Sending SAT Scores to Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re a high school student planning to attend college, you’re going to encounter the SAT— a standardized exam taken by millions of students every year. While taking the test is important, sending your scores to colleges of your choice matters just as much. Failure to do so can hurt your admission chances. But the process of sending scores to these institutions can be overwhelming. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to simplify the steps involved and help you avoid common mistakes.
Step-by-step guide
Before sending scores to your chosen colleges, the first step is to create an account with the College Board. Then, you follow these steps:
- Sign in to your College Board account.
- Select the My SAT tab.
- Click on Send Scores.
- Select the scores you want to send to colleges.
- Choose the institutions where you want your scores sent.
- Pay for any additional fees (if applicable).
It’s essential to select the correct colleges where you intend to apply. Double-checking the names and codes can help avoid mistakes in the delivery process.
Comparison of different sending options
Students have different options for sending SAT scores to colleges. The most common approaches are:
- College Board website
- Regular mail
Email is more accessible compared to others and delivers scores more quickly. The College Board website, on the other hand, provides more options and features to recipients and is faster than regular mail. The latter option provides a reliable means of delivery. It’s crucial to consider the timing and expectations of the college you’re sending scores to because delivery options can vary from one institution to another.
Common pitfalls to avoid
The most common mistake students make when sending SAT scores is selecting the wrong institution to receive their scores. Double-checking the names and codes of the schools can help avoid this issue. Another mistake is submitting scores past an institution’s deadline. Ensure you research and submit the scores before the college’s deadline. Lastly, students need to ensure they select the right scores for each institution as the College Board may have records of scores they do not want to submit.
Alternatives to SAT scores
Not all colleges require the submission of SAT scores. Some institutions accept various scores, including:
- ACT scores
- Subject test scores
- Advanced Placement (AP) scores
Some colleges may accept standardized test scores as well. It’s important to research the institution you plan on applying to for specifics on test score submissions.
Frequently asked questions
Below are common questions students may have when sending SAT scores to colleges:
- How much does it cost to send scores to colleges?
The cost varies based on the options a student chooses. - Can I send my scores to colleges without paying a fee?
No. The College Board charges a fee for each submission. - Are all colleges required to receive my SAT scores if I’ve taken the test?
No. You can choose which colleges receive your scores. - What if I sent the wrong scores to a college?
Some colleges may accept corrected scores in some instances, but they may not.
Creating a timeline
When it comes to SAT scores, timing is everything. Here’s a timeline students can use to keep track of the submission process:
- Immediately after completing the SAT, log in to the College Board account and select colleges to receive scores.
- Check with each institution to confirm their submission deadline and requirements.
- Ensure SAT scores have been sent at least a week before deadlines
- Follow up with the college admission board to ensure they received your scores and there have been no problems.
Tips for maximizing your SAT scores
Studying can impact sets can impact admission chances. To improve SAT scores, consider:
- Preparing before taking the test
- Consider private tutoring
- Complementing SAT preparation with relevant courses
Conclusion
Sending SAT scores to colleges is a crucial step in the college admissions process. Following the steps outlined in this guide, avoiding common pitfalls, and keeping to a timeline will improve your chances of success. Remember, colleges put a tremendous amount of weight on SAT scores, factor in time and energy to do your best while striving to simplify the submission process.
