Does College Board Automatically Send Your SAT Scores? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Automatic!)
You’ve just conquered the SAT, and you’re eager to see your score. You’re probably also thinking about sending your scores to colleges, right? After all, those numbers are your ticket to the college of your dreams, or at least, that’s what everyone tells you. But before you start picturing yourself in a graduation gown, let’s talk about something crucial: Does College Board automatically send your SAT scores to colleges?
The short answer is no.
The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, doesn’t automatically send your scores to every college you’ve ever dreamed of attending. You’re the one in control! Think of it as a superpower – you get to choose which colleges get to see your hard-earned SAT score.
Now, you might be saying, “But why would they make me do this extra step?” Well, the College Board is all about giving you control over your college application process. They want you to be strategic and thoughtful about where you send your scores.
Imagine this: You’ve poured your heart and soul into studying for the SAT, and you’re thrilled with your score. But, you’re not sure about applying to a certain college. Sending your score to that college would be like sending a love letter to someone you’re not really interested in – it just doesn’t make sense. The College Board, in its infinite wisdom, wants to save you from awkward situations like that.
So, how do you actually send your SAT scores to colleges?
The process is pretty straightforward:
- Log in to your College Board account: This is your portal to all things SAT-related.
- Go to “Score Sends”: This is where the magic happens.
- Choose the colleges you want to send your scores to: You can select from a list of colleges or search for specific schools.
- Pay the fee (or use your free score send): The College Board charges a fee for each score send, but you get one free score send each year.
- Click “Send”: And that’s it! Your scores will be on their way.
How long does it take for scores to be sent?
The College Board typically takes 10-12 days to send scores to colleges after they are released. If you took the SAT with Essay, it might take a few extra days.
What if the college application deadline is approaching?
Don’t panic! You can order a rush score send online for a fee. This will get your scores to colleges within two to three days.
Can I send scores after I submit my college application?
Absolutely! You can send your scores to colleges even after you’ve submitted your application. Just make sure your scores arrive before the application deadline.
What about AP scores?
The College Board also sends your AP scores to colleges. But, unlike SAT scores, AP scores are automatically sent to the colleges you’ve listed on your AP Exam registration form.
Can I choose which AP scores to send?
Unfortunately, you can’t cherry-pick which AP scores you want to send. The College Board sends your entire score history to the colleges you’ve designated. So, if you’ve got a couple of AP exams you’re not proud of, you might want to reconsider sending your scores to those colleges.
What about my parents? Can they see my scores?
Your parents can’t access your scores unless you give them your College Board account login information. So, if you’re worried about your mom getting a little too involved in your college application process, you can rest assured that your SAT scores are safe.
Remember, your SAT scores are a reflection of your hard work, not your worth as a human being. Don’t let those numbers define you. Use this opportunity to strategically send your scores to colleges that align with your goals and aspirations.
And if you need any further help or guidance on sending your SAT scores, be sure to check out the JobLoving community. We’re always here to offer support and answer any questions you may have.
Happy college application season!