Paying to send SAT scores=necessary?

Test Preparation
1

<p>Back when I took the SATs, I didn't have my list of colleges planned out. I had 8 free score reports (the standard 4 + 4 with the fee waiver), so I kind of just sent my scores to random colleges. Now, maybe one of the 8 on that list is actually a college I'm applying to.</p>

<p>Now, I have a twin also applying to college.
Say we both apply to 10 colleges each.
11 per score report * 10= 110 *2= 220 DOLLARS!!!
How the hell could anyone possibly afford that?</p>

<p>Basically, I'm trying to ask if there are other alternatives. Our SAT scores are on our transcripts; would that suffice? Is it really absolutely necessary to send official score reports to schools?</p>

<p>Also, if we still have our score reports that we got in the mail, could we just make copies of those and send that instead?</p>

<p>Simplified: Is there a way to give colleges your scores without dishing out 3/4ths of your life savings?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Colleges require the official scores from CB. Perhaps narrow down your college list.</p>

3

<p>Cool. I guess I can’t apply to colleges.</p>

4

<p>The short answer is no. Colleges require official scores sent from College Board. If you didn’t have a solid list of colleges before taking the tests that you could use for the free scores (and also if you don’t care about taking advantage of score choice), then you need to pay. At least make sure you are done with all your tests (including subject tests) before sending them so you only have to send scores once.</p>

<p>Many schools also have fees associated with making an application. What we have done is send the scores for all the colleges with apps due by 1/2/12. For all the apps due later than that, we have waited to pay to send the scores. My D has 2 EA apps out, and if the better school comes through, I am guessing she won’t end up applying to all 10 schools on her list. So we are waiting to spend the money on sending scores until EA replies are in. That said, it does take about 3 weeks for scores to be sent and received in my experience. So we are taking that lead time into account when judging when/where to send scores.</p>

5

<p>My closest deadline is Dec 31 and my latest is Feb 15, so I would pretty much have to send my scores out ASAP. The only problem is my mother is on permanent disability & my father has been on temporary disability for a few weeks and will be for at least another week, so now is definitely the WORST time to ask them for this ON TOP of paying for 4 CSS profile applications. I’m paying for those and they’re going to pay me back once they have the money, but I simply don’t have enough money in my bank account to pay for 6 (I just regretfully narrowed down my list to 6 colleges) score reports right this second.</p>

<p>I really have no clue what to do.</p>

6

<p>I figured I’d check back & provide some information to students like myself who may have been misguided by the answers on this thread/other threads like it.</p>

<p>

THIS IS NOT TRUE! Not all schools require it. The best option is calling up the admissions office of each school and asking yourself, “Do we have to send official score reports through College Board, or will the scores on my transcript suffice?” They will give you an answer! They’ll either say that they require your official score reports, or they’ll tell you the scores on your transcript will be fine.</p>

<p>If your school doesn’t put your scores on your transcript, then obviously this doesn’t apply to you, though. I would still suggest calling and seeing if there’s another option.</p>

<p>I know all of the schools I applied to didn’t need it. This includes Muhlenberg (top choice), Gettysburg, Allegheny, Arcadia, and Albright. (I didn’t call the final three; they gave me some sort of special, free application, and all three told me at the end: "Next step: send us your scores if they aren’t already included on your transcript.) </p>

<p>The general rule of thumb is if the school is small, you probably don’t need to send in your scores; if the school is bigger (say, your state school), they probably want your scores sent to make it easier for them since they have so many applicants. (This is what my guidance counselor told me, and it hasn’t failed me so far.)</p>

<p>This won’t always be accurate, though, so the best thing to do is CALL THE SCHOOL! The websites may be misleading. They all say they want you to send scores. That doesn’t necessarily mean send your official score reports. Just call the school as soon as possible. </p>

<p>I ruled two of my favorite colleges off my list (they were big reaches) because I didn’t think I could afford sending my scores to so many schools, and now I realized I probably would’ve only had to send one or two score reports out in total. I can’t apply anymore because the deadlines passed before I realized that my schools didn’t need score reports.</p>

<p>Even if you’re not strapped for money, call anyway! The people in the admissions office won’t even know who you are. I’m sure you/your parents wouldn’t mind saving a few bucks.</p>

<p>Good luck, guys! Don’t shorten your lists until you figure out how many schools you are applying to actually need you to send your scores!</p>