Paying to send SAT scores=necessary?

kittycatwindow
Sun, 13 Jan 2013 10:27:35 +0000

I figured I’d check back & provide some information to students like myself who may have been misguided by the answers on this thread/other threads like it.



Colleges require the official scores from CB. Perhaps narrow down your college list.

THIS IS NOT TRUE! Not all schools require it. The best option is calling up the admissions office of each school and asking yourself, “Do we have to send official score reports through College Board, or will the scores on my transcript suffice?” They will give you an answer! They’ll either say that they require your official score reports, or they’ll tell you the scores on your transcript will be fine.

If your school doesn’t put your scores on your transcript, then obviously this doesn’t apply to you, though. I would still suggest calling and seeing if there’s another option.

I know all of the schools I applied to didn’t need it. This includes Muhlenberg (top choice), Gettysburg, Allegheny, Arcadia, and Albright. (I didn’t call the final three; they gave me some sort of special, free application, and all three told me at the end: "Next step: send us your scores if they aren’t already included on your transcript.)

The general rule of thumb is if the school is small, you probably don’t need to send in your scores; if the school is bigger (say, your state school), they probably want your scores sent to make it easier for them since they have so many applicants. (This is what my guidance counselor told me, and it hasn’t failed me so far.)

This won’t always be accurate, though, so the best thing to do is CALL THE SCHOOL! The websites may be misleading. They all say they want you to send scores. That doesn’t necessarily mean send your official score reports. Just call the school as soon as possible.

I ruled two of my favorite colleges off my list (they were big reaches) because I didn’t think I could afford sending my scores to so many schools, and now I realized I probably would’ve only had to send one or two score reports out in total. I can’t apply anymore because the deadlines passed before I realized that my schools didn’t need score reports.

Even if you’re not strapped for money, call anyway! The people in the admissions office won’t even know who you are. I’m sure you/your parents wouldn’t mind saving a few bucks.

Good luck, guys! Don’t shorten your lists until you figure out how many schools you are applying to actually need you to send your scores!