your personal and academic details, including SAT or ACT scores, essays, and Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Step 4: Upload required documents like transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and résumé.
• Step 5: Pay the application fee online.
• Step 6: Track your application status and check for updates regularly.

Here’s a list of popular universities that use their own portals or other application systems:

Organise Academic Transcripts

Submitting your transcripts is one of the most important Steps in the admission process, as they officially reflect your academic performance and are required for admissions, credit transfers, and visa applications. Always check each university’s minimum CGPA requirements and note that most institutions require records from Grade 9 onwards. Review your transcripts carefully to ensure all grades and details are accurate. Upload them through the Common App or the university’s official portal, and follow up to confirm receipt and verification. 

Processing typically takes 10 - 20 days, depending on the university. Organising and verifying your transcripts in advance helps ensure a smooth evaluation and strengthens your application.

Prepare for English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL/IELTS)

If you’ve taken the SAT and are applying to international universities, here’s what you need to know about taking TOEFL or IELTS and how it works after the SAT.

• TOEFL and IELTS aren’t always required. Many universities abroad ask for an English proficiency test if your schooling wasn't fully in English.
• TOEFL (or IELTS) tests four key English skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. This shows universities that you can handle courses taught in English.
• TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from your test date.
• It’s best to take the TOEFL or IELTS within about a year before your intended university intake, so your score stays valid when you apply.
• Since different universities have different deadlines and English proficiency requirements, check your target university’s specific rules before you register.
  
  

Send SAT Test Scores

After taking the SAT, it’s important to know where to check your scores and when to send them. SAT scores are valid for 5 years, but university deadlines vary, so always review application timelines before submitting your scores to avoid missing cut-offs.

You can check your SAT scores online through your College Board account, usually 2-4 weeks after the test. Under “Score Reports,” you’ll see your total score along with section-wise details, helping you decide whether to send your scores or retake the test.

Prepare Important Documents for University Applications

Once your SAT is done, the most important part of your college application is preparing the documents that showcase who you are beyond scores. Universities look for motivated, well-rounded students, and these documents help them understand your personality, achievements, goals, and readiness for global education.

• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): A strong LOR gives admissions officers insight into your character, work ethic, and potential. Choose recommenders who know you well academically or professionally and can share specific examples of your skills and growth. Support them by providing your résumé, projects, and achievements so the letter feels personalised, detailed, and impactful.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Essay: Your SOP connects your academic journey, SAT preparation, and future goals into a compelling story. Use it to highlight your motivation for studying abroad, global outlook, and personal growth. Focus on qualities like leadership, resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving to show who you are beyond numbers.
• Academic Résumé: An undergraduate résumé presents a holistic snapshot of your profile in a concise format. Include academic achievements, SAT scores, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, awards, skills, and personal projects. This helps universities quickly understand your strengths, interests, and initiative outside the classroom.

Prepare Financial Documents

For SAT applicants planning to study abroad, universities and visa authorities require proof that you can cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. This ensures that you can fund your education for at least the first year, and sometimes for the full course duration.

List of Financial Documents Required for Undergraduate Admissions Abroad:

• The recent 6-12 months of Bank Statements show sufficient funds.
• An affidavit of support from parents or guardians confirming they will support your education.
• Proof of financial aid or scholarships awarded by the university.
• Income Proof of Sponsors, like Salary slips, tax returns, bank statements or employment letters of parents/guardians.
• Fixed Deposits or Investment Proof that demonstrates financial stability.
• In case of an education loan, get a confirmation letter from the bank approved in your name.

You must estimate the total cost for at least two years, covering tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel. Expenses typically start around ₹10–15 lakhs and can go higher depending on the country and university,

Apply for Your Student Visa

After receiving your SAT scores and securing an acceptance letter from a university abroad, the next critical Step is applying for a student visa. The visa allows you to legally study in your chosen country, and the process varies by destination. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Visa Preparation:

• Step 1: Check Country-Specific Requirements or visit the official embassy or consulate website of your target country to understand their student visa procedures, timelines, fees, and required documents.
• Step 2: Gather Core Documents, and as a SAT applicant, you will typically require the following documents to apply for a student visa:
  • Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
  • Letter of Acceptance (from the university)
  • Financial documents and bank statements proving sufficient funds
  • Proof of accommodation arrangements (on-campus or off-campus)
  • Health insurance (if required by the country)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • English proficiency test scores (SAT often pairs with TOEFL/IELTS for visa purposes)
  • Medical certificates or vaccination records (if applicable)
• Step 3: Complete the Application by filling out the visa application form online or offline, paying the required fees, and scheduling an interview if needed.
  Step 4: Prepare for the Interview and be ready to discuss your study plans, choice of university, career goals, and financial preparedness.

From the Desk of Yocket

If you’ve just completed your SAT, remember this: the exam is only the first milestone. 

What truly shapes your admissions journey is how you plan your next Steps: shortlisting universities, preparing strong essays, arranging financial documents, and submitting error-free applications on time. Stay organised, stay proactive, and avoid waiting for deadlines to push you.

This is exactly where Yocket Prep and the larger Yocket ecosystem support you. From personalised SAT prep tools and expert counselling to application guidance, document reviews, and visa assistance, all in one place, we help you move from “SAT completed” to “admission secured” with confidence.