How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges: Step-by-Step Guide
Table of Contents
Key Highlights
✔️ Students can send official SAT scores to colleges through College Board; however, individual colleges may have their own score-reporting policies.
✔️ Additional score reports cost $15 per college, with a Rush reporting is available for an additional fee; check College Board for the current fee, delivering scores within 1–4 business days.
✔️ Keep, but add: Score Choice applies to score sends made online/by phone and does not apply to the four free score sends, but always check individual college policies, as some schools require all scores while others accept best-only submissions.
✔️ College Board typically sends standard score reports within 5–10 business days after an order is placed; college processing times may vary.
✔️ Many universities accept superscores, meaning you can send scores from multiple test dates and allow colleges to combine your highest section scores into the strongest possible composite.
How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges: Applying to top US universities, such as Harvard, Stanford, or Yale, requires mastering the process of sending SAT scores to colleges. Whether official SAT score reports are required depends on the college’s testing and score-reporting policy. This critical step allows you to highlight your best performances, along with your essays, GPA, and extracurricular activities.
With the rise of digital SATs, timing does matter. Free reports save money, while rush options ensure deadlines are met. Keep checking the upcoming SAT dates to align your how to send SAT scores to colleges perfectly.
Step-by-Step: How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges
Follow this streamlined process via your College Board account for easy score submission:
Step 1: Access Your Account
Log in to College Board. Navigate to “Send SAT Scores”. Students eligible for an SAT fee waiver can send unlimited score reports for free.
Step 2: Select Institutions
Search for colleges by name or code – add multiple schools easily. This allows you to select your preferred colleges from your list of top US universities.
Step 3: Pick Test Dates
Select specific test dates if you are retaking the SAT. Verify school policies: some demand all scores, and others allow best-only selection.
Step 4: Verify Details
Review recipients and scores to avoid errors before finalizing.
Step 5: Complete Payment and Send
Pay if needed; scores are dispatched via standard (5-10 business days) or rush delivery.
Methods for Sending SAT Scores to Colleges
Optimize how to send SAT scores to colleges with the following proven techniques:
Method 1: Free Reports at Registration
You can designate up to four free score recipients during registration or within the applicable free-send period. (up to 9 days after). It is ideal for budget-conscious applicants, but the scores are sent before you see your results. Used for all scores-required schools like Yale.
Method 2: Post-Exam Additional Reports
View scores first, then order selectively. Useful when applying to colleges that superscore, although you should check each college’s policy.
| Method | Details | Fee |
| Free at Registration | 4 reports, up to 9 days post-test | $0 |
| Additional Reports | Select the best dates after viewing | $14 per report |
| Rush Reporting | 1-4 business days delivery | $ 31+ base fee |
Archived scores require the regular score-reporting fee plus an additional retrieval fee; check College Board for current charges.
SAT Score Sending Costs and Timelines
How much does it cost to send SAT scores? The base fee is $14 per report, in addition to the free ones, and international reports incur an extra $43. Rush jumps to $31 extra. Standard score reports are typically sent electronically within 5–10 business days after an order is placed.
| Fee Type | Cost (USD) |
| Additional Report | $14 |
| Rush Add-On | $31 |
| Archived Scores | $35 |
| Phone Processing | $15 extra |
When Should You Send Your SAT Scores?
Send your scores early enough to meet the college’s stated score-receipt deadline.
- Confident scores: Send early for complete apps.
- Unsure? Retake if the targets are not met
- Superscorers? Forward incrementally
- All-Scores Schools? Early compliance is key.
College Board typically sends standard score reports within 5–10 business days after an order is placed.
How Long Does it Take to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?
From registration request: SAT Weekend scores are generally released 2–4 weeks after test day; after release, score-report delivery follows College Board’s score-sending schedule.. Post-view ordering: 5-10 business days standard, 1-4 rush.
What Happens After Sending SAT Scores?
After sending your scores, the application is reviewed alongsid: essays, recommendations, transcripts. Track status by portals and prep interviews. Check each college’s scholarship policy; some institutions may consider SAT scores for merit scholarships.
Conclusion
Your SAT score is one of the important parts of a college application; grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations also matter. Testing and superscoring policies vary by college, so check each institution before deciding which scores to submit.
Sending scores is simple: list your preferred colleges during registration for automatic delivery, or send them later, keeping deadlines in mind. Proper timing ensures that your scores reach colleges on time.
