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How to Send SAT and ACT Scores to Colleges

Key Takeaways

  • SAT scores must be sent officially through College Board's score reporting system — self-reported scores are not official
  • ACT scores must be sent officially through ACT's score reporting system
  • Each official score report costs $13 (SAT) or $16 (ACT) per school, unless you have fee waivers
  • College Board allows Score Choice — you can choose which test dates to send to most schools
  • Send scores early — score reports can take 1–2 weeks to be processed by colleges
SAT scores must be sent officially through College Board's score reporting system at collegeboard.org. ACT scores are sent through ACT's system at act.org. Each report costs $13 (SAT) or $16 (ACT) per school. College Board's Score Choice lets you select which test dates to send to most schools. Send scores at least 2–3 weeks before application deadlines to ensure processing.

Sending test scores officially requires navigating College Board's and ACT's separate systems. Here is how to do it correctly.

Sending SAT Scores

Log in to your College Board account at collegeboard.org. Navigate to 'Send SAT Scores.' Select the colleges you want to receive your scores. Use Score Choice to select which test dates to include (at schools that allow Score Choice). Each report costs $13 per school. Rush reports (for last-minute deadlines) cost more. Four free score sends are included if you registered with a fee waiver.

Sending ACT Scores

Log in to your ACT account at act.org. Navigate to 'Send Your Scores.' Select colleges and choose which composite score to send (ACT allows sending by composite, not by individual section like SAT Score Choice). Each report costs $16. Check each school's ACT superscore policy — some accept official ACT superscores, others only accept single-sitting composites.

Timing

Official score reports take approximately 1–2 weeks to be processed and appear in colleges' admissions portals. Send scores at least 3 weeks before application deadlines. For EA/ED deadlines in November, send scores in October. Don't wait until the day an application is due to order score reports.

Self-Reported Scores

Many schools allow you to self-report test scores in your application for admissions review, then require official score reports only after you enroll. Check each school's policy — this can save money during the application phase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to send SAT scores to every college I apply to?
Check each school's policy. Many schools allow self-reported scores during the application process and only require official scores from your enrolled school. At schools requiring official scores with the application, you must send them through College Board or ACT before the deadline.

Sources & References

  • College Board score sending documentation
  • ACT score reporting process documentation
  • Common App test score reporting guidance

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