A Step-by-Step Guide – How to Submit SAT Scores to Colleges

Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is a test with a standardized format that is demanded by all students who want to pursue their studies at USA universities and colleges. SAT test results are an indication the student's prepared to go to college. SAT score is an essential element of the college application procedure, and the requirements are regularly modified by different educational institutions. It is therefore recommended to research the test requirements and minimum SAT score for the schools they are planning be applying to. Sending SAT scores depends on two things: what time you passed the test as well as the score you intend to transmit.

If you've never taken the SAT and you haven't taken the test, you will not be able to apply to be admitted to college to the United States. In this situation there is no difference. It doesn't matter how impressive the student's transcript and GPA are, or the amount they've achieved in English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS in the event that they haven't sat to take the SAT and SAT, they're not eligible for college admissions to the United States.

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How to Submit SAT Scores to Colleges:

1. Log in to your College Board Account:

This is where you'll manage everything related to your SAT scores. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one.

2. Navigate to the "Send SAT Scores" Page:

Once logged in, find the section for sending your scores. The College Board website should guide you through this process easily.

3. Choose Whether to Send Scores Now or Later:

There are two options:

• Send Available Scores Now: This is for if you already took the SAT and have your results.
• Send Scores When Available: Use this if you're registered for an upcoming test date.

4. Select the Colleges You Want to Receive Scores:

You can search for colleges by name or use their unique score reporting code. Add each school you want your scores sent to.

5. Decide Which Scores to Send (if applicable):

• If you've taken the SAT multiple times, you can choose to send all your scores or just your highest ones.
• Make sure to check the specific requirements of each college. Some may have preferences on which scores they want to see.

6. Review and Submit Your Order:

Double-check everything to ensure accuracy, including colleges selected and score choices. Then, proceed with submitting your request.

7. Fee Payment (if applicable):

There may be a fee associated with sending scores. The College Board website will outline any fees involved.

8. Track Your Order (optional):

You can use your College Board account to monitor the status of your score reports being sent to colleges.

Additional Tips:

• Sending scores is typically faster when you do it during the registration process for the SAT. The College Board allows you to designate free score reports to up to four colleges at that time.
• Check each college's website for their specific SAT score submission requirements. There might be deadlines or preferences for which scores they consider.

By following these steps, you can easily submit your SAT scores to the colleges you're applying to.

Submitting SAT Scores When Signing Up for the SAT Exam:

You actually can't submit your final SAT scores when you sign up for the exam. However, there is an option to designate colleges to receive your scores free of charge at the time of registration. Here's a breakdown:

• Free Score Reports During Registration: When you register for the SAT, you have the chance to designate up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. This is a convenient way to ensure your scores are sent to some of your top choices without having to worry about fees later.
• Important Timeframes: There's usually a nine-day window after your test date to review and potentially change your selections for these free score reports. So, you have some flexibility after taking the test if your college list changes.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Limited Choices: Remember, you can only designate four colleges for free reports at registration. If you're applying to more colleges, you'll need to submit additional score reports later, which may incur fees.
• Not Binding: Choosing colleges during registration doesn't lock you into applying to those schools. You can still change your mind and apply elsewhere.

Overall, designating colleges for free score reports during SAT registration is a good way to streamline the process and ensure your scores reach some of your top choices without initial fees. However, be aware of the limitations and plan accordingly if you're applying to a wider range of colleges.

Submitting SAT Scores After Receiving Your Test Scores:

Absolutely, here's a comprehensive guide on submitting your SAT scores to colleges after receiving your results:

The Platform: You cannot submit SAT scores directly to colleges via email or physical mail. The College Board requires all score submissions to be done electronically through your College Board account.

Steps to Submit:

1. Log in to Your College Board Account: This is your central hub for managing everything related to your SAT scores.
2. Navigate to "Send SAT Scores": The College Board website is user-friendly, and this section should be easy to find. Look for a designated area related to sending your scores to colleges.

Sending Options: There are two primary options depending on your score availability and college deadlines:

• Sending Available Scores Now: Use this option if you have already received your scores and want them sent to colleges immediately.
• Sending Scores When Available: Choose this option if you're registered for an upcoming test date and want scores sent upon their release.

Selecting Recipients:

1. Search for Colleges: You can search for colleges by either their name or unique score reporting code provided by the college.
2. Add Colleges: Select each college you want to receive your scores.

Choosing Which Scores to Send (if applicable):

• If you've taken the SAT multiple times, you can decide to send all your scores or just your highest ones. It's crucial to check the specific requirements of each college you're applying to. Some may require all scores, while others may allow you to choose which ones to send.

Finalizing Your Request:

• Review your selections: Double-check everything thoroughly, including the colleges chosen and the scores you're sending.
• Submit your request: Once you've verified everything, proceed with submitting the request to send your scores.

Fees and Timing:

• Free vs. Rush Reporting: There may be a fee associated with sending scores, especially if it's beyond the initial free reports you can designate during registration. The College Board offers rush reporting for an additional cost if you need scores delivered to colleges quickly.
• Delivery Timeframe: Standard score reporting typically takes around 10 days for colleges to receive them after you submit the request. Rush reporting can expedite delivery within a few business days.

Additional Tips:

• Leverage Free Reports During Registration: When you register for the SAT, you can designate up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. This can save you money if those are your top choices.
• Check College Websites: Always refer to the admissions website of each college you're applying to. They might have specific deadlines or preferences for receiving SAT scores.

Steps to Submit SAT Scores to Colleges:

Platform: You can only submit SAT scores electronically through your College Board account.

Here's how to submit your scores after receiving them:

1. Log in: Access your College Board account.
2. Navigate: Find the section for "Send SAT Scores" or similar wording.
3. Choose Sending Option:
   • Send Available Scores Now: Use this if you have your scores and want them sent immediately.
   • Send Scores When Available: Choose this if you're registered for an upcoming test and want scores sent upon release.
4. Select Recipients:
   • Search for Colleges: Find colleges by name or unique score code.
   • Add Colleges: Select each college you want to receive your scores.
5. Choose Scores to Send (if applicable):
   • If you've taken the SAT multiple times, decide between sending all scores or just your highest ones (check college requirements).
6. Review and Submit:
   • Double-check everything: colleges chosen, scores to send.
   • Submit your request to send the scores.

Additional Considerations:

• Fees: There may be fees for sending scores, especially after the initial free reports during registration. Rush reporting is an additional cost for faster delivery.
• Delivery Timeframe: Standard delivery takes about 10 days for colleges to receive scores after you submit the request. Rush reporting can expedite delivery within a few business days.
• Tips:
  • Utilize free score reports during registration (up to 4 colleges).
  • Check each college's website for specific requirements on submitting SAT scores (deadlines, score preferences).

How Long It Takes to Send SAT Scores

The timeframe for sending SAT scores depends on two main factors:

1. When you request them to be sent:

   • Scores already released: If you have your scores and request them to be sent, colleges typically receive them within 10 days after you see them on your College Board account.
   • Scores from a future test: If you request scores from an upcoming test date, colleges will receive them around 3-4 weeks after your exam date.

2. Free vs. Rush Reporting: The College Board offers both free and rush reporting options:

   • Free Reports: These are typically delivered electronically within the 10-day window mentioned above.
   • Rush Reports: For an additional fee, rush reporting can expedite delivery to colleges, potentially within 2-3 business days.

Here's a table summarizing the timelines:

Scenario	Timeframe for Colleges to Receive Scores
Sending Available Scores (existing scores)	10 days after you see them on your College Board account
Sending Scores When Available (upcoming test)	3-4 weeks after your test date
Rush Reporting (existing scores)	2-3 business days

Remember: These are general timelines. It's always a good idea to check with the College Board or your college's admissions office for the most up-to-date information on processing times.

Choosing Your SAT Scores

Choosing which SAT scores to send to colleges depends on a few factors:

• Your Scores: This is the most crucial element. Ideally, you'd send your highest scores across all sections (Math, Reading & Writing).
• College Requirements: Some colleges require all your SAT scores, while others allow you to choose which ones to send (Score Choice).
• Superscoring: Certain colleges practice superscoring, meaning they consider your highest score from each section across all your test attempts.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

When to Send All Scores:

• College Requirement: If a college mandates submitting all your scores, you have no choice but to send them all.
• Consistent Performance: If your scores are fairly consistent across all test dates, sending all scores might not disadvantage you.

When to Use Score Choice (Sending Specific Scores):

• Significant Score Improvement: If you have a significant score improvement on a later test date, send those scores to showcase your growth.
• Lower Scores on First Attempts: If your initial SAT scores are lower and you improved later, send the higher scores.

How to Find Out College Requirements:

• Admissions Websites: Every college's admissions website should clearly outline their testing requirements, including score submission policies (all scores vs. Score Choice).
• Contact Admissions (Optional): If you're unsure about a college's policy, contact their admissions office to clarify their requirements.

Additional Tips:

• Generally Accepted Range: Even if a college allows Score Choice, most colleges consider scores within the past 1-5 years to be a reliable indicator of college readiness.
• Highly Selective Colleges: These colleges might prefer even more recent scores, ideally within the past 1-2 years.
• Retaking the SAT: If your desired colleges prefer recent scores and yours are older, consider retaking the SAT to potentially improve your score and demonstrate your most up-to-date abilities.

By considering these factors and researching college requirements, you can make an informed decision about which SAT scores to send to optimize your college applications. Remember, a strong score can significantly enhance your application's competitiveness.

Different Types of SAT Score Reportings

The SAT offers different report formats to provide colleges and students with detailed information about test performance. Here's a breakdown of the main types of SAT score reporting:

1. Total Score Report:

• This is the most basic report and includes your overall SAT score, which ranges from 400 to 1600.
• It doesn't provide any details on individual sections or subscores.

2. Sectional Score Report:

• This report breaks down your total score into the two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math.
• Each section is scored between 200 and 800 points.
• This report gives a clearer picture of your performance in each major subject area tested by the SAT.

3. Score Percentiles:

• This shows how your scores compare to other test-takers.
• It indicates the percentage of students who scored lower than you on a particular section or the entire test.
• Percentiles help colleges understand how your scores rank nationally.

4. Subscore Report (Detailed Breakdown):

• This report dives deeper into your performance within each section.
• It provides scores for specific content areas or skills tested within EBRW and Math.
• For instance, in EBRW, you might see subscores for Reading passages, Writing and Language sections. Similarly, Math might have subscores for problem-solving and analysis.

5. Cross-Test Scores (Optional):

• This report (not always available) looks at how you performed on questions that assess skills applied across both Reading and Writing and Math sections.
• It can indicate your ability to integrate knowledge from various areas.

6. Test Information Release:

• This report includes details about the specific test date you took, any testing accommodations you received (if applicable), and any cancellations of your scores.

Here's a table summarizing the different reports:

Report Type	Information Provided
Total Score Report	Overall SAT score (400-1600)
Sectional Score Report	Scores for Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) and Math sections (200-800 each)
Score Percentiles	How your scores compare to other test-takers nationally
Subscore Report	Scores for specific content areas or skills within EBRW and Math sections
Cross-Test Scores (Optional)	Performance on questions that combine skills from Reading/Writing and Math
Test Information Release	Test date details, testing accommodations (if any), score cancellation (if any)

Reporting SAT Archived Score

Here's what you need to know about reporting archived SAT scores:

What are Archived Scores?

• Once you've left high school and haven't taken the SAT for at least a year, your scores become archived by the College Board.
• This means they're not readily available for colleges to see through the standard score reporting process.

How to Report Archived Scores:

• You cannot report archived scores electronically through your College Board account like you would with recent scores.

• There are two ways to request reporting archived scores:

  1. By Mail: Download an Archived Score Report Order Form from the College Board website (https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/send-scores-to-colleges/sending-archived-sat-scores), fill it out completely, and mail it to the address provided on the form.
  2. By Phone: Call the College Board at (866) 756-7346. Be aware that a phone request may incur an additional service fee.

Important Considerations:

• Fees: There's a fee associated with reporting archived scores, on top of any standard score reporting fees you might have used previously.
• Processing Time: Allow additional time for processing archived scores compared to recent scores. It typically takes 2 business days for the College Board to retrieve archived scores after they receive your request. Then, factor in standard delivery time (around 10 days) for colleges to receive the reports.
• Rush Reporting: The College Board offers rush reporting for archived scores for an additional fee. This can expedite delivery to colleges within a few business days.
• Score Validity: While scores technically never expire, most colleges prefer scores from within the past 1-5 years. Highly selective colleges might prefer even more recent scores (1-2 years old). Check the admissions website of each college you're applying to for their specific policy on archived scores.

Alternatives to Archived Scores:

• Consider Retaking the SAT: If your archived scores are older and colleges prefer recent scores, you might consider retaking the SAT to potentially improve your score and demonstrate your most up-to-date abilities.

In conclusion: Reporting archived SAT scores requires additional steps and fees compared to recent scores. Carefully weigh the cost and processing time against the potential benefit for your college applications. Consider college score validity preferences and explore alternatives like retaking the SAT if necessary.

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FAQs-

Q. How do I send my SAT scores to colleges?
A: You send your SAT scores to colleges through your College Board account. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Log in to your College Board account.
2. Go to the "Send SAT Scores" section.
3. Choose to send either available scores now or for an upcoming test.
4. Search and add the colleges you want to receive your scores.
5. Decide if you want to send all your scores or just your highest ones (check college requirements).
6. Review your selections and submit the request.
7. Pay any associated fees (if applicable).

Remember, it's usually faster to designate colleges when you register for the SAT (free reports to up to 4 schools). Also, check each college's website for specific requirements on submitting SAT scores.

Q. Is there a fee for sending SAT scores to colleges?
A: There is a fee for sending SAT scores to colleges, but there are also some exceptions:

• Free Initial Reports: You get to designate up to four colleges to receive your scores for free when you register for the SAT. There's a nine-day window after the test date to change these selections if needed.
• SAT Fee Waiver: If you qualify for a College Board SAT fee waiver (typically based on low-income), you can send your scores to colleges for free, regardless of when you request them.

Q. Can I choose which SAT scores to send if I took the test multiple times?
A: Yes, you can often choose which SAT scores to send to colleges if you've taken the test multiple times. This is thanks to a program called Score Choice offered by the College Board.

Here's how Score Choice works:

• You can choose to send all your scores from a single test date or only your scores from a particular test date.
• You cannot pick and choose sections from different test dates to create a "super score." (For example, your best Math score from one test and your best Reading/Writing score from another test).

Q. Can I send my SAT scores to colleges after I submit my application?
A: In most cases, yes, you can send your SAT scores to colleges even after you submit your application. Here's why:

• Understanding Deadlines: The application deadline is typically for submitting all required documents except for standardized test scores like the SAT.
• Score Reporting Process: Many colleges anticipate students may not have their final scores by the application deadline. They allow you to submit your application with self-reported scores and then send the official scores from the College Board later.

Here are some steps to ensure a smooth process:

1. Check the College's Policy: Double-check the admissions website of each college for their specific policy on submitting SAT scores. Some colleges might have a deadline for receiving scores, so be aware of that.
2. Use the College Board Website: Once you have your scores, use your College Board account to send them to the colleges you applied to.
3. Consider Rush Reporting (Optional): If there's a deadline approaching, you can choose the rush reporting option for an additional fee to get your scores to colleges faster.

Q. How long does it take for colleges to receive my SAT scores?
A: The timeframe for colleges to receive your SAT scores depends on a couple of factors:

• When you request them to be sent: There are two main scenarios:
  • Scores already released: If your scores are already available and you request them to be sent, colleges will typically receive them within 10 days after you receive your own scores on the College Board website.
  • Scores from a future test: If you request scores to be sent from an upcoming test date, colleges will receive them around 3-4 weeks after your exam date.
• Free vs. Rush Reports: The College Board offers both free and rush reporting options:
  • Free Reports: These are typically delivered electronically within the 10-day window mentioned above.
  • Rush Reports: For an additional fee, rush reporting can expedite delivery to colleges, potentially within 2-3 business days.

Here's a quick summary:

• Free Reports (scores already released): Colleges receive scores in 10 days after you see them.
• Free Reports (scores from future test): Colleges receive scores 3-4 weeks after your test date.
• Rush Reports: Colleges receive scores in 2-3 business days.

Q. Do all colleges require SAT scores for admission?
A: No, not all colleges require SAT scores for admission. There has been a significant move towards more flexible admissions policies in recent years. Here's the breakdown:

• Test-Optional Colleges: A large and growing number of colleges allow students to apply without submitting SAT scores. These colleges will focus on other aspects of your application like GPA, extracurriculars, and essays.
• Test-Required Colleges: A smaller number of colleges still have SAT scores as a mandatory part of their application process.

How to Find Test-Optional Colleges:

• Use online resources like the College Board's BigFuture website or FairTest to search for test-optional colleges.
• Check the admissions websites of colleges you're interested in. They will clearly state their testing requirements.

Should You Submit SAT Scores (Test-Optional Colleges):

Even if a college is test-optional, you can still submit your SAT scores if they are strong. This could strengthen your application. However, if your SAT scores are lower than the average for that college, you may choose not to submit them and focus on highlighting other strengths in your application.

Q. Can I send SAT scores to colleges by mail?
A: No, you cannot send SAT scores to colleges by mail. The College Board requires that SAT scores are sent electronically through your College Board account. This ensures secure and efficient delivery to colleges.

Here's why mail is not an option for SAT scores:

• Security: Electronic delivery minimizes the risk of scores being lost or tampered with in the mail.
• Efficiency: Electronic scores are delivered much faster than physical mail. Colleges typically receive them within 10 days compared to the unpredictable timeframe of postal service.
• Convenience: Sending scores electronically is a more streamlined process compared to printing and mailing score reports.

The College Board offers a user-friendly platform for sending your SAT scores. By logging into your account, you can easily designate which colleges receive your scores and even choose which test dates to send from if you've taken the SAT multiple times.

Q. What if I made a mistake in the colleges I selected to receive my SAT scores?
A: Don't worry, there are ways to fix a mistake if you selected the wrong colleges to receive your SAT scores. Here's how to address it:

• Contact the College Board: The College Board offers customer service to help with situations like this. You can reach them by phone or online through their website.
• Explain the Situation: Inform them that you accidentally selected the wrong colleges and would like to modify your score recipients.
• Request a Change: Depending on how recently you submitted the request, they might be able to stop the scores from being sent to the incorrect colleges and allow you to update your selections with the correct ones.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Time is of the Essence: The sooner you contact the College Board after making the mistake, the better chance you have of stopping the scores from going to the wrong schools.
• Cancellation Fees: There may be a fee associated with canceling a score report, especially if it's already been processed.
• Resending Scores: Once you've corrected your selections, you'll need to resend your scores to the intended colleges. There may be another fee for this, depending on the College Board's policy.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes:

• Double-Check: Before submitting your score report request, carefully review the list of colleges you've selected to ensure they are all correct.
• Use College Codes: When adding colleges, use their unique College Board code instead of just the school name. This helps to avoid confusion with institutions that have similar names.

Q. Can I rush the delivery of my SAT scores to meet an application deadline?
A: Yes, you can potentially rush the delivery of your SAT scores to meet an application deadline. The College Board offers a rush reporting option for an additional fee. Here's what you need to know:

• Availability: Rush reporting is only available for scores that have already been released. You can't rush scores from an upcoming test date.
• Delivery Speed: Rush reports are typically delivered to colleges within 1-4 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. This can be a significant advantage compared to the standard free reporting timeframe of 10 days.
• Cost: There's an additional fee associated with rush reporting on top of the standard score report fee.

Here's how to decide if rush reporting is right for you:

• Deadline urgency: Consider how close your application deadline is. If it's within a few days and your scores haven't been sent yet, rush reporting might be necessary.
• Score importance: If strong SAT scores are a crucial part of your application, rushing them could be beneficial.
• Cost consideration: Weigh the cost of rush reporting against your budget and the potential benefit of getting your scores to colleges faster.

Q. How long are SAT scores valid for college applications?
A: The technical answer is that SAT scores never expire. The College Board doesn't set an official expiration date on them. However, there's an important distinction to consider:

• Score Validity vs. College Acceptance: While scores technically remain valid indefinitely, colleges have their own policies on how long they consider SAT scores to be a reliable indicator of college readiness.

Here's a breakdown of how this works:

• Generally Accepted Range: Most colleges will accept SAT scores within the past 1-5 years. This is because they believe scores from too far back may not accurately reflect a student's current abilities and preparedness for college-level work.
• Selective Colleges: Highly selective colleges may prefer even more recent scores, within the past 1-2 years.
• Less Selective Colleges: Less selective colleges might be more flexible and consider scores up to 5 years old.

Here's what you should do:

• Check College Websites: The most accurate information will come from the admissions website of each college you're interested in. They'll outline their specific policy on SAT score validity.
• Contact Admissions (Optional): If you're unsure about a college's policy or have scores older than their preferred range, you can contact their admissions office to inquire. They may be able to provide more specific guidance for your situation.
• Consider Retaking the SAT: If your desired colleges prefer recent scores and yours are older, you might consider retaking the SAT to potentially improve your score and demonstrate your most up-to-date abilities.

By following these steps, you can ensure your SAT scores are considered valid and competitive for your college applications.