Will College Board Send My Superscore to Colleges Right Away? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not That Simple)
So, you’ve just aced your SATs, and you’re pumped to send those shiny scores to your dream colleges. You’ve heard about this magical thing called “superscoring,” where colleges take your highest scores from different test dates to create a better-looking overall score. Now you’re wondering, “Will College Board send my superscore to colleges right away? Can I just sit back and watch the acceptance letters roll in?”
Hold your horses, champ. The answer, unfortunately, is a big fat NOPE. College Board is not your personal cheerleader, sending out your best scores with a flourish and a “Go get ’em!” While they do send your scores to colleges within 10 days, they don’t magically create superscores for you.
Here’s the deal: The College Board just sends your scores – all of them. It’s up to individual colleges to decide whether or not they superscore, and how they do it. It’s like a giant game of “Will They, Won’t They?” with your academic future hanging in the balance.
The Superscoring Saga: A Love Story (With a Twist)
Imagine superscoring as a whirlwind romance – it starts with a spark, but the ending is not always guaranteed. Colleges are like the potential suitors in this drama. Some are smitten with the idea of superscoring, while others are perfectly content with your single-test scores.
- The Superscoring Fans: These colleges view superscoring as a way to give students a more nuanced picture of their academic abilities. They understand that some people are amazing at math but struggle with reading, or vice versa. Superscoring lets them see your best across the board, giving you an edge over other applicants.
- The Superscoring Skeptics: These colleges prefer to see your performance on a single test date. They argue that superscoring might give an unfair advantage to students who take the test multiple times. Some feel that it’s more reflective of your ability to perform under pressure on a single day.
How to Find Out If Your College of Choice Superscores
So, how do you navigate this superscoring labyrinth? The key is research, my friend. Research! Don’t just assume that your dream college is a superscoring fan. Get your Sherlock Holmes on and dive into their admissions policies. You can usually find this information on their website or by contacting their admissions office directly.
Sending Your Superscore: A User’s Guide
Once you’ve identified the superscoring colleges, you’ll need to send them your best scores. It’s not as simple as clicking “send” on the College Board website. Here’s a breakdown:
- Check the College’s Requirements: Some colleges may have specific instructions on how they want you to send your scores. Read their admissions materials carefully.
- Create a College Board Account (if you haven’t already): This is your portal to all things SAT-related.
- Go to the “Send Scores” Page: You’ll find this in your College Board account.
- Select the Colleges You Want to Send Scores To: Choose wisely! Remember, you’re sending your best scores to the colleges that superscore.
- Choose Which Scores You Want to Send: You can choose to send all your scores or only the ones you want. Select those superscoring-worthy scores!
- Pay the Fee (or Not): Sending scores to colleges can cost you a few bucks. But there are often free options for sending your scores to colleges that superscore.
A Word of Caution: Score Choice, Your New Best Friend
The College Board offers a fantastic program called Score Choice. This allows you to choose which SAT scores you want to send to colleges from a single test date. You can cherry-pick your best scores and keep those not-so-stellar ones under wraps. It’s like having a virtual wardrobe where you can choose the perfect outfit for each college.
Don’t Be a Superscoring Slacker: Proactive is the Way to Go
Remember, the ball is in your court. Don’t wait for the College Board to magically create a superscore for you. Take control of your fate and send those top scores to the colleges that are open to superscoring.
The Last Word: Superscoring: A Love-Hate Relationship
Superscoring is a double-edged sword. While it can boost your chances of getting into your dream college, it can also create unnecessary stress and confusion. The key is to be informed, organized, and proactive. Don’t let the superscoring process overwhelm you.
Need more help navigating the superscoring maze? Connect with us at JobLoving – we’re here to answer your questions and help you make sense of all things college admissions. We’ll help you find your way to a happy ending in this superscoring love story.