How Many SAT Scores Can You Send to a College?
The seemingly simple answer to this question is: as many as you want. However, the devil is in the details. The decision ultimately comes down to the policies of the individual colleges and your strategy for showcasing your academic strengths.
Understanding the SAT Scoring System
Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand the basics of the SAT. The SAT is the gold standard for college admissions in the United States, and it includes multiple sections: Reading, Writing Language, Math (No Calculator), and Math (Calculator). Your total score is the sum of these sections, ranging from 400 to 1600. Additionally, there's an optional essay section that can boost your score further.
The College Policies on SAT Scores
Most colleges have a clear policy regarding the SAT scores they require and how they consider them:
One High Score: Many colleges ask for your highest score from a single test sitting. This means if you take the SAT multiple times, they want to see your best performance. Super Scoring: Some colleges use a super scoring policy, where they take the highest sub-scores across all test administrations and combine them to form your super score. This policy gives you the best possible overall score, but it's not used by all colleges. All Scores: A very small number of colleges require you to send all of your SAT scores. This means you must share every SAT you've taken.The Default Policy of the College Board
The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, does not send all of your scores by default. Instead, there are opportunities for students to send the test scores they want. Here's how it works:
Test Day: On the day of the test, you can decide not to send your scores to any colleges. This gives you a chance to review the scores before you release them. Registration Changes: After the test, you can log in to the College Board website and make changes to your score report. You can choose which colleges to send your scores to. Post-Test Reconsideration: Within a specific period after the test, you can have an additional choice. This period allows you to change what colleges see your scores.Your Strategy and Decision Making
Choosing how many SAT scores to send involves a strategic consideration of both the colleges you're applying to and your personal performance history. Here are some tips to help you decide:
College Preferences: Research the policies of each college you're applying to. Some colleges prioritize one high score, while others use super scoring or require all scores. Matching your strategy with the college's preferences can give you an advantage. Your Performance Consistency: If your scores are highly consistent across test administrations, you might consider sending all your scores to showcase your reliability. However, if you have variations in scores, it might be best to focus on the highest score or the super score. Time Management: If you have taken the SAT multiple times and your latest scores are not significantly better than your previous ones, opting for the highest score or super score can save you time in the application process.Conclusion
The number of SAT scores you send to a college is not as straightforward as it may seem. It requires an understanding of the test and the policies of the colleges you're applying to. By strategically choosing your scores, you can present the best possible picture of your academic abilities to the admissions committee. Remember, the aim is to showcase your strengths in the most effective way possible. Whether it's one high score, a super score, or all scores, make the choice that benefits you the most.