I would go ahead and start sending scores, but make sure each college requires those official scores. Some let you self-report, then send official scores if/when you accept an admissions offer.
This year many colleges are allowing scores to be self-reported on the application. The official scores are due at the time of matriculation.
This is great, as the fee for sending scores to multiple schools can add up quickly.
We just sent scores to schools that required them - only about a quarter or less actually wanted official scores.
How do you find out if you can self report? Is it on the common app? Application costs can add up - our hs charges for transcripts on top of everything else we have to pay.
We went to each college’s web site to see if they allowed self reporting. I don’t totally understand common app, but the info might be available there too. Six of S’s colleges allow self reporting and 5 want scores sent from ACT.
Just be sure that scholarships also allow self reporting if the school does. We had to send official scores for any school that DS20 was applying for merit. Small price to invest compared to the potential scholarship.
I have a junior son at Tulane!
Regarding self-reporting test scores, the common app asks about completing the ACT with essay. You then list the composite and all sections including the writing. The problem is that my son took the ACT without essay. The common app doesn’t seem to offer that as an option. One can try to leave the essay score section blank but it prompts you to enter something.
Anyone else encounter this problem?
@Octagon I just took a look, and I see a question in the ACT section under ‘Testing’ that asks: “Have you taken the ACT Plus Writing test?*” Say ‘no’ and you’re good.
Hi @bigmacbeth Thanks and yes I just figured that out now. My bad! It was confusing in the way it was worded, but for anyone else interested - when you say No to ACT with writing the place to enter a writing section goes away.
we were completely confused with the question with writing.
kid is NOT reporting that score from April, when he took the writing. Yet it asks “have you ever taken the ACT with writing?” – feel weird about saying NO, but we are not reporting that score. ITS very awkward.
If you have already taken the essay with ACT, can you not report the essay score?
We start sending the scores to the colleges that need official reports. Better to do earlier than later - especially if all tests are done.
About the self-reporting - some colleges are explicit in advising that to self-report now and provide official upon acceptance; but others are kind of ambiguous (they are saying you can send official reports or self-report) - not sure what to do with these colleges.
About scores reporting - is anyone sending AP scores as well? We are sending only SAT and SAT subject tests. Any need to send AP scores during admission time? Do colleges even accept them if we send?
(there is no mention of AP tests for colleges that DS20 is applying; he is reporting scores on the commonapp - is this enough or have to send report as well? He actually wants colleges to take note of his scores because he did better in ap/subject tests than school course gpa)
@hs2020dad AP scores are only needed when you want/can claim AP credits after enrollment.
In case anyone’s K20 is tackling the Common App activities list – this arrived in my email inbox today from Ethan Sawyer/College Essay Guy and D20 found it very helpful! https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/guide-college-activities-list-common-app-example-application
@whataboutcollege Sorry for the confusion. First question on common app is: Indicate all tests you wish to report. Be sure to include tests you expect to take in addition to tests you have already taken. Say yes to ACT tests. It will then ask: Have you taken the ACT Plus Writing test?* Say yes to that and it will give a spot to give the writing score as well.
Kind of anti climatic since DS is an auto admit but his galaxy portal showed him as admitted and he now has his UT Dallas student ID number:-)
@3scoutsmom Congrats - It must be a relief anyways!
@hs2020dad The common app, under Testing, provides a way to self-report AP test scores as well. I think, like any test, you can choose what scores you ‘wish’ to divulge in this section. My D20 reported hers because, why not? Likely not used by most schools (for admissions, as @whataboutcollege mentioned), but it can’t hurt and it’s free. Skipping it should not be an issue.