How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges (Without Messing It Up)

Most students choose to send their SAT scores after they are released, which allows them to review their results and select which test dates to send. SAT scores are usually sent digitally and take about 1 - 2 weeks to get a response from the colleges. You can also choose between standard delivery (included in the base fee) and rush reporting, which delivers scores in 2 - 4 business days for an additional cost. Keep in mind that scores are not sent on weekends or holidays, so planning around college deadlines is essential.

At IvyStrides, we help you send your scores the smart way. Our expert mentors guide you step by step on what scores to send, where to send them, and when. We help you avoid confusion and meet every deadline with confidence. From choosing your best scores to understanding college requirements, we make sure your scores reach the right place at the right time, without stress. Because at IvyStrides, sending scores is part of scoring success on your SAT.

Ways to Send SAT Scores to Colleges (And Which One You Should Choose)

Once you've completed the SAT, the next big step is making sure your scores reach the right colleges. But did you know there are multiple ways to send your SAT scores, and that each method comes with its own pros and cons? Moreover, each college may evaluate your scores differently, and how, when, and where you send them can directly impact your admission chances. Whether you're aiming to save money, play it safe, or deal with special circumstances like older SAT dates or international colleges, it's essential to understand your options. Here’s how to choose the way to send your SAT scores that fits your goals.

1. Sending SAT Scores When You Register (Pre-Test Submissions)

When you register for the SAT on the College Board website, you’re offered four free score reports. You must select the top colleges to receive them before test day. These reports are sent automatically after your scores are available.

1.1 Step-by-Step Process:

1. Go to collegeboard.org and sign in or create an account.

2. Begin SAT registration by selecting a test date and center.

3. During registration, you’ll be prompted to enter up to four college codes (use the College Board’s code lookup tool).

4. Complete payment and submit your registration.

5. Your scores will be sent automatically to the selected colleges once the results are released.

1.2 Pre-Test SAT Score Submission is Best For:

• Budget-conscious students

• Students applying to colleges that require all SAT scores

• Confident test-takers aiming for target scores on their first try

1.3 Limitations of sending SAT scores when you register:

• You can’t review your score before it’s sent

• No option to use Score Choice

• Not ideal if you’re unsure of your performance

1.4 Colleges That Accept All Scores:

Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Georgetown require all scores, so early submission may work for them.

2. Sending Scores After SAT Score is Released (Post-Test Submission)

This method is ideal for students who want to take a strategic approach to score sending, particularly when applying to colleges that offer super scoring, where your highest section scores from multiple test dates are combined for a better overall score. By waiting until your SAT scores are released, you have the advantage of reviewing your performance before deciding which scores to send and to which colleges. This allows you to present your best possible academic profile. However, it’s crucial to monitor application deadlines closely, as score processing and delivery can take several days to a couple of weeks. Planning ahead ensures your scores arrive on time without added stress.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. After taking the SAT, wait for your scores to be released (typically 10 - 14 days).

2. Log in to your College Board account.

3. Go to the “Send Scores” section.

4. Search for colleges by name or code.

5. Select the specific test date(s) you want to send using Score Choice.

6. Review your selections and complete payment ($12 per report).

7. Submit your request. Colleges will typically receive the scores within 1 - 2 weeks.

Sending the SAT score Post-Test is Best For:

• Students applying to colleges that super score

• Students wanting to review their scores first

• Strategic score submission

Limitations of Sending Scores After the SAT Score is Released:

• Each report costs $12

• Might miss early deadlines if you delay

• Needs active tracking of release dates

IVY Colleges That Superscore:

NYU, Boston University, the University of Chicago, and Cornell combine your best section scores across different dates.

3. Mail-In or Archived Score Requests

This method should be used only if your SAT was taken more than two years ago, as these scores are no longer available through the standard online system. Additionally, some international colleges or institutions with manual admissions processes may request scores to be sent in this format. Since this process is slower and involves higher fees compared to digital submissions, it's important to plan well in advance to avoid missing deadlines or facing delays in application review.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Download and print the Archived Score Report Request Form from the College Board website.

2. Fill out the form with:

   • Your personal details

   • Test date and location

   • Colleges you want to send scores to

3. Include payment:

   • $31 base fee + $12 per score recipient

   • Optional: add $31 for rush service

4. Mail or fax the completed form and payment to the College Board address/fax number listed on the form.

5. Allow 4 - 5 weeks for processing (or 2 - 3 weeks with rush service).

Sending SAT scores through Mail is Best For

• Students with older test dates

• International colleges with limited digital infrastructure

Limitations of sending SAT scores through Mail

• Takes longer (up to 5 - 7 weeks)

• Extra fees apply

• Risk of delay or loss in the mail

Mail-Only or Hybrid Colleges

Some smaller international universities or less tech-enabled institutions in Eastern Europe, Africa, or Southeast Asia.

15 Things to Know Before Sending SAT Scores To Colleges

1. What is a SAT Score?

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, combining Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing. Colleges use them to compare applicants on a national scale.

2. Why Send Your SAT Scores?

Scores validate your academic readiness. Your SAT study plan worked. They help colleges assess your fit, offer scholarships, and sometimes satisfy placement requirements.

3. Who Should Receive Your Scores?

• Undergraduate admissions offices

• Scholarship offices (for score-based grants)

• Athletic departments (for NCAA eligibility)

4. Where Do You Send SAT Scores?

To send your SAT scores to colleges, you must use the College Board portal, specifically the “Send Scores” section of your account. Each college has a unique 4-digit institution code that identifies it in the system. You’ll need to enter this code accurately when selecting where to send your scores. You can search for the code by college name directly on the College Board website or use the official code list.

Colleges only accept official scores directly from the College Board, so accurate and timely submission is essential to ensure your scores are matched with your application file.

If you’re applying to multiple schools, you’ll need to repeat this process for each one. Remember, the first four reports are free (if chosen before your test date); after that, a fee applies for each additional school.

5. Which Scores Should You Send?

Use Score Choice (available for most colleges) to select your best overall test dates. For superscoring colleges, multiple dates may be helpful.

Rules Around Score Choice and Superscoring

• Score Choice: You choose which test dates to send; available for most colleges.

• Superscoring: Some colleges combine your best section scores across dates.

Tip: Send multiple dates if your section scores improve.

6. What are the sending SAT Score Fees for 2025?

The College Board allows you to send four SAT score reports for free if you select colleges during registration. After that, each additional report cost needs to be paid. If you're wondering about eligibility for waived fees, it's helpful to explore how the SAT fee structure works in more detail, including waivers for qualifying students.

• First 4 reports: Free (if selected before test day)

• Additional reports: $12 each

• Archived reports: $31 base + $12 per college

• Rush reporting (2 - 4 days): $31 extra

7. When to Send SAT Scores (So You Don’t Miss a Deadline)

Timing is everything when it comes to sending your SAT scores. SAT Scores are typically released 2 to 3 weeks after your test date, and if you're using standard delivery, it takes an additional 7 to 10 days for colleges to respond to you. Always allow for a minimum of 3 - 4 weeks between your SAT date and your earliest application deadline, unless you’re using rush reporting. That means you need to plan carefully to avoid missing critical application deadlines.

Key College Deadlines to Know

• Early Decision (ED): Most ED deadlines fall around November 1. Send your scores immediately after they’re released. Since these deadlines are tight, you can’t afford delays. Consider rush reporting if scores come out close to the cutoff date.

• Early Action (EA): Typically due between November 1 and 15

• Regular Decision (RD): Often due by January 1. You have a bit more flexibility. Sending your scores within a week or two of release usually ensures they arrive on time. Still, don’t delay, colleges may start reviewing applications as they arrive.

• Scholarship Deadlines: Some merit-based scholarships have early deadlines, often as early as October 15

• Rolling Admissions: These colleges review applications as they come in. In this case, the earlier, the better. Sending your SAT scores soon after they're released gives you the best shot at early review and scholarship consideration.

• If You’re Retaking the SAT: You can hold off on sending your scores until you’ve received results from your latest attempt. But be careful, this only works if your new scores arrive before your college’s deadline. If you're cutting it close, use rush delivery or send the earlier scores just in case.

8. How Do I Send SAT Scores to the Common App?

You cannot upload or send scores directly through the Common App. In fact, you just mark that you have sent the score on the Common App.

1. Log in to your College Board account

2. Go to the “Send Scores” section

3. Search for each college by name or 4-digit code

4. Choose the SAT dates you want to send

5. Pay the fee (if applicable), and submit

   1. Then, in your Common App profile, go to the “Testing” section:

   2. Indicate whether you want to self-report scores

   3. Input your scores manually (optional but recommended)

   4. Mark that you’ve sent official scores via the College Board

9. Can Parents Send SAT Scores?

Yes. But only if they have access to the student's College Board login. College Board does not offer parent-facing score send portals. It’s important that:

• Account info is accurate

• College codes are verified before payment

• The student is aware of what’s being sent

Do not try to create a duplicate parent account to send scores, it may cause confusion or delays.

10. What’s the Difference Between Self-Reporting and Official Sending?

• Self-Reporting - Typing your scores into Common App or Coalition App; it’s unofficial and used for preview only.

• Official Sending - Submitting scores through the College Board; this is required for most schools to validate your results.

Always self-report AND send official scores unless the college explicitly says they accept self-reporting only.

11. How Do I Send Scores to International Universities?

• First, check if the international school accepts digital delivery or requires paper reports.

• Most major universities in the UK, Canada, and Singapore accept digital reports.

• Some smaller or less tech-integrated colleges may require a mail-in report:

• Download the Archived Score Request Form

• Fill in the school address

• Pay the fee and send it by mail or fax

Expect 4 - 5 weeks for delivery by mail; plan ahead for international timelines.

12. Can I Send SAT Scores After the Application Deadline?

Yes, but with caution.

• If your scores are released shortly after the deadline, most colleges will still review them as long as they arrive within a few days.

• Use Rush Reporting to speed up delivery (2 - 4 business days)

• Contact the college admissions office to let them know your scores are en route.

Pro tip: Always confirm score arrival by checking your college application portal or calling the admissions office.

13. What If You Forget, Delay, or Mess It Up?

• Forgot to Send? Do it ASAP with Rush if needed.

• Delayed by the College Board? Sometimes they hold scores for review, you’ll be notified.

• Need to Resend? No worries. Just log in and select the college again. You’ll be 

14. Do I Need to Send My Scores to Colleges Even If I Self-Reported Them?

Answer: Yes. Whether you're sending SAT scores through College Board or ACT scores through ACT.org, self-reporting your scores in an application (like Common App or Coalition App) is not enough for most colleges. They typically require official score reports sent directly from the testing organization.

This applies equally to both SAT and ACT: self-report for convenience, but send the official scores to validate your application.

15. How Can Parents Support in SAT Score Reporting?

• Help your teen check deadlines.

• Pay fees or request waivers.

• Track score release timelines.

• Coordinate with IvyStrides to keep application timelines tight and on target.

IvyStrides Strategy’ Send Smart, Not Scared

At IvyStrides, we don’t just prep you for the SAT; we guide your post-test strategy, too. From choosing which scores to send and understanding college policies, to walking through Common App syncing, our mentors help make sure nothing gets missed. Book a free IvyStrides SAT webinar session today, and we’ll map your send timeline, budget, and backup plan like a boss.