How Long Does College Board Score Shipping Take? (Reddit Edition)
You’ve taken the SAT (or maybe you just survived it), you’ve received your scores, and now you’re ready to send them off to your dream schools. But wait… the College Board score shipping process seems like it’s taking forever! You’re not alone – this question has been a source of anxiety and endless Reddit threads for years. So, how long does it really take?
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of College Board score shipping and figure out why this seemingly simple process can feel like a cosmic journey through bureaucratic red tape.
The Short Answer:
The College Board says it takes 10-12 days for scores to reach colleges after you hit the “send” button. But that’s just the official line. In reality, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for your precious scores to reach their destination.
Why is the College Board taking its sweet time?
Well, let’s just say the College Board isn’t exactly known for its lightning-fast speeds. They’re like the tortoise of standardized testing – slow and steady, but not exactly a thrill ride.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors that contribute to the score-shipping saga:
- The “Rush” vs. “Non-Rush” Dilemma: If you’re feeling a bit panicky about deadlines, you can opt for rush delivery for a fee. However, the Reddit community seems to agree that the rush option isn’t worth the extra cash. So, while rush scores are delivered a couple of times a week, non-rush scores are sent out once a week, typically on Wednesdays. Talk about a Wednesday-only party for your scores!
- The “Electronic” Mystery: While we live in a world of instant communication, the College Board’s score-sending system seems stuck in the 1990s. Even though the scores are sent electronically, the process can still take a week or two.
- The “Scheduling Conflicts” Excuse: College Board claims that scheduling conflicts can lead to delays in score delivery. This basically means they might be a little disorganized, and their system isn’t always running smoothly.
- The “College Processing” Factor: Remember, even after the College Board sends your scores, it can take an additional week for the college to process them. So, add that onto the already lengthy College Board timeline, and you’re looking at a potential waiting period of up to 4 weeks.
How to Track Your Scores and Avoid the Anxiety:
- Check the College Board Website: The College Board has a “Score Sends” section where you can track where your scores have been sent. It’s a little bit like a digital breadcrumb trail, but at least you can see if your scores are actually on their way.
- Contact the College Directly: If you’re feeling anxious about your scores, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions office at the college. They can usually check the status of your scores and let you know if they have been received.
- Relax (as much as possible): Remember, the College Board is notorious for its snail-like pace. So, try to stay calm and don’t freak out if your scores haven’t arrived within a few days. They will eventually make their way to their destination.
The Reddit Wisdom:
The Reddit community is a treasure trove of information and (sometimes hilarious) anecdotes about the College Board score shipping process. Here are some nuggets of wisdom from the Reddit hive mind:
- “They usually take around 5 business days, so you’ll be fine.” – This comment reflects the general consensus that the process typically takes around a week.
- “CB says they send scores every Wednesday, so up to just under 7 days at most.” – This comment points to the fact that non-rush scores are sent out on Wednesdays, so it could take up to a week for them to reach their destination.
- “Completely agree. They still take as much time to process these orders as they used to take when everything was paper based and they had to…” – This comment highlights the fact that the College Board’s score-sending process seems stuck in the past.
- “It literally is sent through the mail.” – This comment confirms that the College Board still uses traditional mail to send scores to colleges.
The Bottom Line:
The College Board score shipping process can be a bit frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it’s a fairly standard process. Just be patient, keep track of your scores, and don’t hesitate to contact the College Board or the college directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Need more help navigating the world of College Board scores, or have another burning question about the college application process? Join the JobLoving community! We’re a friendly group of people who are always happy to help. Just remember, your scores will eventually get there, even if they travel at the speed of a very slow snail.