Sending SAT scores to top colleges requires logging into your College Board account and navigating the score reporting system. You'll select target colleges, choose which scores to send, and complete payment to finalize the process.
Step 1: Log Into Your College Board Account
Access your College Board account at collegeboard.org using your login credentials. Navigate to the "Send Scores" section from your main dashboard. Click here.
Step 2: Select Target Colleges
Search for colleges using the institution name or code.
Each college has a unique code - Harvard (3434), MIT (3514), Stanford (4704). Add your target schools to the recipient list.
Step 3: Choose Which SAT Scores to Send
Select scores from specific test dates using Score Choice, or send all scores if required by the college. Review each college's score reporting policy before making your selection.
Step 4: Review Your Order
Confirm recipient colleges, selected test dates, and total costs. Double-check institution codes to ensure scores reach the correct admissions offices.
Step 5: Complete Payment and Submit
Pay applicable fees and submit your score report order. You'll receive confirmation once the process completes successfully.
Colleges Allowing Score Choice
Many top colleges accept Score Choice, letting you send your best scores from specific test dates. You can strategically select which SAT results showcase your strongest performance.
Colleges Requiring All SAT Scores
Some elite institutions require all scores from every SAT attempt. These colleges include:
Always verify each college's current policy before sending scores.
Superscoring Considerations
Colleges that superscore combine your highest section scores across multiple test dates. For superscoring schools, sending multiple test dates with strong section scores can benefit your application.
Early Decision/Early Action Timeline
Send SAT scores 2-3 weeks before Early Decision or Early Action deadlines. Most ED/EA deadlines fall between October 15 and November 15.
Regular Decision Timeline
Submit scores by mid-December for Regular Decision applications with January-February deadlines. Standard processing takes 1-2 weeks.
Rolling Admissions
Send scores immediately after receiving target results. Rolling admissions colleges review applications continuously, making early submission advantageous.
Free Score Reports
During Registration: Select up to four colleges when registering for the SAT to receive free score reports.
Nine-Day Window: Add or change recipients within nine days after testing without additional fees.
Fee Waiver Benefits: Students with fee waivers may qualify for unlimited free score reports.
Additional Score Report Fees
Each additional score report costs $14 beyond the initial four free reports. Calculate total costs when applying to multiple competitive colleges.
Rush Reporting Service
Rush reporting costs $31 plus regular fees and delivers scores within 1-4 business days. Use only when standard delivery won't meet deadlines.
Archived Score Reporting
Scores older than one year require archive retrieval with additional processing time and fees. Plan ahead if using older test results.
Understanding College-Specific Policies
Research each target college's SAT requirements:
Documentation and Verification
Top colleges require official score reports sent directly from the College Board. Self-reported scores on applications need official verification before enrollment.
Incorrect Institution Codes
Verify college codes before submitting. Wrong codes send scores to incorrect institutions, requiring additional fees to correct.
Missing Deadlines
Submit scores well before application deadlines. Late scores may result in incomplete applications or missed consideration.
Ignoring College Policies
Check whether colleges require all scores or accept Score Choice. Sending incomplete score histories to schools requiring all scores can harm your application.
Timing Your Score Sends
Send scores after achieving target results rather than before taking the test. You'll know exactly which scores represent your best performance.
Multiple Test Date Strategy
For colleges accepting Score Choice, take the SAT multiple times and send your strongest results. Effective test preparation can help maximize improvement across attempts.
Backup School Considerations
Include safety and match schools in your score sending strategy, not just reach schools. Comprehensive applications require scores at multiple college tiers.
If you're also working on college essays, check out our video guide on writing compelling essays that complement strong SAT scores.
College Board Delivery Confirmation
Monitor your College Board account for delivery confirmations. Most colleges receive scores within 1-2 weeks of submission.
College Application Portal Verification
Check each college's application portal to confirm score receipt. Some colleges send separate confirmations when scores match to applications.
Following Up on Missing Scores
Contact colleges directly if scores don't appear in application portals within three weeks. Provide College Board confirmation numbers for faster resolution.
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