Sending SAT scores to colleges is an essential part of the college application process. Colleges use SAT scores to evaluate a student’s academic ability and potential for success at their institution. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to send SAT scores to colleges.
Understanding SAT Scores
Before we dive into sending SAT scores to colleges, let’s first understand how SAT scores are calculated. The SAT is divided into two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, with a total possible score of 1600.
In addition to the overall score, students receive subscores for each section. The subscores range from 1 to 15 and provide more detailed information about student performance in specific test areas.
Choosing Which Scores to Send
When sending SAT scores to colleges, students can choose which scores they want to send. There are two main types of score reporting: Score Choice and All Scores.
Score Choice allows students to choose which scores they want to send to colleges. This means that if a student took the SAT multiple times, they could only decide to send their best scores to colleges.
On the other hand, All Scores requires students to send all their SAT scores to colleges. This means that if students take the SAT multiple times, their scores will be sent to colleges.
It’s important to note that not all colleges accept Score Choice. Some colleges require students to send all of their SAT scores, while others allow students to choose which scores they want to send. Before sending SAT scores to colleges, students should check the score-reporting policies of each college they are applying to.
Sending SAT Scores Online
The easiest and most convenient way to send SAT scores to colleges is through the College Board website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to send SAT scores online:
- Sign in to your College Board account.
- Go to the Send SAT Scores page.
- Select the colleges you want to send scores to.
- Pay the score reporting fee (if applicable).
- Submit your score report.
It’s important to note that there is a fee for sending SAT scores to colleges. The cost is $12 per score report, and it’s non-refundable. If a student sends a score report to a college but later decides not to apply, they will not receive a refund for the score report fee.
Sending SAT Scores by Mail
Students can also send SAT scores to colleges by mail. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to send SAT scores by mail:
- Download and print the SAT Score Report Request Form from the College Board website.
- Fill out the form with your personal information and the information of the colleges you want to send scores.
- Include a check or money order for the score reporting fee (if applicable).
- Mail the form and payment to the address provided on the form.
It’s important to note that sending SAT scores by mail takes longer than sending scores online. It can take up to two weeks for colleges to receive SAT scores sent by mail.
Sending SAT Scores to International Colleges
Sending SAT scores to international colleges follows the same process as sending scores to U.S. colleges. However, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind.
First, students should check the score-reporting policies of each international college they are applying to. Some international colleges may require additional documentation or have different score reporting deadlines.
Second, students should consider the time difference between the U.S. and the international college. It’s essential to send SAT scores well before the application deadline to ensure they are received on time.
Conclusion
Sending SAT scores to colleges is an important part of the college application process. Students should carefully consider which scores to send and check the score reporting policies of each college they are applying to. Sending scores online is the most accessible and convenient option, but students can also send scores by mail. For international colleges, students should check the score reporting policies and consider the time difference. With this comprehensive guide, students can confidently send their SAT scores to colleges and take the next step toward their academic goals.
