How to Send SAT and ACT Scores to Colleges
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You send official SAT scores from your College Board account and ACT scores from your MyACT account. The SAT includes four free score reports if you choose colleges within nine days of the test, and the ACT sends free reports to the colleges you pick when you register. After that, each report costs a fee. Many colleges now let you self-report scores on the application and only ask for official scores after you enroll.
SAT vs ACT score sending
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Free reports | Up to 4, if chosen within 9 days after the test | Sent to the colleges you pick when you register |
| Choose which dates to send | Yes, with Score Choice | Yes, by test date |
| Superscore report | Colleges build it from the reports you send | ACT can send a superscore |
| Where to send from | College Board account | MyACT account |
Step by step
- Check each college’s testing policy: required, optional, or test-blind.
- Check whether the college accepts self-reported scores on the application.
- Decide which test dates to send, if the college allows Score Choice.
- Use your free score reports where you can, and send others well before deadlines.
- Confirm in each college’s applicant portal that scores have arrived.
Fee waivers
Students who are eligible for an SAT or ACT fee waiver also get unlimited or extra free score reports. Ask your school counselor if you qualify.