Which Colleges Require All SAT Scores Sent?
If you’ve taken the SAT multiple times, you may wonder what schools will think of your scores. The answer depends, as some schools may not request your entire testing record. When it comes to sending standardized test scores, each school usually adopts one of three policies:
- Send all of your test scores.
- Send only your stronger test scores (usually the single sittings with your highest individual section scores). This is called Score Choice.
- Test optional. Send scores if you have them (we strongly recommend still taking the SAT/ACT and submitting scores if they’re in the school’s middle 50% range; students who don’t submit scores are generally admitted at a lower rate than those who do send results).
Some schools will also superscore, or take your highest section scores from different sittings to make a new composite score. Note that superscoring is completely different from score choice, though the two terms sound similar. Schools that allow score choice may or may not superscore.
Which Schools Require All SAT Scores Sent?
Here is a list of popular schools that require applicants to send official test scores from every SAT sitting. Please note that it is always best to check each school’s website for their policy before applying.
- Carnegie Mellon University | CMU
- Clarkson University
- Coker College
- College of Charleston
- College of St. Benedict | CSB
- Duquesne University
- East Georgia State College | EGSC
- Elon University
- Georgetown University
- Gonzaga University
- Johns Hopkins University | JHU
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Seattle University
- Shorter University
- University of California, Berkeley | UC Berkeley
- University of South Carolina | USC
- Yale University
How Will My Worst Score Affect Me?
Many students worry that sending in multiple test scores dooms their college applications. In reality, schools will not be disappointed to see a low SAT score on your record if you eventually raised your score. Showing a positive score trend across two or three SAT sittings actually suggests that you have determination and are willing to push yourself to succeed.
The biggest red flag for schools is seeing more than three SAT scores on your record, especially if there is no upward trend in the scores. Taking the SAT this many times suggests that you have not applied yourself. It also indicates that you have not been spending your time wisely, choosing to sit for the SAT instead of investing in your community. If you have this many SAT scores, consider applying to schools that allow score choice.
Should I Retake the SAT?
If you want to improve your score and haven’t taken the SAT more than three times, you might consider retaking the test. The higher your score, the greater the boost it will give to your application. But if your score is already in or above the middle 50% range for the schools on your list, you may want to dedicate your time to other endeavors. For advice on whether to invest additional time and effort on improving your SAT score, read our blog post, Should You Retake the SAT?
Should I Apply to Schools that Require All Test Scores?
At the end of the day, your test profile is only one component of the application. If you want to apply to one of these schools, then go for it, regardless of their testing policies. While students with stronger scores might have a leg up on the competition, it’s not unheard of for applicants with lower scores to still be accepted. Schools using holistic admissions will also give great weight to the more qualitative components of your application, such as essays and extracurriculars. The bottom line is: don’t let a school’s testing policies dissuade you, especially if you have a score that aligns with that of their accepted students, or if you have a profile demonstrating your ability to succeed at that school.
Other posts you may enjoy:
Which Colleges Superscore the SAT?
Score Choice Policies for Ivy Leagues: A Complete Guide
How SAT Score Choice Affects Your Teen’s College Applications
Should You Send SAT Scores Straight to Colleges on Test Day?
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