How To Submit Sat Scores To Colleges

How to Submit SAT Scores to Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide

Submitting your SAT scores to colleges is a crucial step in the college application process. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you send your scores to the right places and avoid common pitfalls. Understanding how to effectively manage your score submission will significantly impact your college applications.

What you need to know before you begin:

• Your SAT Scores: You'll need your College Board student ID and the score report number to access and send your scores.
• College List: Have a finalized list of colleges you're applying to. Each college has its own deadlines and requirements. Check each college's website for specific instructions.
• Score Choice Policy: Understand each college's score choice policy. Some colleges allow you to select which SAT scores you want to send, while others require you to send all scores.
• Deadlines: College application deadlines vary widely. Missing deadlines can negatively impact your application.

Methods for Sending Your SAT Scores:

There are primarily two ways to send your SAT scores to colleges:

1. Sending Scores Through the College Board Website:

This is the most common and generally preferred method.

• Accessing Your Score Report: Log in to your College Board account. You'll find your score report there, along with the option to send scores.
• Selecting Recipients: You'll need to search for the colleges you want to send your scores to. Double-check the college names and codes to ensure accuracy.
• Score Choice (If Applicable): If the college you're applying to offers score choice, you'll have the option to choose which test date's scores to send. Carefully consider which scores to send based on your performance.
• Fee: There's a fee for sending scores, but often the first few score sends are free. Be mindful of this cost as you add colleges.
• Confirmation: After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation. Keep this for your records.

2. Sending Scores Through the College's Application Portal:

Some colleges allow you to submit your scores directly through their application portal.

• Check the Application Portal: Look for a section related to test scores within the college's application. They may require you to input your College Board ID and score report number.
• Self-Reporting: Some institutions might allow self-reporting of scores, but this is usually only as a temporary measure, with official scores still required later. Always verify the college's policy.
• Advantages: This method can streamline the process for you, avoiding multiple platforms. However, it's essential to cross-reference that the score was indeed received by the institution.

Tips for Successfully Submitting Your SAT Scores:

• Submit Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Allow ample time for potential delays or issues.
• Keep Records: Keep a copy of your score reports and confirmation emails. This will help you track the status of your score submissions.
• Verify Receipt: After a reasonable amount of time, check with the colleges to ensure they received your scores.
• Understand Score Reporting Policies: Thoroughly understand each college's score reporting policy, especially their score choice options and deadlines.
• Plan Ahead: Consider sending scores earlier rather than later to ensure your application is complete before deadlines. This especially applies if your score is needed for financial aid consideration.

Submitting your SAT scores might seem daunting, but by following these steps and understanding the nuances of each college's requirements, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process. Remember, careful planning and attention to detail are key to a successful college application.