<p>Can you set me straight-- at this point, does the student decide which test scores to send to universities when applying, or does the university see all scores?</p>
<p>And can you help me understand the term "superscore" with respect to SAT's-- does it mean your top score in each section (math, reading, writing)?</p>
<p>I have heard that there are some new rules on all of this... thanks for helping!</p>
<p>when you apply, you self-report your scores on the application, then you have to have collegeboard/act send an official score report so that the college can see you're not lying. AP scores are generally not sent during the application process; they're typically only sent when you enroll at a school (for advanced standing/college credit).</p>
<p>SAT: as of next year (high school class of 2010), students can select which scores are sent. currently all scores are sent on the score report. unsure about policy; we aren't sure yet if it's selection of scores by test date or more nit-picky selection of scores.</p>
<p>ACT: policy has always been students can select which scores (by test date) are sent. note that sending scores for one test date counts as one score report though. so if you select 2 test dates to send, you have to pay for 2 score reports. i know. bummer. don't know yet if collegeboard will have a similar policy to ACT.</p>
<p>Super score for SATs: this means that the highest score you have from each category is added in. for example:</p>
<p>Test date 1:
M: 560
CR: 720
W: 650</p>
<p>Test date 2:
M: 700
CR: 660
W: 680</p>
<p>your superscore would be:
M: 700
Cr: 720
W: 680</p>
<p>note however, that the superscore aspect is unofficial at most colleges. in other words, colleges haven't officially acknowledged that they look at a superscore. superscore is a student-generated concept.</p>
<p>Thanks for you information-- that helps a lot. You said:</p>
<p>"AP scores are generally not sent during the application process; they're typically only sent when you enroll at a school (for advanced standing/college credit)."</p>
<p>But when you apply to a university, don't you list your AP scores? Just trying to understand the process here... thanks again!</p>
<p>You can, if desired, self-report AP scores in application if there is a place to do it or essay but no college requires AP scores for admission and they do not even recommend submission. Some send photo-copies of scores to colleges for their admission file. Having taken AP courses and grades in them are considered for admission, but AP scores themselves are generally not a factor of any importance in admissions. </p>
<p>As to superscoring SATs mentioned above, it is really not just an assumption created by students. Vast majority of colleges which do it have actually said they do it, many on their sites, others during their regular tours of the campus, and others you can just call or emailand ask. What you will find is that most private colleges superscore SAT, most public universities do not.</p>
<p>Be aware that the ability for next year's applicants to select SAT scores to send to colleges does not necessarily mean they will be able to "hide" any scores from a number of colleges. A number of high ranked colleges have already said that they will require students to submit all scores regardless of the College Board's new rule.</p>
<p>The Common Application has a section where you can self-report up to 9 AP scores and requests that you report all of them. How this data is used in admissions decisions varies by each school, I am sure. What research I have seen reports that AP scores correlate better with freshman grades than do standardized test scores, but because they are self-reported a school cannot be sure what is being left out. Note, however, that any positive admission decision can be rescinded if an application misrepresents an applicant.</p>
<p>No school that I know of, however, requires you to send an official AP score report. This is usually sent to your school of choice after you have agreed to attend so that they can credit you and place you in accordance with their AP policies.</p>
<p>I don't think my S will have a choice in reporting out his AP scores(fortunately thus far, they ARE something to write home about.) We recently got a copy of his HS transcript to date (he's a Jr) and there's a section that includes AP classes taken and test score.</p>