The SAT: A Love Story (Or, How to Send Your Scores to Colleges on the Common App Without Losing Your Mind)
Okay, so you’ve conquered the SAT. You’ve stared down the dreaded reading comprehension passages, wrestled with the math problems, and somehow managed to survive the essay (or not, depending on your feelings about essays). Now, the big question looms: how do you actually send these precious scores to the colleges of your dreams? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to dive into the world of SAT score submission, Common App, and the occasional existential crisis that might (or might not) come along the way.
The Common App: Your One-Stop Shop for College Mayhem
Think of the Common App as the ultimate college application hub. It’s like your personal portal to a world of higher education, packed with forms, essays, and, yes, even the dreaded “testing” section where you’ll finally get to share those SAT scores.
Navigating the Testing Terrain: A Step-by-Step Guide
- The “Testing” Section: Your SAT Score Sanctuary
- Inside the Common App, you’ll find a section called “Testing” (shocker, I know). This is where you’ll unleash your SAT glory upon the world.
- Click on that bad boy and get ready to answer a crucial question: “Do you want to provide scores?” (Spoiler alert: the answer is “yes”).
- The “Highest Individual Composite and Section Scores”: Your SAT Score Symphony
- Now comes the fun part: bragging rights, or at least score bragging rights. You’ll be asked to enter your highest individual Composite and Section scores, even if they’re from different test dates. It’s like a SAT score highlight reel, showcasing your best performances.
The College Board: Your SAT Score Deliverer
After you’ve triumphantly submitted your SAT scores on the Common App, it’s time to switch gears and head over to the College Board website. This is where you’ll send your official scores to your chosen colleges.
- Log into Your College Board Account: Remember your login info? You’ll need it to access your sacred SAT score portal.
- Head to the “Send Scores” Page: You’re on a mission to share your SAT greatness with the world (or at least with your college applications).
- Select Your Institutions: Choose the colleges you want to bless with your SAT scores.
- “Send Available Scores Now” vs. “Send Scores When Available”: The Choice is Yours
- “Send Available Scores Now”: A bold move, my friend. You’re saying, “Here are my scores, colleges, judge me now!”
- “Send Scores When Available”: A more cautious approach. You’re waiting for those scores to be released, like a secret agent waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The Common App and the College Board: A Love-Hate Relationship
Ok, so maybe it’s not quite a love-hate relationship, but there’s definitely a bit of a dance involved between the Common App and the College Board. You’ll need to jump back and forth between both platforms, like a college applicant juggling deadlines and expectations.
The SAT Essay: To Include or Not to Include, That is the Question
The SAT essay: a topic that can spark more debate than a presidential election. Should you include your SAT essay score on the Common App? It really depends on the college and whether they require the essay or not.
- If the college doesn’t require the SAT essay: You can proudly omit it.
- If the college doesn’t require the official score report for applications: You can also omit the essay score.
The SAT Essay: Your Optional Weapon
If you’re feeling bold and confident about your essay, you can always include it. After all, it’s a chance to showcase your writing skills and thoughts. Just be sure to check the college’s requirements first.
Sending SAT Scores: The Timing Game
When it comes to sending your SAT scores, timing is crucial. Aim to send your scores well before any application deadlines. This gives the colleges ample time to process your scores and ensures they’re received before their application deadline.
The Fee Waiver: A Financial Lifeline
If you’re on a tight budget, you might be eligible for a fee waiver to send your SAT scores. Check out the College Board’s website to see if you qualify.
Self-Reporting: A Temporary Solution
The Common App allows you to self-report your SAT scores, but remember, this is just a temporary measure. You’ll still need to send your official scores to the colleges directly through the College Board.
Don’t Forget About the ACT!
If you’ve taken the ACT, you can also submit your scores through the Common App. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to use the college code 7060 for the ACT scores on the Common App.
The SAT Score Saga: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Sending your SAT scores to colleges can feel like a marathon. You’ll navigate deadlines, forms, and websites. You might even experience the occasional “Where did my scores go?!” panic attack. But remember, it’s all part of the journey.
Need Help? We’re Here for You!
If you’re feeling lost in the SAT score submission maze and need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.