The SAT Score Send Saga: Why Your Scores Are Stuck in Pending Purgatory
So, you took the SAT, you’re sweating bullets waiting for those scores, and you see the dreaded “Pending” status staring back at you. It’s like a digital ghost whispering, “Your future hangs in the balance, and I’m holding the key.”
Don’t panic! “Pending” doesn’t mean your scores have vanished into the digital ether. It simply means they’re still being processed, and you’re not alone in this suspenseful waiting game.
Let’s break down this SAT score send mystery:
Why is my SAT score send still pending?
The College Board is like a busy airport, with hordes of scores flying in and out. It takes time to process and deliver all those scores, especially if you’re looking at rush orders. Think of it as a score traffic jam, but instead of honking cars, it’s a symphony of “Pending” statuses.
The College Board says scores are usually released within 10 days of your test date. However, sometimes those scores can take a bit longer. Why?
- They’re still grading: The College Board has a dedicated team of score-graders who are diligently reviewing your test. It’s not like they’re just throwing darts at a score sheet – they’re ensuring accuracy and fairness. (Though, let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like they’re just throwing darts.)
- Technical glitches: Sometimes, the system just needs a little extra time to process everything. It’s like your computer – it gets a bit grumpy sometimes, but eventually, it gets the job done.
- Rush hour traffic: Remember those rush scores we mentioned? Well, imagine a rush hour on the score highway, with all those scores zooming towards their destinations. It’s a chaotic, yet efficient, system.
How long does it take for the College Board to send score reports?
The College Board aims to send your score reports to colleges within 10 days of your scores becoming available.
Think of it like this:
- Day 1-10: Your scores are being processed and reviewed.
- Day 11-18: Your scores are being sent to the colleges you’ve chosen.
- Day 19-26: Colleges receive your scores and update their systems.
However, remember that this is just a general timeline. It’s possible for colleges to receive your scores sooner or later, depending on their own processing times.
How do I know if the College Board sent my scores?
You can find all the juicy details about your score sends in your College Board account.
Here’s how:
- Log in to your College Board account. It’s like entering the control tower of your score journey.
- Go to the “Score Sends” section. This is where you’ll see the list of colleges you’ve sent your scores to.
- Check the status of each score send. You’ll see if the scores are “Pending,” “Delivered,” or “Not Delivered.”
What does “N/A” and “Pending” really mean?
- “N/A” is like a digital shrug. It means the College Board hasn’t yet processed your score send request. It’s like they’re still waiting for the scores to reach the airport gate.
- “Pending” means the College Board has received your score send request, but they haven’t sent the scores to your colleges yet. It’s like those scores are waiting in line for security.
How long does it take for “Pending” to turn into “Delivered”?
It depends on the type of score send you’ve requested.
- Rush scores: These scores are typically delivered within 2-3 days.
- Regular scores: These scores are usually delivered within a week.
However, remember, these are just estimates. The College Board can take longer depending on the volume of scores they need to process.
So, what are your options?
- Breathe: Take a deep breath and relax. It’s all part of the process.
- Check your College Board account regularly: You can track your score send status and get updates on the delivery process. This will give you a peace of mind (or maybe more anxiety).
- Contact the College Board: If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the College Board. They’re experts in this score send game, and they’ll be happy to help.
- Patience, young Padawan: Remember that the College Board is working hard to deliver your scores to you and your colleges. Be patient, and you’ll get those scores eventually.
What do you do if your scores are still “Pending” after a week or two?
Don’t fret! It’s not unusual for scores to take a bit longer, especially if you’re dealing with rush orders or if the College Board is experiencing technical difficulties.
Here’s what you can do:
- Double-check your College Board account: Make sure you’ve entered all the correct information, including your college’s DI code. (Don’t worry, it’s not like you’re trying to crack a secret code. It’s just a bunch of numbers.)
- Contact the College Board: If you’ve triple-checked everything and your scores are still pending, reach out to the College Board’s customer support. They’re there to help you navigate this score send labyrinth.
- Reach out to your colleges: While the College Board is the primary source of information, it’s also a good idea to contact your colleges to see if they’ve received your scores yet. They can provide you with more information about their specific score-receiving process.
Remember, the College Board is your friend (even if they sometimes feel like your enemy). They’re on your side, and they want to make sure your scores get to you and your colleges.
Keep calm, and score on!
Need more help navigating the complexities of college applications and score sends? Join JobLoving, a community of students, parents, and professionals who can provide advice, support, and insider tips. We’re here to help you every step of the way.