If you haven’t already done so, early October is an ideal time for sending ACT or SAT scores to colleges if you’re applying Early Action or Early Decision and your schools require official score reports. Some schools have historically been real sticklers for everything getting in by Nov. 1, so we recommend giving the testing agency at least 2 weeks to send the scores.
Questions? We’ve got answers. Below are some of the questions we’re asked most often at this time of year.
How do I send my test scores?
You must send your test scores directly from the testing agency–either the ACT or the College Board–to the colleges to which you’re applying. Once you log in, you’ll see “Send My Scores,” and can follow the steps they provide.
But I thought my high school sends them?
Your high school will send your transcript and your letters of recommendation. You are responsible for sending your official score reports, if a college requires them.
What is self-reporting? Should I do that?
Many schools now accept self-reported scores as official for the review process. This means that the scores you report on your application (or, sometimes, in a college’s portal) are used for your application review, and will be confirmed as accurate and when you matriculate to a college or university. We encourage students to take advantage of self-reporting wherever possible; first, it lowers the cost of applying (no fees for sending scores!), and second, it allows them to only reveal their highest subsection scores. With self-reporting, the college will not see a student’s lowest subsection scores until the student is already admitted. However, note that with self-reporting ACT scores, the student may not calculate and enter their own superscored composite score.
How do I know if a college accepts self-reported scores?
The college will clearly state this on their admissions website. If the information seems at all ambiguous, we recommend reaching out to the college directly.
How does superscoring work?
The ACT has released a feature called a superscore report, wherein the ACT calculates the superscore for a student based on their highest subsection scores. This report includes the superscore, plus all of the results from test dates involved in the superscore.
When students are happy with the full set of scores that will be included in the new report. they may choose to send it to colleges that they know practice superscoring. Many students, however, may prefer to self-report everywhere possible, which will enable them to show only their highest subsections.
What if I’m taking the October ACT or November SAT? Can I use those tests for early deadlines?
Many schools will accept these tests as part of early applications, even though results come in after the deadlines. Make sure to double-check the policies of your colleges of interest to confirm if they will take these exams, and, if so, if they need to be sent to them directly or if the college will accept a self-reported score as soon as you get it.
Questions? We are always here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.
