How to Send SAT Scores to University of California, Berkeley: A Step-by-Step Guide by IvyStrides

There’s something about Berkeley.

It’s not just the California sunshine or the iconic Sather Gate that draws students in; it’s the energy of change, curiosity, and challenge. Walk across Sproul Plaza and you’ll feel it: UC Berkeley doesn’t just hand out degrees. It shapes reformers, researchers, and restless minds who want to do something that matters.

And yes, that’s precisely why getting in is no easy task. The University of California system, Berkeley, especially, has one of the most competitive applicant pools in the country. But if you’ve landed here, chances are you’re not just wondering if Berkeley is for you; you’re ready to take the next step. One of the questions we hear often at IvyStrides is:

“Should I send my SAT scores to Berkeley, and if yes, how?”

That’s where this guide comes in.

In this blog, IvyStrides walks you through everything you need to know for the 2026–27 application cycle, from understanding Berkeley’s testing policy to sending scores the smart way.

Is UC Berkeley Still Test-Blind in 2026–27? Here’s What That Means for You

You’ve probably seen the phrase “test-blind” while researching UC Berkeley. It's not just a policy; it completely reshapes how your SAT score fits into your application.

What It Actually Means

For the 2026–27 cycle, UC Berkeley will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission, even if you send them.

Unlike test-optional policies, where scores are reviewed if submitted, test-blind means your scores won’t be factored in at all when decisions are made.

Why Some Students Still Choose to Send Scores

While your SAT score doesn’t affect your chances of getting in, there are still reasons to send it, and they come into play after you're admitted:

• Course Placement

A strong SAT score may help you qualify for advanced math or writing classes without additional testing.

• Internal Scholarship Reviews

Some department-based scholarships may consider standardized scores when evaluating academic readiness.

• Academic Advising Support

Especially for international or nontraditional applicants, SAT scores can help advisors assess skills when transcripts offer limited context.

In short, submitting scores isn’t mandatory,  but in some cases, it’s still useful.

How does your SAT score compare? Check out our guide on the SAT score decoder ranges and trends for top-tier colleges.

What You’ll Need to Send SAT Scores to UC Berkeley

To ensure a smooth SAT score submission, gather all necessary information before logging in. Simple errors like using the wrong college code or missing a deadline can unnecessarily jeopardize your college opportunities.

Before You Log In

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your College Board login (the same one you used to register for the SAT).

• UC Berkeley’s SAT code: 4833.

• Your preferred SAT date(s).

• A payment method if you’re out of free score reports.

• Your UC Application account info for post-submission tracking.

If you’re sending scores within nine days of your test date, College Board lets you send up to four reports for free.

Applying to Multiple UC Campuses? One Code Covers All

You don’t need to send scores to each UC school individually.

When you send your SAT score to any one UC campus, including Berkeley, the score becomes available to all other UC campuses you’ve applied to.

We’ve seen students mistakenly pay to send their scores to each campus separately. Save time and money by using just one code: 4833.

How to Send SAT Scores to UC Berkeley (Step-by-Step)

Sending your SAT scores doesn’t take long as long as you’re using the right platform and the correct campus code. 

Here’s precisely how to do it:

Step-by-Step via College Board

1. Log in at collegeboard.org - Use the same credentials you used when registering for the SAT.

2. Go to your My SAT dashboard. Click on the “Send Scores” button.

3. Search for University of California, Berkeley, or enter the SAT code 4833 directly.

4. Select the test date you want to send. If you’ve taken the SAT more than once, choose the score that reflects your strongest performance (Berkeley doesn’t superscore, so pick the best single date).

5. Review and confirm. Double-check the campus name and code.

6. Submit payment, if applicable. You get up to four free score reports if you send them within nine days of your test. After that, each report has a fee.

7. Check status. After submission, your score report will typically be sent within 1–2 weeks.

How to Confirm Berkeley Has Received Your Scores

• Log in to your UC Application portal to check your application checklist.

• You won’t get a separate confirmation from Berkeley, but your UC portal will reflect whether scores have arrived.

• It’s your responsibility to ensure delivery, especially before deadlines.

Want to be 100% sure your scores arrive on time? IvyStrides helps students track score delivery, match deadlines, and avoid delays caused by testing agencies.

Align your application with the SAT Registration Timeline to ensure your scores arrive before your chosen round.

When Should You Send SAT Scores to UC Berkeley?

Timing matters even if SAT scores aren’t used for admission. If you plan to submit them for placement or scholarship review, you’ll need to make sure they arrive before key deadlines.

UC Admissions Timeline to Know (Tentative)

• Application deadline: November 30, 2026

• Last SAT date that aligns: October 2026

• Final day to send scores: Ideally by mid-November

• Free report window: Up to 9 days after your test date (for four free score sends)

SAT scores must be sent before the UC application deadline to be considered for placement or campus-based scholarships. Sending them afterward won’t count.

What If You Retake the SAT Late?

If you retake the SAT in November, score reports may not reach Berkeley in time to be reviewed for any internal use. In that case:

• Send the score as soon as possible.

• Include a note in the UC application’s “Additional Comments” section.

• Let Berkeley know you’re submitting for advising or placement, not admissions.

IvyStrides helps students plan their final SAT attempt around UC timelines, so you’re never racing the clock.

Don’t forget to plan early! Refer to our SAT dates breakdown to align your prep with deadlines.

Sending Scores from India or Abroad? Here’s What International Students Need to Know

If you're applying to UC Berkeley from outside the U.S., the process of sending SAT scores stays the same, but there are a few extra things to keep in mind to ensure smooth delivery.

What’s Different for International Applicants?

• Payment methods: Make sure your card or bank is enabled for international transactions. Some students run into delays because of blocked payments.

• Time zone awareness: Application deadlines follow Pacific Time (PT), not your local time. Always calculate the cut-off accordingly to avoid missing submission windows.

• Internet and access issues.

• Score validation support: If your school curriculum isn’t U.S.-based, submitting a strong SAT score may help advisors assess your math or English proficiency post-admission.

At IvyStrides, we work closely with students from India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia who apply to UC schools. If you're abroad, we’ll make sure every step from score submission to application tracking is done right and on time.

Need help sending your scores from outside the U.S.? Our global admissions team is here for you.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Sending SAT Scores to UC Berkeley

Every season, IvyStrides helps students fine-tune their college applications, and we often see bright students miss simple details when it comes to SAT score submission. Let’s make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes.

1. Submitting Scores Without a Purpose

UC Berkeley is indeed test-blind; they won’t consider SAT scores for admission decisions. But that doesn’t mean your score has no value.

• What doesn’t work: Sending your SAT score randomly, hoping it boosts your chances.

•  What does work: using your score strategically, for math or writing placement, internal scholarship review, or to support your profile if you're coming from a non-U.S. curriculum.

At IvyStrides, we help students decide when sending a score adds depth to their application, even if it's not part of the initial admission review.

2. Choosing the Wrong Campus Code

• Berkeley’s SAT code is 4833.

• Don’t accidentally send scores to the wrong UC campus.

3. Submitting After the Deadline

Scores must be sent before November 30, 2026; that’s the tentative UC application deadline.

If your scores arrive after that date, they likely won’t be considered for placement or any department-level evaluations. 

4. Assuming Berkeley Superscores

They don’t.

UC Berkeley does not mix and match your best Math and Reading/Writing section scores across different SAT dates.

Only one full score report will be referenced,  so choose the date that shows your best overall performance, and send that one.

5. Forgetting to Confirm Score Delivery

The College Board won’t send you a delivery receipt. And UC Berkeley won’t email you when they receive your score.

To confirm, log in to your UC Application portal and check the checklist under “Materials.” If your score doesn’t appear within 2 weeks of sending, follow up early.

IvyStrides students follow a structured checklist for testing, submission, and verification,  so nothing slips through the cracks.

Want us to review your score plan or help with delivery tracking? Join our next SAT webinar or book a one-on-one consult.

How IvyStrides Helps Students with Berkeley Score Strategy

At IvyStrides, we don’t believe in generic test prep. We believe in purpose-driven planning, especially when it comes to a test-blind school like UC Berkeley.

Here’s how we help students make wise, intentional decisions around their SAT scores:

Personalized Score Use Evaluation

Should you send your score at all? We’ll review your performance, application goals, academic background, and the specific UC campuses you’re applying to, nd then advise whether score submission makes sense for:

• Course placement

• Internal scholarship consideration

• Supporting non-U.S. transcripts

For some students, we recommend skipping score submission entirely. For others, one firm SAT date adds subtle value. We help you choose with clarity.

Picking the Right Test Date - or Skipping It

We don’t push students to test if they don’t need to. But if a score could strengthen your overall academic profile, we’ll help you:

• Choose the best test date based on UC timelines

• Retest strategically (if needed)

• Send the strongest single-date score

Submission Planning & Deadline Tracking

We guide students through:

• Sending scores through College Board (including international logins)

• Meeting all UC-wide deadlines, including early test score send windows

• Confirming delivery inside the UC application portal

Post-Admission Support

If you're admitted to Berkeley, that’s when your SAT score (if submitted) may come back into play for placement or scholarship reviews. IvyStrides helps you:

• Understand how your score affects your first-year course load

• Use your score proactively in advising sessions

• Appeal or review placement decisions if needed

Want to build a smart SAT strategy specifically for UC Berkeley or multiple UC schools? IvyStrides offers personalized strategy calls, SAT performance analysis, and complete application mentorship.

Final Checklist - Sending SAT Scores to UC Berkeley (2026–27 Edition)

Before you hit send, let’s make sure everything’s in place. This quick checklist will help you avoid the most common errors and ensure your SAT score (if you choose to send it) is used in the most innovative way possible.

Should You Send Your SAT Score to Berkeley?

• You understand Berkeley is test-blind for admissions.

• You’re sending your score for course placement, scholarship review, or academic advising.

• You’ve spoken to an IvyStrides counselor about whether your score adds value.

Before You Send

• Your SAT score is from a single test date (Berkeley does not superscore).

• You’ve chosen the strongest full score (not just your best sections).

• You have your College Board login ready.

• You’ve confirmed UC Berkeley’s SAT code: 4833.

• Your payment method is active (if you’ve used your free reports).

Timing & Submission

• You’re sending scores before November 30, 2026.

• You’re within 9 days of your SAT date (for free score reports, if eligible).

• You’ve used only one UC campus code - all UC schools will receive it.

• You’re not sending late or duplicate scores “just in case”.

After You Send

• You’ve logged into your UC Application portal to verify score receipt.

• You’ve added a brief note in “Additional Comments” if submitting for placement.

• You’ve saved your College Board confirmation (screenshot or PDF).

IvyStrides students use this checklist as part of our Score Submission Review. A guided walk-through that ensures your SAT score (if sent) does precisely what you intend it to. Before you lock in your application, don’t miss this SAT Test Checklist. 

Conclusion: UC Berkeley May Be Test-Blind, But Strategy Still Wins

It’s easy to assume that a test-blind policy means your SAT score doesn’t matter at all. But at IvyStrides, we look deeper and help you use every advantage available, even in a changing admissions landscape.

The difference lies in how you use that score; that’s what we help you figure out.

At IvyStrides, whether you send your SAT scores or skip them entirely, it should be a decision made with clarity, timing, and strategy, not confusion or hearsay.

Want to build your UC strategy with a mentor who understands every deadline, score rule, and small window of opportunity?

 Join IvyStrides SAT fall batch today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I self-report my SAT scores to UC Berkeley?

No. UC Berkeley does not accept self-reported SAT scores, even for placement or advising. All scores must be sent directly through the College Board using their official system.

Will UC Berkeley see canceled SAT scores?

No. If you've canceled a score officially through College Board, it won't be visible to any colleges - including Berkeley. Only scores you choose to send will be accessible, and even then, only for non-admission purposes.

Can I update my score after I’ve submitted my UC application?

No updates are guaranteed to be reviewed after the application deadline. If you send SAT scores after submission, they’ll only be used for post-admission internal processes, not to influence your application evaluation retroactively.

Can I choose which UC schools receive my SAT score?

When you send your SAT score to any one UC campus, it automatically becomes visible to all UC campuses you apply to. You cannot limit or customize which UC schools receive your scores.

Does UC Berkeley accept AP scores for placement instead?

Yes. UC Berkeley uses AP scores much more actively than SAT scores for course placement and credit. If you’ve taken AP exams, those may carry more weight than your SAT, and we recommend submitting both if you’ve done well.

Will SAT scores affect eligibility for Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarships?

These competitive UC scholarships are primarily holistic and academic in nature. While SAT scores are not required, a strong academic record, leadership, and intellectual engagement are prioritized. Some campuses may request scores after admission for internal merit evaluations, but Berkeley’s process remains test-blind during admission.