So, you clicked submit. You enthusiastically sent your SAT scores to a bunch of colleges, dreaming of acceptance letters and dorm life. But now, a wave of doubt washes over you. Maybe you performed better on a subsequent test, or perhaps you’ve re-evaluated your college choices. The question now burns: can you cancel those score sends? The answer is a bit nuanced, and this article will guide you through every step of the process, exploring your options and providing practical advice.
Understanding Score Choice and College Policies
Before diving into cancellation procedures, it’s crucial to understand the underlying mechanics of SAT score reporting, especially the Score Choice option offered by the College Board and the score policies of individual colleges.
What is Score Choice?
The College Board’s Score Choice policy empowers you, the student, to decide which SAT scores you want to send to colleges. This means you don’t have to send all your scores from every test date. You can strategically choose the scores that best represent your abilities. This is a significant advantage, allowing you to highlight your best performance and avoid showcasing scores from days you might have been feeling under the weather or unprepared.
Key takeaway: Score Choice gives you control over which scores colleges see.
However, not all colleges subscribe to the Score Choice policy. It’s vital to investigate the score reporting requirements of each institution you are applying to.
College Score Policies: Know Before You Send
Colleges generally fall into a few categories regarding their SAT score policies:
- Score Choice Allowed: These colleges fully embrace Score Choice, accepting only the scores you choose to send. You have complete control.
- Highest Section Scores Across Dates (Superscoring): These colleges take your highest section scores (Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) from different test dates to create a composite “superscore.” They want to see all your scores to maximize their potential superscore calculation. Sending all scores is often beneficial here.
- All Scores Required: These colleges demand that you submit all your SAT scores from every test date. There is no picking and choosing.
- Single Highest Test Date: Some colleges will consider only the single highest total score from one test date. Check their policy to confirm how they handle multiple scores.
It’s essential to visit the admissions website of each college and carefully review their specific SAT score reporting policy. This information is usually found in the standardized testing requirements section or within their application instructions. Failure to comply with a college’s score policy can jeopardize your application.
Ignoring this crucial step can lead to unnecessary anxiety and potential complications. Knowing the policies upfront is the first line of defense against score-sending regrets.
The Harsh Truth: Can You ACTUALLY Cancel Sent Scores?
Now for the critical question: Can you actually retract those scores once they’re sent? The answer, unfortunately, is generally no.
Why Cancellation is (Almost) Impossible
The College Board, the organization administering the SAT, does not offer a direct mechanism to cancel score reports once they have been processed and sent to colleges. Once the scores are out of their hands, the decision on how to use them lies with the colleges themselves.
Think of it like sending a letter: once it’s in the mailbox, you can’t retrieve it.
The College Board’s focus is on ensuring secure and accurate score transmission. They prioritize the integrity of the reporting process, meaning once a request is fulfilled, it’s considered final.
Exceptions? Extremely Rare
There are exceptionally rare circumstances where a cancellation might be considered, but these are typically limited to cases involving:
- Administrative Errors: If the College Board made a mistake in sending your scores (e.g., sending them to the wrong institution), they would rectify the error.
- Security Concerns: In cases of suspected test security breaches or irregularities, the College Board might investigate and potentially cancel scores. However, this is initiated by the College Board, not the student.
These are not scenarios under your control. Simply disliking your score is not grounds for cancellation.
What To Do Instead: Mitigating the Impact of Unwanted Scores
Since directly canceling sent scores is virtually impossible, the focus shifts to mitigating the impact of those scores on your college applications. Here’s how to approach the situation:
1. Retake the SAT (If Possible)
The most proactive step you can take is to retake the SAT and aim for a higher score. A stronger, more recent score can often overshadow a less desirable one, especially at colleges that practice superscoring or Score Choice.
Focus on improving your score and sending that updated result to colleges.
When retaking the SAT, analyze your previous score report to identify areas for improvement. Focus your studying on your weaknesses, and consider using practice tests to simulate the actual testing environment.
2. Communicate With the College (Carefully)
While you can’t cancel the sent scores, you can communicate with the admissions office at each college, explaining your situation. Approach this with caution and professionalism.
- Acknowledge the Sent Score: Don’t ignore the fact that you sent the lower score. Acknowledge it directly.
- Explain Your Circumstances (Briefly): You might briefly explain why you weren’t satisfied with the score (e.g., feeling unwell, a particularly difficult test section). Keep it concise and avoid making excuses.
- Highlight Your Improved Score: Emphasize that you have retaken the SAT and achieved a higher score. Mention the date of the new test and your new score (if available).
- Reiterate Your Interest: Reaffirm your strong interest in attending the college.
This communication should be polite, respectful, and solution-oriented.
However, be aware that this strategy has its limitations. Colleges ultimately make their own decisions about how to evaluate your application.
3. Focus on Other Application Components
Your SAT score is just one piece of the application puzzle. Focus on strengthening other aspects of your application to compensate for the less-than-ideal score:
- Grades and Course Rigor: A strong academic record is often the most important factor in college admissions.
- Essays: Craft compelling essays that showcase your personality, experiences, and writing skills.
- Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors who know you well.
- Extracurricular Activities: Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrating your interests, leadership skills, and commitment.
A well-rounded application can often outweigh a single less-than-perfect test score.
4. Understand Superscoring Strategies
If a college superscores, sending all your scores might actually be beneficial, even if some are lower. The college will combine your highest section scores from different test dates, potentially resulting in a higher composite score than any single test date.
Review the college’s superscoring policy carefully to determine if sending all your scores is advantageous.
5. Reconsider Test-Optional Colleges
Many colleges have adopted test-optional admissions policies, meaning you are not required to submit SAT scores. If you are genuinely unhappy with your scores and confident in the strength of other aspects of your application, consider applying to test-optional colleges.
Applying to test-optional colleges allows you to showcase your abilities without relying on standardized test scores.
Preventing Score Sending Regret: Proactive Measures
The best way to avoid regretting sending SAT scores is to be proactive and thoughtful about your score reporting strategy from the outset.
1. Research College Score Policies (Again!)
Before you even take the SAT, research the score policies of the colleges you are interested in. Understand whether they require all scores, allow Score Choice, or superscore.
This upfront research will inform your testing strategy and score-sending decisions.
2. Practice and Prepare Thoroughly
The better prepared you are for the SAT, the more likely you are to achieve a score you’re happy with. Invest time in studying, practice tests, and familiarizing yourself with the test format.
Adequate preparation reduces the likelihood of a disappointing score and score-sending regret.
3. Don’t Send Scores Prematurely
Avoid sending scores to colleges before you have seen your results and had time to evaluate them. The College Board allows you to send scores after you receive them, giving you the opportunity to make informed decisions.
Wait to see your scores before sending them to colleges.
4. Consider Taking the ACT
The ACT is another standardized test accepted by most colleges. If you struggle with the SAT, you might find the ACT to be a better fit for your strengths. Consider taking both tests to see which one you perform better on.
Exploring the ACT can provide you with an alternative standardized testing option.
Final Thoughts: Control What You Can
While you likely cannot cancel sent SAT scores, you are not powerless. By understanding college score policies, focusing on improving your scores, strengthening other aspects of your application, and communicating effectively, you can mitigate the impact of unwanted scores. Most importantly, learn from this experience and be proactive in your future score reporting decisions. Remember, the SAT is just one factor in the college admissions process. Focus on showcasing your overall potential and passion, and you will increase your chances of success.
Can I cancel my SAT score sends after I’ve already sent them to colleges?
Yes, you absolutely can cancel SAT score sends even after you’ve initially submitted them to colleges. However, there’s a specific timeframe and procedure you need to follow to ensure the cancellation is processed successfully. Pay close attention to the deadlines provided by the College Board, as untimely requests may not be honored, and your scores will still be delivered to the designated institutions.
The key is to submit your cancellation request in writing to the College Board by the cancellation deadline. This deadline is typically a few days after the initial score send request. It’s crucial to check the official College Board website for the precise date related to your specific score sending request. Your written request must include specific information to accurately identify your scores and the colleges you wish to retract them from.
What information do I need to provide when canceling my SAT score sends?
To effectively cancel your SAT score sends, you must provide the College Board with specific identifying information in your written request. This ensures they can accurately locate and retract the correct score reports intended for particular colleges. Without this precise data, your cancellation request may be delayed or even rejected, leading to the unintended delivery of your scores.
Specifically, your cancellation request should include your full name, date of birth, address, SAT registration number (if available), the date you took the SAT, and a clear list of the college codes you want to cancel the score sends for. The College Board uses these data points to verify your identity and ensure they are cancelling the appropriate score reports from being sent to the correct colleges.
How do I actually submit the request to cancel my SAT score sends? Is there an online option?
Unfortunately, you cannot cancel your SAT score sends online. The College Board requires that all cancellation requests be submitted in writing via mail or fax. This is to ensure a formal record of your request and prevent any potential misunderstandings. Be aware that relying on methods outside of the official channels could lead to your cancellation request being ignored.
To submit your cancellation request, you’ll need to write a signed letter containing all the necessary identifying information. Ensure the letter clearly states that you wish to cancel your SAT score sends to specific colleges and list their corresponding codes. You can then either fax the letter to the College Board at the designated fax number (found on their website) or mail it via USPS to their designated address. Keep a copy of your letter and any fax confirmation for your records.
Is there a fee associated with canceling my SAT score sends?
Yes, the College Board charges a fee for canceling SAT score sends. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your request and preventing the transmission of your scores to the designated institutions. It’s essential to consider this cost when deciding whether or not to proceed with the cancellation, especially if you’re sending scores to multiple colleges.
The exact amount of the cancellation fee can be found on the College Board’s website. It is subject to change, so always refer to the most up-to-date information before submitting your cancellation request. You’ll typically need to include a method of payment (such as a credit card number) with your written cancellation request. Without the required payment, the College Board will likely not process your cancellation.
What happens if I miss the deadline to cancel my SAT score sends?
If you miss the deadline to cancel your SAT score sends, unfortunately, your scores will be sent to the colleges you originally designated. The College Board will not be able to prevent the delivery of your score reports once the cancellation deadline has passed. Therefore, it’s crucial to adhere to the published deadlines to retain control over where your scores are sent.
In the event that your scores are sent even though you wished to cancel them, you can still contact the individual colleges and explain your situation. While they may have already received your scores, you can request that they not consider them in your application. The college’s policy on handling such situations will vary, so it’s important to communicate directly with their admissions office.
If I cancel my score sends to one college, does that affect my score sends to other colleges?
No, canceling your score sends to one college does not affect your score sends to any other colleges. Each score send request is treated independently. Therefore, if you’ve sent scores to multiple institutions and only wish to cancel the send to a specific one, only that particular send will be affected.
Your cancellation request will only impact the designated college listed with its corresponding code in your written request. Scores will still be sent to all other colleges you previously selected unless you submit separate cancellation requests for each individual institution before their respective deadlines. Double-check your cancellation request to ensure you are only listing the codes for the colleges you wish to retract your scores from.
How long does it take for the College Board to process my SAT score send cancellation request?
The College Board typically processes SAT score send cancellation requests within a few business days after receiving your written request. However, processing times can vary depending on the volume of requests they are handling at any given time. It is advisable to submit your cancellation request as soon as possible after deciding you no longer want your scores sent.
After submitting your request, it’s recommended to follow up with the College Board to confirm that your cancellation has been processed. You can contact their customer service department by phone or check their website for information on how to track the status of your request. Keeping records of your submission, including the date and method of submission, can be helpful in case any issues arise.