Can You Change Your SAT Scores After Submitting the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Tricky)
Welcome, fellow college applicants, to the wonderful world of standardized testing and the ever-so-slightly terrifying Common App. We’ve all been there: you’re staring at the dreaded “Submit” button, your palms are sweating, and you’re wondering if you should just hit “refresh” one more time to see if your essay magically gets better.
But what happens if, after you hit “Submit,” you realize you totally forgot to update your SAT scores? Or, even worse, you just took the test again and smashed it out of the park with a score that makes your previous attempt look like a drunken chimpanzee trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube?
The Short Answer: It’s a bit of a mixed bag. You can send updated scores, but you can’t change them directly on the Common App.
The Long Answer: Buckle Up, Buttercup
Let’s break this down. The Common App is like a giant, multi-faceted, sometimes confusing, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately helpful, application platform. It’s where you fill out your basic information, write your essays, and submit your scores (among other things) to multiple colleges at once.
Now, here’s the thing: once you hit “Submit” for a specific college, that application is locked in. You can’t go back and change anything. It’s like submitting a sealed envelope – once it’s gone, it’s gone.
But here’s the good news: most colleges are cool with receiving updated SAT scores after you’ve applied. It’s like they understand that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, you just need to take a do-over.
So, how do you send those updated scores?
It’s actually pretty simple. You don’t change your SAT score on the Common App. Instead, you go to the College Board website and send your scores directly to the college. It’s like sending a love letter – you write it, you seal it, you address it, and you send it off to your intended recipient.
But Wait, There’s More (Always with the twists and turns!)
Here’s where things get a little tricky.
- Deadlines are a thing. Colleges have deadlines for when they want to receive your application. If you submit your application and then take the SAT again, make sure you have enough time to send your new scores to the college before the deadline. You don’t want to miss out on a chance to get in because your scores were stuck in the mail!
- Each college has its own policies. While many colleges are open to receiving updated scores, some might have specific guidelines. So, it’s always a good idea to check the individual college’s website to see what they prefer. You don’t want to be caught off guard.
- Self-reporting is a thing. Some colleges allow you to self-report your SAT scores in their application portal. This means you can enter your scores yourself, and they’ll often ask for official scores later if you’re admitted. It’s like a “trust but verify” situation.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Panic (Unless It’s Really Necessary)
So, if you’ve already submitted your Common App and you’re feeling a little panicky about your SAT score, don’t fret. Most colleges are open to receiving updated scores, so you can still send them in to improve your chances of getting in.
Just remember, deadlines are important, and each college has its own policies. Do your research, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the admissions office if you have any questions. They’re there to help!
Pro-Tip: If you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole application process, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are tons of resources available, including your guidance counselor, teachers, and online forums. Remember, you’re not alone in this!
And Now, for the Moment You’ve All Been Waiting For…
The Ultimate SAT Score Update Strategy:
- Don’t Panic: Remember, most colleges are flexible with updated scores.
- Check the Deadlines: Make sure you have enough time to send your updated scores before the deadline.
- Do Your Research: Check the individual college’s website to see their policies on updated scores.
- Be Proactive: Contact the admissions office if you have any questions.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your deadlines and score-sending dates.
- Don’t Forget the Self-Reporting Option: Some colleges allow you to self-report your scores initially.
Remember, the key is to be proactive and communicate with the colleges you’re applying to. They’re there to help you, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
And remember, even if you don’t get into your top-choice college, there are tons of amazing schools out there. Don’t let the application process stress you out too much. Have fun, be yourself, and trust that everything will work out in the end. You got this!
Need More Help?
If you need further help or want to delve deeper into the world of college applications or SAT scores, join us at the JobLoving community. We’re a vibrant online space filled with students, mentors, and experts ready to offer support, guidance, and maybe even some lighthearted humor to help you navigate through this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey.