Sally_Rubenstone

Question: Does it matter when one sends SAT scores? Will colleges look at all scores you send them or just the first (then possibly discard your name)? Your question isn’t clear. (“The Dean” doesn’t know what you mean by “discard your name.”) But here’s how the system works, so hopefully this will provide the information [...]

View the complete Q&A at CC's Ask The Dean...

RamsTennis

I have a similar question. I am a going into my senior year in high school. Grades are strong overall. However, I did not score as well on my SAT as I had hoped and I am retaking in October. I am getting slammed with requests to "apply" to the colleges I am interested by their admissions departments. I am inclined to wait until October to pull the trigger. Is there any reason I would apply now given that my SAT scores are marginal for some of my first picks and they could affect potential scholarship money from my second choice schools? I will be visiting quite a few schools in August and would appreciate your direction on how to address this issue in interviews and how to "time" applying/providing SAT scores. Thank you!

Sally_Rubenstone

RamsTennis--there is no need to apply anywhere until you get your new scores at the end of October. Even if you are considering an Early Decision or Early Action plan, you will still have a little time (although perhaps just a week or so) between when you can view your scores online and when you must apply. (If you order scores sent to colleges with Nov. 1 deadlines and the scores arrive shortly after the deadline, you'll be fine.)

With Rolling Admission colleges, it can be wise to apply on the early end. But if you are already a strong candidate at a Rolling Admission school, it won't hurt to wait until the end of October to apply. If you are a marginal candidate, you'll want to submit your best SAT results, so, again, waiting until late October to apply is advisable.

If you are interviewing in August, you may find that you are never asked about SAT's at any of the colleges you visit ... or you might be. If you ARE asked, and your scores are below the norm at the college, you can answer the question by saying, "I'm taking the SAT in October." (Not a lie!) If the admission official persists (unlikely), then explain to him or her what you have told us.

If you are asked about SAT's, feel free to boast about any other, good scores you've gotten ... e.g., AP results.

Finally, if your October scores are also not as high as you'd hoped, it may be time to revise your college list. Don't give up on "dream" schools, but do make sure that your roster includes places you like that are sure to welcome you, regardless of your test results.