Send those SATs, Seniors! (Plus considering a timetable for underclassmen)

Perhaps you caught Notes From Peabody recently about how long it takes for SAT scores to be sent to colleges . Even in this day and age when you would think they could be sent electronically in an instant, it appears to take as long as two weeks after you hit the “send” button. That number jumps to FIVE weeks if you’re applying internationally.

If your child is a senior and has not sent his/her SAT scores, stop what you’re doing and get that done now. It takes a few minutes, but it’s not difficult. This is not a gray area – schools do not accept self-reported scores.  And most schools want you to send them all (some require it) – it’s quite common for schools to only take into account your best score on each part of the test or “superscore.” As you select each school on the College Board website, you’ll see a description about that school’s SAT policy. For instance, if you are applying to the College of William & Mary, you’ll see this message when you go to choose your scores:

COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY has indicated that it considers your highest section scores across all SAT test dates that you submit. Only your highest section scores will be considered as part of the final admissions decision. Each time you submit scores, COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY will update your record with any new high scores.

COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY strongly encourages you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT can benefit you by allowing COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities.

It takes a while for schools to get each student's credentials all together - the application matched up with the transcript, any recommendations, and test scores. Unless you're desperate for another chance to improve your scores or waiting for better grades to make it onto your transcript, it makes sense to get these things sent along to your schools in plenty of time.

While we are talking about the SAT, all of you who are NOT seniors should consider a game plan for when your student will take these tests. The SAT is offered in October, November, December, January, March, May and June. Discuss with your student the following:

• How many times do you think you're willing (or can we afford) to take the SAT?
• Do you want to take an SAT prep class before you try the SAT or wait and see how you perform the first time?
• If you're not taking a prep class, are you the kind of student with the discipline to prepare on your own with an SAT prep book?
• Are you interested in any schools that require or suggest taking the SAT Subject tests?
• Is there a time of year that would be overly difficult to subject yourself to the test (maybe June feels nice because schoolwork is waning or May sounds stressful because of SOL and AP testing -- it will be different for every student/family!)

Seven times a year sounds like a lot, but most testing dates after October of senior year are too late. If you don't start thinking about them until Junior year after you've taken the PSAT for the second time, you may find yourself scrambling.