How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges: Step-by-Step Guide

Sending SAT scores to colleges is a crucial step in the college application process. It provides colleges with vital information about your academic abilities and helps them evaluate your suitability for admission.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of sending your SAT scores to colleges, ensuring that you submit the required information accurately and efficiently.

1. Understand Score Reporting Options

Before sending your SAT scores, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the various score reporting options available. The College Board, the organization responsible for administering the SAT, offers three main options for score reporting:

• Score Choice: Score Choice gives you control over which SAT scores you want to send to colleges. You can select specific test dates and subject test scores to be sent to colleges of your choice. This option allows you to showcase your best scores and omit scores that may not reflect your true potential. It allows you to present yourself in the best possible light to colleges.
• All Scores: If you opt for the All Scores option, all of your SAT scores from every test date will be sent to the colleges you select. This option is suitable if you believe that all your scores accurately represent your abilities and want colleges to review your complete testing history. It can provide a comprehensive overview of your academic performance.
• Single Test Date: Selecting the Single Test Date option will send your scores from only one specific SAT date to the colleges of your choice. This is helpful if you want colleges to focus on your performance from a particular test date where you believe you performed exceptionally well. It allows you to highlight your strengths in a specific area.

2. Create a College Board Account

To begin the process of sending your SAT scores, you need to create an account on the College Board website. Follow these steps to set up your account:

1. Visit the College Board website
2. Click on the “Sign In” button located at the top right corner of the homepage.
3. If you do not have an account, click on the “Sign Up” button and provide the required information, including your name, email address, and date of birth.
4. Create a username and password for your account.
5. Once you have successfully created an account, sign in using your credentials.

Creating a College Board account is essential as it allows you to access and manage your SAT scores, registration information, and score sends.

Register for the SAT

Before you can send your SAT scores, you must register and take the SAT exam. Follow these steps to register for the SAT:

• Sign in to your College Board account.
• Click on the “SAT” tab on the homepage.
• Select the desired test date and location.
• Fill in the personal and academic information required for registration.
• Pay the registration fee using a credit or debit card.
• After completing the registration process, you will receive a confirmation email with your SAT admission ticket. Make sure to print it and keep it in a safe place.

Registering for the SAT is a crucial step in the process. It ensures that you have a confirmed test date and location, allowing you to proceed with the next steps.

4. Choose Score Recipients

Once you have taken the SAT, you will need to identify the colleges or universities where you want your scores to be sent. Follow these steps to select your score recipients:

1. Sign in to your College Board account.
2. Click on the “SAT” tab and select “Score Sends.”
3. Choose the option that best suits your preferences: Score Choice, All Scores, or Single Test Date.
4. Enter the names of the colleges or universities you wish to receive your scores. You can search for institutions by name or location.
5. Review your selections to ensure accuracy.
6. Pay the required fee for each score recipient. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.

Choosing score recipients is a critical decision. Take the time to research and consider the colleges or universities where you want your scores to be sent. Consider factors such as admission requirements, programs of interest, and the college’s reputation in your desired field of study.

5. Verify Score Recipient Information

Before finalizing your score, it is crucial to verify the recipient’s information to avoid any potential errors. Follow these steps to verify the score recipient details:

1. Sign in to your College Board account.
2. Go to the “Score Sends” section under the SAT tab.
3. Review the list of colleges or universities you have selected as score recipients.
4. Double-check the spelling and accuracy of the institution names and addresses.
5. Make any necessary corrections or additions.
6. Once you are confident that the recipient information is correct, proceed to the payment process.

Verifying score recipient information is essential to ensure that your scores reach the intended institutions accurately. Pay careful attention to details to avoid any delays or miscommunications.

6. Pay for Score Sends

Sending your SAT scores to colleges usually incurs a fee for each recipient. Follow these steps to make the payment for score sends:

1. Sign in to your College Board account.
2. Navigate to the “Score Sends” section under the SAT tab.
3. Review the list of score recipients and verify the total cost.
4. Choose the payment method (credit or debit card) and enter the required payment details.
5. Submit the payment and wait for the confirmation.

Paying for score sends is a necessary step in the process. Be sure to have the required payment information ready to ensure a smooth and efficient transaction.

7. Confirm Score Send Requests

After completing the payment process, it is essential to confirm that your score sends requests have been successfully processed. Follow these steps to confirm your score sends:

1. Sign in to your College Board account.
2. Go to the “Score Sends” section under the SAT tab.
3. Review the list of score recipients and verify the payment status.
4. Check for any error messages or issues. Contact College Board support if necessary.
5. Once you have confirmed that your score has been processed correctly, you can expect your scores to be sent to the designated colleges or universities within the specified timeframe.

Confirming score send requests is crucial to ensure that there are no issues or discrepancies in the process. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your scores will be delivered as intended.

Conclusion

Sending your SAT scores to colleges is a crucial step in the college application process. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the process with ease and ensure that your scores reach the intended institutions accurately.

Remember to familiarize yourself with the score reporting options provided by the College Board, create an account, register for the SAT, select score recipients, verify recipient information, make the required payments, and confirm the score send requests. With careful attention to each step, you can ensure that your SAT scores play a significant role in your college admissions journey.

FAQ

What are the score reporting options for sending SAT scores to colleges?

The score reporting options for sending SAT scores to colleges are Score Choice, All Scores, and Single Test Date.

How do I create a College Board account to send my SAT scores?

To create a College Board account, visit the College Board website, click on the Sign In button, and then click on the Sign-Up button to provide the required information.

What is the process for registering for the SAT?

To register for the SAT, sign in to your College Board account, click on the SAT tab, select the desired test date and location, fill in the required information, pay the registration fee, and receive a confirmation email with your SAT admission ticket.

How do I choose the colleges or universities to receive my SAT scores?

To choose score recipients, sign in to your College Board account, click on the SAT tab, select Score Sends, enter the names of the colleges or universities, review your selections, pay the required fee, and finalize your choices.