how to send sat scores to colleges common app

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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06-02-2025

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Submitting your SAT scores is a crucial step in the college application process. The Common App simplifies this, but understanding the process is key. This guide explains how to send your SAT scores to colleges via the Common App, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Understanding the Common App Score Sending Process

The Common App doesn't directly receive your SAT scores. Instead, it acts as a central hub, allowing you to request that the College Board send your scores to the colleges you list on your application. This means you need to have already taken the SAT and have your scores reported to the College Board.

Key things to remember:

• Score Reporting is Separate: Submitting your Common App is distinct from sending your SAT scores. Think of it as two separate processes.
• Fees May Apply: Sending scores to colleges may involve fees depending on your chosen method and the number of institutions.
• Timing is Important: Allow ample time for scores to reach colleges before application deadlines.

Step-by-Step Guide: Sending SAT Scores via Common App

Here's a step-by-step guide to sending your scores:

1. Access your Common App: Log in to your Common App account.

2. Navigate to "Colleges": Locate the section where you've listed the colleges you're applying to.

3. Check Score Reporting Status: Each college listing should indicate whether you've already sent your scores or if it's pending. The Common App often displays a clear message indicating the status of your score submission.

4. Request Score Sending (If Needed): If a college indicates that scores are "not yet sent," you'll typically find a button or link to initiate the score-sending process. Click this to proceed.

5. Select the Appropriate Testing Agency: Make sure you select the College Board as the testing agency.

6. Authorize Score Release: You'll need to authorize the College Board to release your scores to the chosen college(s) through the Common App. This typically involves agreeing to a consent form and acknowledging any associated fees.

7. Review and Confirm: Before submitting, review the list of colleges to ensure accuracy. Sending your scores to the incorrect schools can lead to delays and complications.

8. Track Your Score Status: After submitting the request, monitor the status of your score sending on the Common App. This will typically show you whether your request has been received, processed, and confirmed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Scores Not Appearing: If your scores aren't showing up on your Common App, first check with the College Board to verify that your scores were reported and available for sending. There can be a delay between test date and score availability.

• Incorrect Scores Sent: Immediately contact the College Board and the affected college(s) to correct the error. In most cases, corrections are possible, though it might take time.

• Missing Scores: If a college is missing your scores despite the Common App indicating they've been sent, contact the college's admissions office directly. They can check the status of the scores in their system.

Alternative Score Sending Methods

While the Common App simplifies the process for many, there are alternative ways to send your SAT scores:

• Directly Through the College Board: The College Board's website offers a score-sending option, allowing you to send your scores to colleges independently of the Common App. This is useful if you are applying to schools not listed on your Common App.

• Through Individual College Applications: Some colleges may allow SAT score submission through their individual application portals, especially if you're not using the Common App.

Conclusion

Sending SAT scores to colleges through the Common App is usually straightforward. However, understanding the process, checking your score reporting status regularly, and allowing sufficient time for processing are crucial to avoid last-minute complications. Remember to double-check all information before submitting to ensure a seamless application process. By following these steps, you can successfully submit your SAT scores and focus on the other elements of your college application.