Okay, so I’m applying to colleges this fall and I’m really stressed about my SAT scores. I took it twice. The first time I got a 1350 (680 Math, 670 EBRW). I was pretty disappointed, so I studied a lot and took it again. This time, I did much better on Math and got a 750, but my EBRW score dropped to 650, bringing my overall score to 1400.
So, my question is: do colleges only look at my highest total score, or do they care about my section scores too? Would they just see the 1400 and be happy? Or would they be concerned that my EBRW score went down on the second try?
I’m also applying to some pretty competitive schools like some UCs (Berkeley, UCLA) and a few Ivy League schools. Does that make a difference? Do they have different policies than less competitive schools? I’ve heard about “superscoring,” but I’m not sure if every school does it.
So basically, I’m wondering if I should send both scores, just the 1400, or neither. Are they going to average them? Does this hurt my chances? Ugh, college applications are so stressful!
Answer
Yes, most colleges consider your highest SAT score, a practice known as "score choice" or "superscoring." However, policies vary among institutions, so it’s crucial to understand each college’s specific requirements.
Superscoring:
- Definition: Superscoring involves combining your highest section scores from different SAT test dates to create the best possible composite score. For example, if you took the SAT twice, and your highest Math score was from the first test and your highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score was from the second test, colleges that superscore would combine those highest scores to calculate your best possible total score.
- Prevalence: Superscoring is a fairly common practice among colleges, including many highly selective institutions.
- Why colleges superscore: Colleges believe that superscoring provides a more accurate representation of a student’s abilities by focusing on their best performance in each section. It allows students to showcase their strengths and reduces the impact of any single test day’s performance.
- How to know if a college superscores: Check the college’s official website or admissions page. Look for information about their SAT score policy. Many colleges explicitly state whether they superscore. You can also contact the admissions office directly to confirm their policy.
Score Choice:
- Definition: Score Choice is a policy implemented by the College Board that allows students to choose which SAT scores they want to send to colleges. Not all colleges require you to send all your scores.
- How it works: When you register for the SAT, you can select colleges to receive your scores. After taking the test, you can review your scores and decide whether to send them to the colleges you initially selected or cancel the score report entirely. You can also send scores to additional colleges later.
- Colleges that require all scores: Some colleges require applicants to submit all their SAT scores. These colleges want to see a comprehensive record of your testing history. This policy is becoming less common.
- Colleges that use Score Choice: Many colleges allow or require you to submit all of your scores, but will only focus on your highest score.
- Impact of Score Choice: Score Choice empowers students to control which scores are sent to colleges, preventing potentially lower scores from negatively impacting their application.
Factors to Consider:
- College policy is key: Always prioritize understanding the specific SAT score policy of each college you are applying to.
- Self-reporting: Some colleges allow you to self-report your scores on the application. In this case, you would enter your highest scores directly. However, if admitted, you may be required to submit official score reports from the College Board to verify your self-reported scores.
- Submitting scores: If a college requires official score reports, you must request them directly from the College Board.
- Test-optional policies: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges adopted test-optional policies, meaning that submitting SAT scores is not required for admission. Some colleges have extended these policies or made them permanent. However, if you believe your SAT score is a strong representation of your academic abilities, submitting it can still strengthen your application, even at test-optional schools.
- Common Application: The Common Application provides a section for reporting your SAT scores. Pay close attention to the instructions and accurately report your scores according to the college’s policy.
Researching College Policies:
- College websites: The most reliable source of information is the official website of each college. Look for the admissions section or a specific page dedicated to standardized testing requirements.
- Admissions officers: Contact the admissions office directly via phone or email if you have any questions or need clarification about their SAT score policy.
- College search tools: College search websites, such as those provided by the College Board, Peterson’s, or U.S. News & World Report, often include information about college admissions requirements, including SAT score policies. However, always verify the information with the college’s official website.
- High school counselor: Your high school counselor can provide guidance on college admissions and help you understand the SAT score policies of different colleges.
In summary, most colleges will consider your highest SAT score, either through superscoring or by focusing on the best score you submit. The specific policy varies by institution, so thorough research is essential. Always consult the college’s official website or contact the admissions office to confirm their SAT score requirements.
