The Common App does not have one universal SAT requirement. Each college sets its own testing policy, so whether you need to submit SAT scores depends on the schools on your list.
If you choose or are required to report scores, you can self-report SAT results in the Common App Testing section. You should also check each college's current policy to find out whether scores are required, optional, flexible, or not considered, and whether official scores must be sent separately.
This guide explains how SAT reporting works in the Common App, when you may want to submit optional scores, and what to check before sending your applications.
Key Takeaways
College policies on SAT score submissions vary, so check individual college requirements for the Common App.
Test-optional means you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission, but colleges may have separate policies for when official score reports are required.
Enter SAT scores accurately in the Common App Testing section and make sure the information matches your official College Board record.
Check each college's superscoring policy if you've taken the SAT more than once, since colleges decide whether and how they combine scores across test dates.
Regularly verify submission policies and deadlines for each college to ensure compliance with score reporting requirements.
Are Scores Required?
When applying through the Common App, check the testing policy for every college on your list. Common App member colleges set their own requirements, so there is no single SAT policy that applies to every school.
As highlighted in my article on test optional vs. test blind policies, colleges may require scores, make them optional, use a flexible testing policy, or ignore them entirely. You can review a college's testing policy on its Common App information page and confirm the details on the college's official admissions website.
Some colleges may also have different requirements for particular programs or groups of applicants. Before submitting your application, verify whether SAT scores are required for your specific situation and whether the college accepts self-reported scores or requires an official score report.
Submitting Optional Scores
The decision to submit optional SAT scores can greatly impact your college application.
If a college is test-optional, you can decide whether including your SAT score strengthens your application.
Understanding the importance and influence of SAT scores can help you make that decision. Start by comparing your score with the testing data for recently admitted students, but do not rely on one cutoff alone.
Consider these questions:
Is your SAT score competitive with the scores reported by recently admitted students?
Does the college recommend or require scores for certain programs, scholarships, or applicant groups?
Does your score add useful academic context to the rest of your application?
Is the college truly test-optional, or does it use another testing policy such as flexible or test-blind?
There is no universal rule for when an optional score should be submitted. Each college determines how it uses test scores, so review the school's current policy and consider your score in the context of your overall application.
Do you need help with the Common App or the College Application Process?
Sign up for one of our live Zoom workshops. We can help make the application process easier!
Entering Scores on Common App
When you're ready to report SAT scores in the Common App, go to the Testing section and indicate that you want to self-report standardized test scores.
Enter the SAT information requested in the application carefully and make sure it matches your official score report. These scores are self-reported, not official score reports.
If you've taken the SAT more than once, check each college's score-use policy. Some colleges superscore by combining your highest section scores across multiple test dates, while others may use a different method.
Common App also gives you flexibility over which colleges receive your self-reported testing information, which is useful when you're applying to schools with different testing policies.
Review Your SAT Scores Before Submitting
Before submitting your application, review the SAT information you entered in the Testing section and make sure it matches your official College Board record.
As you review your scores, keep the following in mind:
Confirm that all dates and scores are entered accurately.
Check each college's policy to see whether self-reported scores are accepted for admission review.
Find out whether an official score report must be sent directly from College Board.
Review your application preview before submitting to confirm that your testing information appears as intended.
SuperScore Reporting Options
Superscoring is a college policy, not a separate Common App feature. A college that superscores may combine your highest Reading and Writing score with your highest Math score from different SAT test dates.
If you've taken the SAT more than once, check the score-use policy for each college on your list. Some colleges superscore, while others may consider scores differently or require particular test dates to be submitted.
When reporting SAT results in the Common App, enter your information accurately and follow each college's instructions. If a college requires official scores, College Board sends complete scores by test date rather than individual section scores.
Before submitting your application, review the testing information in your application preview and confirm that it matches the policies of the colleges receiving it.
Individual College Requirements
Each college on your Common App list can set its own testing policy, so the requirements may be different from one school to another.
Common App currently describes testing policies as Always Required, Sometimes Required, Never Required, Flexible, or Ignored. Check each college's College Information page and official admissions website to understand which policy applies to you.
Keep these points in mind:
Some colleges require standardized test scores as part of the application.
Some allow you to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Some accept self-reported scores during the application process but may require official scores later.
Common App gives you flexibility over which colleges receive the test scores you self-report.
Review the testing policy for every college before submitting your application, especially if you're applying to schools with different requirements.
Self-Reporting Score Policies
When a college accepts self-reported SAT scores, you can enter your testing information directly in the Common App instead of sending an official score report at the initial application stage.
Make sure any scores you report are accurate and match your official College Board record. Each college sets its own policy for accepting self-reported scores and for when an official score report may be required.
Review those requirements for every college on your list before submitting your application.
Self-Reporting Advantages
Self-reporting SAT or ACT scores through the Common App can make the application process simpler when a college accepts self-reported testing information.
Potential advantages include:
Convenience: You can enter your scores directly in the Common App instead of sending an official report during the initial application process when the college allows self-reporting.
Lower upfront costs: Self-reporting may help you avoid paying to send official score reports to colleges that do not require them at the application stage.
Flexibility: Common App allows you some control over which colleges receive the testing information you self-report.
Self-reported scores should always match your official testing record. If a college requires an official SAT report, follow its instructions for when and how to send scores through College Board.
Accuracy and Verification
Accurate score reporting is important whenever you self-report SAT results in the Common App. Make sure the scores and test dates you enter match your official College Board record.
Each college determines when, or if, it requires an official score report. Some may accept self-reported scores during the application process and request official scores later, while others may require an official report as part of the application.
Before submitting, review the testing information in your application preview and compare it with your College Board score report. If a college requires official SAT scores, follow its instructions for sending them directly through College Board.
Checking both your self-reported information and each college's requirements can help prevent score-reporting problems during the admissions process.
Application Submission Checklist
Before submitting each application, review the college's current testing policy and confirm whether SAT scores are required, optional, flexible, or ignored.
Use this checklist before you submit:
Review the SAT information you entered in the Common App Testing section for accuracy.
Check whether the college accepts self-reported scores or requires an official score report.
Confirm that the testing information you intend to report appears correctly in your application preview.
If you're still preparing for the SAT, use effective preparation techniques and leave enough time for testing and score release dates.
If official scores are required, make sure they are sent through College Board by the college's deadline.
Testing requirements can differ from one college to another, so repeat this check for every school on your list before submitting.
Understanding College Requirement
College testing requirements can vary significantly, so verify the policy for every school before submitting your application.
Understanding the Common Data Set can also provide useful context. A college's Common Data Set may show whether standardized test scores are considered in first-year admissions and how important the institution reports them to be.
For current application requirements, use the college's official admissions website and its Common App College Information page. Common App also provides a requirements grid that summarizes testing policies and other application requirements for member colleges.
Use these resources together rather than assuming that one testing policy applies to every college on your list.
Importance of Score Verification
If you self-report SAT scores, make sure the information you enter matches your official College Board record.
Each college decides whether and when it requires an official score report. Some may accept self-reported scores during the application process and request verification later, while others may require official scores earlier.
If a college asks for official scores, compare them with the information you submitted before sending the report. Any discrepancy should be addressed promptly with the college's admissions office.
Checking each college's verification policy can help you avoid delays or problems with your application.
Common App SAT Requirements
The Common App does not have one universal SAT requirement, so the most important step is checking the testing policy for every college on your list. Confirm whether scores are required or optional, whether self-reported scores are accepted, and whether official reports are needed.
If you choose to submit SAT scores, report them accurately and review each college's instructions before submitting your application. A few minutes of checking can help you avoid score-reporting mistakes and make sure your application meets each school's current requirements.
Are you trying to get into your dream college but feeling a bit lost? Don't worry, Iām here to help you make it happen! Let's work together to make your college dreams come true!
Enroll in my exclusive College Bound Online Course and unlock the insider secrets to make your dream college a reality.
Sign up now and pave your path to success! š
Frequently Asked Questions About Common App SAT Requirements
Do I Need to Send Official SAT Scores If I Self-Report Them on the Common App?
It depends on the college. Some colleges accept self-reported SAT scores during the application process, while others require an official score report. Check each college's testing requirements to determine whether official scores must also be sent through College Board.
What Is the Difference Between Self-Reported and Official SAT Scores?
Self-reported scores are the SAT results you enter yourself in the Common App. Official scores are sent directly from College Board to a college. A school may use self-reported scores when reviewing your application but still require an official report later.
Does the Common App Send My SAT Scores to Colleges?
The Common App can include the testing information you choose to self-report as part of your application. However, those scores are not the same as an official College Board score report. If a college requires official scores, you will need to send them separately through College Board.
Can Colleges See All of My SAT Scores on the Common App?
Colleges do not automatically receive your complete College Board testing history through the Common App. They receive the testing information included with your application. If a college requires official scores, its own score-reporting policy determines which test dates or scores must be sent.
Can I Change My SAT Scores on the Common App After Submitting an Application?
You can update testing information in your Common App for future applications, but changes generally do not alter an application that has already been submitted. If you receive new SAT scores after applying, check the college's instructions for sending updated testing information directly to its admissions office.
What Happens If I Take the SAT After I Submit My Common App?
A later SAT score may still be considered if the college accepts score updates and the score arrives before its testing deadline. Policies vary, so check the admissions website for each college and follow its instructions for submitting new scores after your application has been sent.