Info for Parents: Can My Child Send Their SAT Scores to Colleges Automatically?

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As a tutor, one of the common questions I hear from parents is, “Can my child send their SAT scores to colleges automatically?” The answer is yes—but it’s important to understand how it works and whether it’s the right approach for your child. Sending scores can streamline the college application process, but it also requires some thoughtful decision-making. Let me walk you through the options.

The Basics: Sending SAT Scores Automatically

The College Board allows students to send their SAT scores to colleges automatically through a feature called Score Sends. Here’s how it works:

  • Free Score Reports: When your child registers for the SAT, they have the option to send their scores to up to four colleges for free. This means the colleges will receive their scores shortly after the test, without any extra fees.
  • Timing Matters: The catch? Your child has to select the colleges before they see their scores. If they don’t feel confident about how they performed, this can add some stress, especially if test anxiety played a role on test day.

The Pros of Sending Scores Automatically

There are some clear advantages to using the automatic Score Sends:

  1. Saves Money: Sending four score reports for free can save up to $48, as each additional score report costs $12.
  2. Streamlines the Process: You won’t have to remember to send scores later, especially during the busy college application season.
  3. Meets Deadlines: If your child is applying to colleges with early decision or early action deadlines, automatic Score Sends ensure that scores arrive on time.

The Cons of Sending Scores Automatically

While automatic Score Sends can be helpful, there are some downsides to consider:

  1. No Score Preview: Because scores are sent before your child sees them, they can’t decide whether the scores reflect their best effort. If SAT anxiety affected their performance, they might prefer to wait and send scores only after reviewing them.
  2. Superscoring Policies: Many colleges superscore the SAT, meaning they take the best section scores across multiple test dates. If your child plans to retake the SAT, sending scores automatically might not showcase their highest potential.
  3. Limited Flexibility: Once scores are sent, they can’t be “un-sent.” This can feel like a big decision, especially if your child is unsure about their college list.

An Alternative: Sending Scores Later

If your child prefers to see their scores before deciding where to send them, they can wait and send scores manually. Here’s how it works:

  1. Log In to the College Board Account: After scores are released, your child can log in and select the colleges they want to receive their scores.
  2. Pay the Fee: Each score report costs $12 unless your child qualifies for a fee waiver.
  3. Choose the Best Scores: This approach allows your child to wait until they’ve taken the SAT multiple times and then send the highest scores to colleges.
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This option provides more control and flexibility, which can be especially reassuring for students who struggle with test anxiety or are retaking the SAT to improve their scores.

Which Option Is Best for Your Child?

The choice between automatic and manual score sends depends on your child’s confidence, goals, and testing strategy:

  • If They Feel Confident: If your child is well-prepared and feels good about their performance, automatic Score Sends can save time and money.
  • If They Plan to Retake the SAT: Waiting to send scores manually ensures that colleges receive the best possible scores.
  • If They Experience Test Anxiety: Students with SAT anxiety might benefit from waiting, as it gives them time to process their performance and make a deliberate decision.

How to Help Your Child Decide

Here are a few tips to help your child navigate this decision:

  1. Start With a Practice Test: Practice tests can give your child a realistic sense of their potential score range and help build confidence.
  2. Review College Policies: Check whether the colleges on your child’s list superscore the SAT. This information can influence whether automatic or manual score sends make the most sense.
  3. Discuss Their Comfort Level: If automatic Score Sends feel stressful, there’s no harm in waiting. Reducing stress can lead to better performance on future tests.

This Blog Is Here to Help

The SAT journey comes with many decisions, but you don’t have to make them alone. This blog is packed with resources to guide you through everything from managing test anxiety to understanding how the new digital SAT works. Check back regularly for tips, updates, and strategies to support your child every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Yes, your child can send their SAT scores to colleges automatically, but it’s not the only option. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks, you can help your child make the choice that aligns with their goals and minimizes stress. And remember, I’m here to help—whether it’s preparing for the test, managing SAT anxiety, or navigating the college admissions process, this blog is your trusted resource for all things SAT.