After all the hard work of preparing for the SAT—studying, taking practice tests, and managing SAT anxiety—the next big step is sending scores to colleges. If you’re wondering how this process works or whether there’s a cost involved, you’re not alone. Many parents have these same questions, and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know to make this step as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges
The SAT score-sending process is entirely online and handled through the College Board website. To begin, your child will need to log in to their College Board account and navigate to the “Send SAT Scores” section. From there, they can search for colleges or scholarship programs by name or code and add them to their list of score recipients.
At this stage, your child will also have to decide whether to send all of their SAT scores or choose specific test dates. The College Board’s Score Choice feature allows students to select which SAT scores they want to send, but some colleges require applicants to submit all of their test scores. Before making a final decision, it’s important to check the score policies of each school on your child’s list. A great resource for this is each college’s admissions website or the College Board’s BigFuture tool, which provides information on colleges and their SAT policies.
Once the colleges and scores are selected, your child will review their order and submit the request.
Is There a Cost to Send SAT Scores?
The College Board offers four free score reports that students can send when they register for the SAT. However, these scores are sent automatically, meaning students must choose their recipients before they see their SAT scores. If your child feels confident in their performance, this is a great way to save money. However, if they would rather wait and review their scores first, they can opt out of the free reports and send them later for a fee.
If your child needs to send scores to more than four colleges or wants to wait until after seeing their results, each additional score report costs $12 per recipient. To send scores beyond the free ones, parents can visit the SAT score-sending page and follow the steps outlined there.
For students who qualify for SAT fee waivers, the College Board allows them to send an unlimited number of score reports for free—a major benefit for families looking to minimize application costs. Students can check their eligibility and learn how to apply for a fee waiver through the SAT Fee Waivers page.
For those who are in a rush, the College Board also offers rush reporting, which sends scores within 1–2 business days for an extra $31 fee. In most cases, though, colleges receive electronic score reports fairly quickly, so rush reporting is rarely necessary.
Should Your Child Use the Free Score Reports?
There’s always the question of whether students should take advantage of the free score reports or wait. It depends on a few factors:
- If your child has been scoring consistently within their target range on practice tests and isn’t planning to retake the SAT, using the free score reports is a great way to save money.
- If they want complete control over which scores colleges see, waiting and sending scores manually may be the better option.
- If your child is applying to mostly test-optional schools, they may not need to send SAT scores at all.
To check whether a school requires SAT scores or follows a test-optional policy, parents can visit the FairTest list of test-optional schools or review each college’s admissions website.
How Long Does It Take for Colleges to Receive SAT Scores?
Regular SAT score reports typically take 1–2 weeks to be processed and delivered to colleges. If your child is applying to schools with early decision or early action deadlines, be sure to send scores well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
For students who need scores sent as quickly as possible, rush reporting delivers scores in 1–2 business days, though most colleges don’t require this service.
Parents can track their child’s SAT score release dates and when scores will be available for sending by checking the SAT Score Release Schedule.
How This Helps Reduce SAT Anxiety
For many students, just thinking about sending scores can add to their test anxiety. But understanding the process ahead of time can help reduce stress and give them a sense of control.
- Encourage them to check score policies early so they aren’t making last-minute decisions.
- Remind them that one test score won’t make or break their college application. Admissions officers look at the whole picture, including grades, extracurriculars, and essays.
- Help them stay organized by keeping track of application deadlines to avoid any rush fees or unnecessary stress.
When students feel prepared and informed, they’re far less likely to experience unnecessary SAT anxiety during this stage of the admissions process.
This Blog Is Here to Help
The SAT process doesn’t end when the test is over, and this blog is here to guide you through every step—from score submission strategies to managing test anxiety. Be sure to check back for updates, insights, and expert advice to help your child navigate the SAT with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Sending SAT scores to colleges doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Whether your child takes advantage of the free score reports or chooses to send scores manually, having a clear plan will make the process much easier. By understanding how it all works—including costs, timing, and policies—your child can take control of this step in the admissions journey with confidence.
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