How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

Have you taken the SAT and are planning to pursue undergraduate education abroad? Then, understanding "how to send SAT scores to colleges" is the most obvious question running in your head.

But even before that, you must understand whether your selected college or university requires you to submit SAT test scores or not. This will help you plan out the list of universities with which you want to share SAT scores more effectively. If the university you are planning to attend has an SAT test-optional policy, then sharing SAT scores is not mandatory.

Sending SAT scores to colleges is a simplified process. You can share your SAT scores for free with the first 4 colleges. Any other additional score reports are chargeable. You can select your score recipients during SAT exam registration or before taking the exam. You can even change your score recipients up to 9 days after the test.

This write-up covers all you need to know about sending SAT scores to your selected colleges or universities.

Table of Contents

Is it Mandatory to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

Understanding your desired university's admissions requirements, particularly the standardized test requirements, is crucial when sharing SAT scores. Every university follows a different admission policy for accepting SAT or standardised test scores, which include the following:

  • Test-Optional: If your selected university follows a test-optional policy, then your application will not be harmed even if you choose not to submit your SAT results.
  • Test-Flexible: If your desired university follows a test-flexible policy, then you have a wider selection of test score submissions, including standardized tests (like AP, IB, or ACT) instead of the SAT. 
  • Test-Required: If your intended university follows a test-required policy, then it is mandatory for you to submit your SAT or ACT scores for admission.

Based on these standardized test requirements for individual universities, you can make a wise judgement on whether to share your SAT scores or not. Ideally, applying with a strong SAT score, even when it's optional, will place you ahead of your counter-applicants. Where standardized test requirements are flexible, you can submit any standardized test like AP, IB, ACT or SAT. Ultimately, checking specific admission requirements for each university and course you are applying to is recommended before sharing your SAT scores.

When is the Perfect Time to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

The ideal time to send your SAT scores depends on your application strategy, college deadlines, and whether you plan to retake the test. Since SAT scores take about 1–2 weeks to be processed and sent, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure they arrive before the college’s deadline.

1. Early Decision (ED) & Early Action (EA) Applicants

If you’re applying through Early Decision or Early Action, your application deadlines will likely be in October or November. Since SAT scores take time to process, it’s recommended to:

  • Send your scores at least 2–3 weeks before the deadline to ensure they arrive on time.
  • If you’re taking the SAT in October or November, check if the college allows self-reported scores for early applicants. Some colleges let you submit official scores later if admitted.

2. Regular Decision (RD) Applicants

For Regular Decision, most colleges have deadlines in January or February, so your SAT scores should be sent by December or early January.

  • If you’re taking the SAT in December, use free score reports (available up to 9 days after the test) to send your scores directly to colleges.
  • If you're confident in your scores from an earlier SAT, send them early to avoid last-minute stress.

3. Rolling Admissions

Colleges with rolling admissions review applications as they receive them, meaning earlier submissions increase your chances of acceptance.

  • Since there's no fixed deadline, send your SAT scores as soon as possible once you're satisfied with your score.

4. After Receiving Your Scores

  • If you already have a strong SAT score, sending it early helps complete your application on time.
  • If you’re considering retaking the SAT, you may want to wait until you achieve your best score.
  • Many colleges practice superscoring, meaning they take the best section scores from multiple test dates. If your target college does this, sending multiple score reports could work in your favor.

5. Rush Reporting (If Needed)

If you are close to a deadline and haven’t sent your scores yet, you can use Rush Reporting for an additional fee.

  • Rush Reporting delivers your SAT scores in about 1–4 business days, compared to the usual 1–2 weeks.
  • Not all colleges accept Rush Reporting, so confirm with the admissions office before using this option.

Final Tips

  • Always check each college’s official SAT submission policy to avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Take advantage of the four free score reports when registering for the SAT to save money.
  • Plan your SAT testing schedule strategically so your scores are available before application deadlines.

By planning ahead and following these guidelines, you can ensure your SAT scores reach colleges on time, giving you the best chance for admission!

Is Sending SAT Scores to Colleges a Long Process?

Many students wonder, "How Long Does It Take to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?" The time it takes depends on when and how you request your scores.

  • Fastest Method – The quickest way to send SAT scores is to select score recipients when registering for the SAT.
  • Score Release Timeline – Depending on your test date, scores are typically available within two to six weeks after the exam.
  • Standard Delivery – SAT scores are sent to colleges within 10 days after they are released to you. Colleges may then take up to a week to process them.
  • Processing Time – Once you place a score report order, standard electronic delivery usually takes 5–10 business days or a couple of weeks if designated at registration.
  • Rush Shipping – If your scores have already been released, you can opt for rush reporting, which delivers scores within 1–4 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
  • Rolling Score Delivery – The College Board sends scores on a rolling basis:
    • Rush scores are typically delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
    • Non-rush scores (ordered outside of registration) are sent once a week, usually on Wednesdays.
    • Due to scheduling conflicts, delivery days may occasionally vary.

Understanding this process can help you plan your college applications effectively and ensure your scores arrive on time.

Step-By-Step Process of Sending SAT Scores to Colleges

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending SAT Scores to Colleges

Sending your SAT scores to colleges is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to ensure timely and accurate delivery. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Log in to Your College Board Account

    • Visit the College Board website and sign in using your credentials.
    • Navigate to the Send SAT Scores section to begin the process.
  2. Fee Waiver Notification

    • If you qualify for an SAT fee waiver, you may be notified on this page.
    • Eligible students can send unlimited score reports for free.
    • If the message does not apply to you, you can ignore it and proceed with the standard score submission process.
  3. Select Colleges

    • Use the search bar to find colleges and universities by name or institution code.
    • Click on the colleges you want to send your scores to, and they will be added to your score recipients list.
    • Once you've selected all your preferred colleges, click Continue to move to the next step.
  4. Choose Which Scores to Send

    • You have the option to send all SAT scores or select specific test dates.
    • Some colleges follow a superscoring policy, meaning they consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates.
    • Others may require you to submit all SAT scores you’ve taken. Check each college’s policy before making your final selection.
  5. Review and Confirm

    • Carefully review your order to ensure you've selected the correct schools and test dates.
    • If applicable, proceed with the payment process (each additional score report costs $14 unless you have a fee waiver).
    • Submit your request, and the College Board will process and send your scores within the chosen delivery time frame.

By following these steps, you can efficiently send your SAT scores to your preferred colleges and ensure they receive them before application deadlines.

How to Avail Fee Waiver While Sending SAT Scores?

To avail a fee waiver while sending SAT scores, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Fee Waiver Eligibility

  • Fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need. Typically, SAT fee wavier eligibility is based on factors such as participation in the National School Lunch Program, enrollment in a program for low-income families, or meeting income eligibility guidelines.
  • Consult your school counselor to confirm eligibility and obtain a College Board fee waiver.

2. Obtain a Fee Waiver Code

  • Your counselor will provide you with a fee waiver code after confirming your eligibility. This code is unique and required for availing benefits.

3. Link the Fee Waiver to Your College Board Account

4. Send Scores with the Waiver

  • While sending SAT scores to colleges:
    1. Log in to your College Board account.
    2. Navigate to the "Send Scores" section.
    3. Select the colleges or universities to receive your scores.
    4. If you are eligible for a fee waiver, the system will automatically waive the fees for sending scores to up to four institutions.

5. Send Additional Scores (if needed)

  • If you’ve already sent your free score reports but need to send additional scores, you might be able to use the waiver for additional reports, depending on College Board policies.

6. Double-Check Usage

  • Confirm with your school counselor that your fee waiver has been properly applied to ensure all processes are completed.

Pro Tip:

If you’re applying to colleges that accept self-reported scores, you may not need to send official scores until after admission, potentially saving additional costs. Always check each college's requirements.

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FAQ's

You can send your SAT scores to four colleges for free if you select them when registering for the test or up to nine days after the test date.

If you want to send scores to more than four colleges, you will need to pay an additional fee per recipient. You can request additional score reports anytime through your College Board account.

Some colleges allow self-reporting of SAT scores, meaning you may not need to pay to send official reports unless you enroll. Always check each college’s score submission policy before sending your scores.

Yes, if you qualify for an SAT fee waiver, you can send your SAT scores to as many colleges as you want for free. Fee waivers are available to eligible low-income students, typically those who meet specific financial criteria, such as qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch programs.

Normally, students can send scores to four colleges for free when registering. With a fee waiver, you can send unlimited score reports at no cost, even after your test date.

You can check your eligibility and request a fee waiver through your high school counselor or directly through the College Board.

The fee for sending your SAT scores to colleges depends on when and how you request them:

  • Free Score Reports – You can send your SAT scores to four colleges for free if you select them at the time of registration or within nine days after your test date.
  • Additional Score Reports – If you want to send scores to more than four colleges, the fee is $14 per report.
  • Rush Reporting – If you need faster delivery, rush reports cost $31 and are sent within 1–4 business days (only for already released scores).
  • Archived Score Reports – If you need to send scores from tests taken five or more years ago, the fee is $31 per report.
  • Fee Waivers – Eligible low-income students can send unlimited score reports for free with an SAT fee waiver.

You can order score reports through your College Board account or by mail.

You can check the status of your SAT score reports by following these steps:

  1. Log in to Your College Board Account – Go to the College Board website and sign in.
  2. Go to "My SAT" – Navigate to the SAT section of your account.
  3. Check the Score Sends Section – Look for the "Score Sends" or "Sent Scores" option to see the status of your reports.
  4. View Delivery Status – You will see whether your scores have been sent, are in progress, or are still being processed.
  5. Check with Colleges – Some colleges take extra time to process scores. If your scores show as sent but not received by the college, contact their admissions office for confirmation.

If there are delays, ensure you provided the correct college codes and selected the right delivery method (standard or rush).

Yes, you can send your SAT scores to a university before applying. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Early Score Submission – You can send scores to colleges when registering for the SAT or anytime afterward, even if you haven’t submitted your application yet.
  • Colleges Will Match Your Scores – Universities will store your SAT scores and link them to your application once you apply.
  • Check College Policies – Some universities allow self-reported scores on the application, meaning you only need to send official scores after acceptance.
  • Sending Scores in Advance Can Be Beneficial – If you're applying early decision or early action, sending scores ahead of time ensures they arrive before deadlines.

To avoid unnecessary costs, confirm each college’s SAT score submission policy before ordering reports.

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