How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying to college is an exciting milestone, and one of the most important parts of your application is sending your SAT scores to the schools you’re interested in. Colleges use these scores as part of the admissions process, and if they don’t receive them on time, your application may be incomplete—even if the rest of your documents are perfect.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to send SAT scores to colleges, including when to send them, how much it costs, tips to save money, and how to make sure colleges receive them before deadlines. Whether you’re a high school junior or senior, this blog is your go-to resource.

Why Sending SAT Scores Matters

Your SAT score can help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Colleges often use SAT results to:

  • Evaluate academic readiness, Compare students from different schools, Award merit-based scholarships, Determine placement in college-level courses

If you don’t send your scores correctly—or on time—your application might be considered incomplete. That’s why understanding how the process works is so important.

When Should You Send SAT Scores?

Timing is everything. Ideally, you should send your scores:

  • At the time of SAT registration (to use free score reports)
  • Shortly after receiving your scores, especially if you’re applying Early Action or Early Decision
  • Before application deadlines, keeping in mind processing times

Tip: It can take 1–2 weeks for colleges to receive your scores once you send them, so plan ahead.

How to Send SAT Scores: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Log in to Your College Board Account: Go to collegeboard.org, click “Sign In,” and enter your username and password.

Step 2: Access Your SAT Scores: Once logged in, go to your dashboard and click on “My SAT” or “View Scores.” This will show your full list of SAT test dates and scores.

Step 3: Click on ‘Send Scores’: Next to your score, you’ll see an option that says “Send Scores.” Click it to begin the process of sending your SAT results to colleges.

Step 4: Search and Select Colleges: Use the search bar to find the colleges or scholarship programs you want to send your scores to. You can send to:

  • Universities and colleges, Scholarship programs, NCAA eligibility centers

Step 5: Choose Which Scores to Send

You can choose to:

  • Send all scores (default option)
  • Use Score Choice to send scores from a specific test date

Check with each college, as some require you to send all scores, while others allow Score Choice.

Step 6: Pay and Confirm

  • You get 4 free score reports if you send them within 9 days of your test date.
  • After that, each additional score report costs $12.
  • Once you review your order, confirm and pay.

How Many Colleges Can You Send Scores To?

  • 4 free reports with every SAT registration (must be used within 9 days of test day)
  • You can send scores to as many colleges as you want afterward—but each will cost $12
  • Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on financial need

Using Score Choice: Should You Use It?

Score Choice lets you choose which SAT scores to send to each college. This means if you took the SAT multiple times, you don’t have to send all your scores—only the best ones.

Pros:

  • Highlight your highest scores
  • Avoid sending low scores that could hurt your application

Cons:

  • Some colleges require all scores, so be sure to check their policies
  • You may miss a super score opportunity (when a college combines your best section scores across different dates)

How Long Does It Take for Colleges to Receive Your Scores?

  • Electronic delivery: Usually 1–2 weeks
  • Paper delivery (rare): Can take longer, depending on mail processing
  • International colleges: Allow additional time

Make sure to send your scores well before college deadlines, especially for Early Action, Early Decision, or scholarship consideration.

Can You Rush SAT Score Delivery?

Yes. If you’re approaching a deadline, you can request Rush Reporting, which delivers your scores to colleges in 2–4 business days instead of the usual timeline.

Cost: $31 (in addition to the $12 per report)

Note: Rush reporting doesn’t speed up score processing—it only affects delivery speed once scores are available.

Can You Cancel or Change Score Reports?

  • Once sent, score reports cannot be canceled or edited
  • If you made a mistake, you must resend the correct report
  • If the college accepts multiple submissions, they will usually take the most recent one into consideration

Tips to Save Money When Sending SAT Scores

  • Use all 4 free score reports wisely when registering
  • Check if you’re eligible for a fee waiver (covers unlimited score reports)
  • Prioritize sending to schools that require official scores early

What to Do After Sending Scores

  1. Check Your Application Portal: Many colleges have portals where you can confirm that your scores were received.
  2. Follow Up If Needed: If your score doesn’t show up after 2 weeks, contact the college’s admissions office and College Board.
  3. Track Deadlines Closely: SAT score delays can jeopardize your application—plan ahead!

Final Thoughts: Sending SAT Scores the Right Way

Sending your SAT scores to colleges is a vital step in your college admissions journey. By understanding how and when to send them, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure your applications are complete and competitive.

Always double-check each college’s score policies, send your scores early, and take advantage of fee waivers or free reports when possible.

Need help choosing where to send your SAT scores, or want tips to boost your next score? Explore more of our in-depth SAT guides, practice resources, and college admissions articles to stay one step ahead.