The Resurgence of SAT Scores in US College Admissions

In the landscape of higher education in the United States, the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), administered by the College Board, continues to play a pivotal role for many aspiring college students. As of 2026, a notable shift has occurred with several prestigious universities reinstating standardized testing requirements after years of test-optional policies prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions like Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, MIT, and Caltech now mandate SAT or ACT scores for applicants targeting fall 2027 enrollment. This change underscores the renewed emphasis on objective metrics in holistic admissions processes at top-tier colleges.

Understanding how to send SAT test scores to colleges is crucial for competitive applicants. Official scores sent directly from the College Board ensure authenticity and are required by most institutions, even those allowing self-reporting initially. With over 2,000 US colleges maintaining test-optional stances according to the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest), students must research each school's policy meticulously. For instance, while public universities like the University of California system remain test-free, private elites are pivoting back, affecting how students strategize score submissions.

This guide delves into the intricacies of sending SAT scores, empowering students and families with actionable knowledge amid these evolving policies.

Key Prerequisites Before Sending SAT Scores

Before initiating the process of sending SAT scores to colleges, ensure your scores are available in your College Board account. Scores from the digital SAT, fully implemented since 2024, typically release 2-4 weeks post-exam. Log in at satsuite.collegeboard.org to verify.

Gather college codes from the College Board's BigFuture search tool—each US college has a unique four-digit identifier (e.g., Harvard is 3434). Confirm each institution's score policy: some superscore (combine best section scores across tests), others require all attempts. Fee waiver eligibility, available to low-income students via school counselors, unlocks unlimited free sends, saving up to $15 per report otherwise.

• Active College Board account linked to your test registration.
• List of target colleges with verified codes and deadlines.
• Fee waiver code if applicable (check with counselor).
• Understanding of Score Choice™—send only desired test dates.

Proactively aligning these elements prevents delays in your application timeline.

Maximizing Your Four Free SAT Score Reports

One of the most cost-effective strategies when learning how to send SAT scores to colleges is leveraging the four complimentary reports per test administration. These are available from registration up to nine days post-test date. Designate recipients during signup or amend later via your account—no fees apply within this window.

For example, a student taking the March 2026 SAT can select up to four colleges like Stanford (4704), University of Michigan (1850), and others before scores release around early April. Missing this window incurs standard fees, but it's ideal for committed safety and match schools. Data from College Board reports indicate millions of students utilize these annually, streamlining early applications.

Strategic selection here sets a strong foundation without financial burden.

Step-by-Step Guide: Sending SAT Scores from Weekend Tests

The primary method for sending SAT scores to colleges involves your College Board account. Here's the precise process for weekend administrations:

1. Sign into your account and navigate to the "Send SAT Scores" page.
2. Search for institutions by name or code; add multiple to your recipient list and continue.
3. For each, choose all scores or select specific test dates via Score Choice. Review the college's policy (displayed inline) to comply—e.g., Georgetown requires all scores.
4. Review order details, apply fee waivers if eligible, and checkout. Pay via card or waiver.

Standard delivery takes 5-10 business days; rush (extra $31) 1-4 days for released scores. Colleges receive your scores, demographics, high school info, and test details electronically. Official weekend guide.

This streamlined digital process reflects the shift to Bluebook app-based testing.

Sending Scores from SAT School Day Assessments

For the in-school SAT School Day program, popular at over 2,000 US high schools, the process varies slightly:

1. Access Bluebook app, go to "Your Tests Past," select the test, then "SAT Score Sends."
2. Search and add colleges by code/name.
3. Select scores per recipient, noting policies.
4. Review and complete order.

Timelines mirror weekend tests. This option accommodates ~1.8 million students yearly, per College Board stats, facilitating broader access.

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Navigating Fees, Waivers, and Expedited Options

Beyond free sends, each additional SAT score report costs $15 (2026 rate). Fee waivers, granted to qualifying students (family income under ~$100K adjusted), cover unlimited reports, test fees, and college apps—claim via counselors.

Rush suits late deadlines, like early decision (Nov 1). Always confirm receipt via college portals.

Score Choice and What Colleges Actually Receive

Score Choice lets you send best scores only, but 80+ colleges (e.g., University of California) mandate all. Colleges get composite/section scores, percentiles, demographics—no essay if not taken. Superscoring benefits multi-test takers; e.g., a 1400 Math/Reading mix boosts totals.

With average SAT at 1029 (2025 data), strategic sending highlights strengths amid competitive pools—top colleges average 1500+.

Essential Timelines for SAT Score Submission

• Regular Decision: Send by Dec 2026 for Jan-Mar replies (aim 4 weeks prior).
• Early Action/Decision: Oct-Nov tests, send immediately.
• Processing: 1-2 weeks delivery + college matching.

Track via College Board dashboard; colleges confirm receipt. For 2026-27 cycle, align with shifting requirements.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Sending SAT Scores

Pitfalls abound: wrong codes delay matching; ignoring policies risks disqualification; late sends miss deadlines. Case: A 2025 applicant to NYU entered incorrect code, rescinding admission post-fix.

• Double-check codes on BigFuture.
• Verify self-report matches official.
• Use rush judiciously.
• Monitor portals weekly.

Self-Reporting vs. Official SAT Score Verification

Many colleges permit self-reporting on apps (Common App, Coalition), but require official verification post-admit. Discrepancies void offers. Test-optional schools like Chicago may waive entirely, but submitting strong scores (1400+) bolsters apps per admissions data.

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Test-Optional vs. Test-Required: Strategies for US Colleges

Per FairTest, 2,085+ schools optional/test-free for fall 2026, but elites like Harvard (reinstated 2025) prioritize scores. Submit if above median (e.g., 1520 for Ivies); withhold otherwise. Publics like Texas A&M require; research via each admissions site.

Future Outlook and Pro Tips for Success

With digital SAT stabilizing and AI proctoring advances, sending evolves minimally. Tips: Retest if below target; use College Board reports for benchmarks; consult counselors. Position yourself strongly in this dynamic higher ed arena.