The Great SAT Score Saga: Do Colleges Snatch Your Scores or Do You Have to Send Them?
Let’s face it, the college application process can feel like navigating a labyrinth filled with confusing rules and endless paperwork. One particularly perplexing question that often pops up is: Do college board scores go to colleges or you first?
Well, the answer, my friend, is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s not a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s more like, “It depends… and it’s complicated.”
The College Board’s Mysterious Score Sending System
The College Board, that benevolent overlord of standardized testing, doesn’t automatically send your precious SAT scores to colleges. They’re not a bunch of score-stealing ninjas. Instead, they act more like postal carriers, waiting for your command to deliver the goods.
So, how do you send those scores?
You have a few options, each with its own quirks and potential for drama:
- The Free Score Send: The College Board blesses you with four free score sends. You can choose four colleges to receive your SAT scores. Think of it like a “free trial” of college acceptance.
- The Paid Score Send: If you’ve got more colleges in your sights, you can always pay for additional score sends. Think of it as a bribe for those admissions officers.
- The Self-Reported Scores: Some colleges, in their infinite wisdom, allow you to self-report your scores directly within their applications. It’s like a “tell us what you want to hear” option, but be prepared to send official scores later if you get accepted.
Timing Is Everything: The Art of Sending Scores
Now, let’s talk about the when, when it comes to sending your scores.
Should you send your SAT scores to colleges before applying? The College Board, in its infinite wisdom, suggests you send them early. They claim it shows you’re “a very interested applicant.” But let’s be honest, it’s more like showing off your shiny new score to try and impress the admissions committee.
What about AP scores? It’s a different story for AP scores. Colleges generally expect you to send these after you’ve been accepted. Think of it as a “congratulations, you’ve been chosen, now show us your AP brilliance” scenario.
The College Board’s Score-Sending Timeline: A Rollercoaster Ride
The College Board has a specific timeline for releasing and sending scores. Your SAT scores are typically available within 2-4 weeks. AP scores, on the other hand, are a bit more relaxed, taking a little longer to arrive.
The Bottom Line: It’s All About Choosing Your Strategies
So, to recap, here’s the TL;DR version of this whole score-sending saga:
- You decide which colleges receive your SAT scores. The College Board doesn’t send them automatically.
- You can send scores for free (up to four colleges) or pay for additional sends. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure for your college application.
- Some colleges accept self-reported scores, but you’ll likely need to send official scores later.
- The College Board recommends sending SAT scores early, but AP scores are typically sent after acceptance.
A Final Word of Advice: Take Your Time and Do Your Research
The college application process is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t rush into sending scores without doing your research. Check each college’s score policy to see what they require and what they consider.
And remember, your scores are just one piece of the puzzle. Your grades, extracurricular activities, and personal essays all play a role in the college admissions process.
So go forth, conquer the college application process, and don’t let the score-sending game intimidate you!
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