Knowing when and how to send SAT/ACT scores can save money and strategically strengthen your college applications. Here's the complete guide.
Understanding Score Sends
What Score Sending Means
Definition: Officially transmitting your test scores from the testing agency (College Board or ACT) to colleges
Why it matters:
- Colleges only consider scores sent officially
- Self-reported scores (on application) must match official scores
- Timing affects application deadlines
Official vs. Self-Reported Scores
Official scores:
- Sent directly from College Board or ACT
- Required for admission decision
- Fee per score send
Self-reported scores:
- You report on college application
- Free
- Must be verified with official scores later (if admitted)
Trend: Many colleges now allow self-reporting, reducing costs
SAT Score Reporting
Free Score Sends
When: Within 9 days of taking the SAT
How many: 4 free score sends
How: Select colleges during registration or up to 9 days after test
Strategic tip: Use free sends for colleges you're certain to apply to
Additional Score Sends
Cost: $13 per college (as of 2024-2025)
When: Anytime after 9-day window
How: Through College Board account online
Rush reporting (rarely needed):
- $31 per college
- Faster processing (2-4 days vs. 1-2 weeks)
- Only use if facing imminent deadline
Score Choice (SAT)
What it is: You choose which SAT test dates to send to colleges
How it works:
- Take SAT multiple times
- Select which date(s) to send
- Can send different dates to different colleges
Example:
- October SAT: 1400
- December SAT: 1480
- Send only December to College A
- Send both (for superscore) to College B
Important: Some colleges require all scores (cannot use Score Choice)
Which Colleges Require All SAT Scores?
All scores required:
- Stanford
- Yale (reinstating requirement 2025)
- Some others (check individual policies)
Superscoring schools (send all for best outcome):
- Most Ivy League
- Many private universities
Strategy: Research each college's policy before sending scores
ACT Score Reporting
Free Score Sends
When: During registration or before scores are released
How many: 4 free score sends (changed from unlimited in some past years—verify current policy)
How: Select during registration
Note: Once scores are released, free sends no longer available
Additional Score Sends
Cost: $16 per college (as of 2024-2025)
When: After scores are released
How: Through ACT account online
Faster score reporting:
- ~$20 per report
- Priority processing
Score Choice (ACT)
What it is: You choose which ACT test dates to send
How it works:
- Take ACT multiple times
- Send only your best score
- Can send different dates to different colleges
Example:
- April ACT: 30 composite
- June ACT: 32 composite
- Send only June score
Superscoring: Some colleges superscore ACT, so send all dates for best composite
When to Send Scores
During Application Process
Early Decision/Early Action (November 1):
- Send by mid-October
- Ensures scores arrive before deadline
- Can rush if necessary (expensive)
Regular Decision (January 1):
- Send by mid-December
- Some flexibility (colleges accept January test scores for RD)
Rolling Admissions:
- Send as soon as you have competitive scores
- Earlier applications = better chances
Strategic Timing
Option 1: Send free scores immediately (during 9-day window)
- Pros: Free, automatic
- Cons: Scores sent before you see them (risky if you bombed the test)
Option 2: Wait to see scores, then send
- Pros: Only send good scores
- Cons: Costs money ($13-16 per school)
Recommended: Wait to see scores unless you're confident
Test-Optional Schools
If submitting scores:
- Send after you've decided they help your application
- Can wait until final deadlines
If not submitting scores:
- No need to send at all (saves money)
How to Send Scores
SAT (College Board)
Step 1: Log in to College Board account
Step 2: Go to "Send Scores"
Step 3: Search for colleges by name or code
Step 4: Select test dates to send (if using Score Choice)
Step 5: Review and pay
Step 6: Confirm
Timeline: 1-2 weeks for electronic delivery
ACT
Step 1: Log in to ACT account
Step 2: Go to "Send Scores"
Step 3: Search for colleges by name or code
Step 4: Select test date to send
Step 5: Review and pay
Step 6: Confirm
Timeline: 1-2 weeks for standard, ~1 week for priority
Self-Reporting Scores
Which Colleges Allow Self-Reporting?
Many colleges now accept self-reported scores:
- You report scores on application (Common App or Coalition App)
- Official scores only required if admitted and enrolling
- Check each college's policy
Examples (verify current policies):
- Stanford
- Brown
- Many public universities
Benefits:
- Saves money during application process
- Only pay for official scores if you enroll
How to Self-Report
Common Application:
- Education section
- Testing tab
- Enter scores manually
- Can report multiple test dates
Coalition Application:
- Profile section
- Self-reported academic information
- Enter test scores
Important: Self-reported scores must match official scores exactly (if verified later)
Superscoring Strategies
SAT Superscoring
What it is: Colleges take your highest section scores across all test dates
Example:
| Test Date | Reading/Writing | Math | Total |
|-----------|------------------|------|-------|
| March | 700 | 650 | 1350 |
| May | 680 | 720 | 1400 |
| Superscore | 700 | 720 | 1420 |
Strategy: Send all test dates to superscoring schools (shows improvement and maximizes score)
ACT Superscoring
What it is: Colleges recalculate your composite using highest section scores across dates
Example:
| Test Date | English | Math | Reading | Science | Composite |
|-----------|---------|------|---------|---------|-----------|
| April | 34 | 30 | 32 | 31 | 32 |
| June | 32 | 33 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
| Superscore | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 33 |
Strategy: Send all test dates to superscoring schools
Schools That Superscore
Most private universities: Yes
Public universities: Varies (UC system does NOT, for example)
Ivy League: Most do (verify each)
Check: College's admissions website for official policy
Cost-Saving Strategies
Use Free Score Sends Wisely
Best for:
- Safety schools (you're sure to apply)
- In-state public universities
- Schools that require all scores anyway
Not ideal for:
- Reach schools (wait to see score first)
- Test-optional schools
Self-Report When Possible
Save official score sends until after acceptance:
- Only send to the school you enroll in
- Saves $50-200+ on score sends
Send Strategically
Send to fewer schools:
- Only schools you're seriously considering
- Use self-reporting for others
Bundle score sends:
- Some testing agencies offer bulk discounts (rare, verify)
Common Mistakes
1. Sending Scores Too Late
Problem: Scores arrive after deadline
Solution: Send 2-3 weeks before deadline
2. Not Using Score Choice
Problem: Sending all scores (including low ones) unnecessarily
Solution: Use Score Choice unless school requires all scores
3. Forgetting to Send Scores
Problem: Assume self-reported scores are enough
Solution: Check each college's policy; send official scores when required
4. Wasting Free Score Sends
Problem: Sending to schools you won't apply to
Solution: Select carefully; can always add more later
5. Not Superscoring
Problem: Sending only highest single-sitting score
Solution: Send all dates to superscoring schools
Special Situations
Homeschool Students
- Same score reporting rules apply
- Official scores even more important (validate coursework)
International Students
- SAT/ACT scores critical (limited college knowledge of international schools)
- Send scores early (international mail delays)
Transfer Students
- Some colleges still require SAT/ACT for transfers
- Check transfer-specific policies
Test-Optional Applicants
- Only send scores if they strengthen application
- No need to send if not submitting
FAQ
"Should I send scores before seeing them?"
Answer: Only if you're very confident. Most students wait.
"Can I send scores after the application deadline?"
Answer: Usually yes, within reason (a few days-week). Verify with college.
"Do I need to send scores to every college I apply to?"
Answer: Only colleges you're seriously considering and/or those requiring official scores.
"What if I made a mistake in self-reporting?"
Answer: Contact the college immediately to correct.
"Can I cancel a score send?"
Answer: No, once sent, it's permanent (cannot be withdrawn).
Final Checklist
Before sending scores:
- ✅ Research each college's score policy
- ✅ Determine if self-reporting is allowed
- ✅ Decide which test dates to send (Score Choice)
- ✅ Verify superscoring policy
- ✅ Check application deadlines
- ✅ Budget for score send costs
After sending scores:
- ✅ Confirm scores were received (check application portal)
- ✅ Keep records of when/what you sent
Strategic score reporting saves money and strengthens your applications. Plan ahead, research policies, and send scores thoughtfully.
