SAT: Should I Send All My Scores? What Colleges Want & How to Decide

It’s a smart question—and an important one. Sending the right scores can help improve your chances of admission, but sending too many could raise questions. Fortunately, the College Board offers flexibility through a tool called Score Choice, but not all colleges treat SAT scores the same way.

What Is Score Choice?

Score Choice is a free option from the College Board that allows you to choose which SAT scores to send to colleges. If you’ve taken the test multiple times, you can decide to send:

  • Only your best score from one test day
  • All of your SAT scores
  • Specific test dates (but not individual section scores)

Important: You can’t mix and match scores from different dates. If you took the SAT in May and August, you can send either May or August—or both—but not Reading from one and Math from the other.

When Should You Send All Your SAT Scores?

Some colleges have a policy that requires applicants to send all SAT scores, even if Score Choice is available. These schools believe that reviewing your entire testing history gives them a more complete picture of your academic performance.

If you’re applying to one of these schools, you must send every score, regardless of how you did.

Common examples of schools that may require all scores include:

  • Georgetown University
  • Stanford University
  • Yale University (recommended, but not required)
  • University of California schools (as of past years, though UC schools are now test-blind)

Pro tip: Always check each college’s official testing policy. It may change from year to year, and some schools allow exceptions or strongly recommend—but don’t require—sending all scores.

When Should You Use Score Choice?

If the colleges you’re applying to accept Score Choice, it’s often a good strategy to send only your highest score. Colleges generally superscore the SAT, meaning they’ll combine your highest section scores across multiple test dates to calculate your best possible total score.

For example:

  • Test 1: 650 Math, 700 Reading = 1350
  • Test 2: 700 Math, 680 Reading = 1380
  • Superscore: 700 Math, 700 Reading = 1400

If one of your test dates was significantly lower, it makes sense to leave it out if the college allows it.

This option gives you control—and can help you present the strongest possible application.

Should You Ever Send a Lower Score?

Sometimes, yes. Even if one test date wasn’t your highest, you might want to send it if:

  • The individual section score is better and might help with superscoring
  • A college requests or recommends sending all scores
  • You want to show consistent effort or improvement over time
  • You scored lower but still within a competitive range

Remember: admissions officers look at the full picture. A single low score won’t necessarily hurt your chances—especially if your most recent or highest score is excellent.

Score Reporting Strategies: What the Experts Suggest

Here are smart strategies based on your situation:

📌 If you only took the SAT once and got a great score:

Just send that score. Easy win.

📌 If you took the SAT multiple times and scores improved:

Send the most recent or highest score. You can skip earlier, lower scores (if allowed).

📌 If your best Math score is from one date and best Reading from another:

Check if the college superscores. If yes, send both dates.

📌 If a college requires all scores:

Don’t risk leaving any out. Follow their policy to the letter.

📌 If applying to test-optional schools:

Only send SAT scores if they help your application. If not, you can skip them altogether.

Common Myths About Sending SAT Scores

Let’s bust a few myths that cause confusion:

❌ Myth: Colleges penalize students for taking the SAT more than once.

Truth: Many students take the SAT 2–3 times. Improvement shows dedication.

❌ Myth: Colleges see all your scores no matter what.

Truth: They only see what you send—unless the school requires all scores.

❌ Myth: Sending more scores looks better.

Truth: Quality > quantity. One strong score is better than many average ones.

How to Send SAT Scores

You can send SAT scores through your College Board account. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • 4 free score sends are included up to 9 days after the test date
  • Additional score reports cost around $14 each
  • Delivery takes 1–2 weeks, so send early

Be sure to double-check your college’s score deadlines—some require scores to be received by a certain date, not just sent.

Final Answer: Should You Send All Your SAT Scores?

✅ Yes, if:

  • The college requires or strongly recommends it
  • You’re showing consistent improvement
  • You have no major score gaps

✅ No, if:

  • The college accepts Score Choice
  • One of your scores is significantly lower
  • You want to highlight your strongest performance