Accurately report standardized test scores

In Part 4 of our 7-part series on the Common App, we show you how to enter and properly verify your standardized test scores to avoid costly mistakes.

In this series:

1. Perfect your profile section for seamless processing
2. Showcase academic strengths in coursework and honors
3. Elevate your activities and leadership impact
4. Accurately report standardized test scores
5. Detail your family and household for context
6. Maximize optional sections for a stronger application
7. Navigate transfer and international requirements with ease

How to enter standardized test scores correctly (and avoid costly errors)

If you’re a college applicant, accurately reporting your standardized test scores is an essential step in presenting your achievements to admissions officers. Even small mistakes, like typos or entering the wrong date, can create delays or jeopardize your admission, so it’s important to be meticulous in this section.

To help you report your scores confidently, follow these student-focused best practices:

• List all standardized tests relevant to your application. This includes SAT, ACT, AP, IB, TOEFL, IELTS, and any other tests that your colleges accept or require.
• Enter each score with the correct date format. Use your official score reports as a reference. For SAT/ACT, enter dates as MMDDYY (e.g., 032523 for March 25, 2023); for AP/IB, use MMYY (e.g., 0523 for May 2023).
  • Example: If your best SAT Math and Reading scores are from different dates, list each with its actual date as shown on your report. Don’t try to combine scores on your own - colleges will handle superscoring.
• For AP and IB exams: List each subject, score, and date (MMYY). If you have upcoming exams, mark them as “Planned” with the expected month and year.

Double-check Common App date formats:

• SAT/ACT: MMDDYY (e.g., 112623)
• AP/IB: MMYY (e.g., 0524)
• Entering dates incorrectly can cause issues with your application data.

If your best scores are from different dates: Be sure to report all relevant test dates. For example, if your top ACT scores are from two sessions, list both and indicate the number of test dates as “2.”

For international students: If you’re submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores, enter each section score as required and pay attention to any minimums specified by your colleges.

“A single digit error, either in a test score or date, can trigger application verification delays or even rescinded admission offers.”

Tip for students: Always cross-check your entries with your official score reports before submitting. Even a small inconsistency can result in delays or withdrawn offers.

Should you self-report SAT/ACT scores on the Common App?

Now that many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, you need to decide if submitting your SAT or ACT scores will help or hurt your application.

Here’s what you should consider: Only report scores if they genuinely strengthen your application. Look up each school’s most recent mid-50% SAT or ACT range for admitted students:

• If your scores are at or above the mid-50% range: It’s usually in your favor to submit them (admissions experts recommend).
• If your scores are below the range: You might be better off withholding them, unless the college requires test scores or specifically values them (source: LEAP Program).
• Customize your score reporting for each college: The Common App lets you decide which colleges receive your scores (see this guide to Common App SAT requirements). On the flip side, not submitting strong scores when you have them can weaken your application (LEAP Program guidance).
• If you’re unsure about borderline scores: Reach out to admissions offices for advice. Some colleges allow you to update them with later test dates (Score At The Top advice).

Action steps for applicants:

1. Check each college’s current testing policy on their official website - policies can change quickly.
2. Remember, some schools (like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Maryland) require official reports even if you self-report (SAT requirements details).
3. If you apply without test scores, expect colleges to pay even closer attention to your essays, recommendations, and course rigor (see this breakdown on score submission strategy).

Bottom line for students: Make an informed, college-by-college decision about submitting scores, and only report them when they give you an edge.

Keeping your Common App test scores up to date

If you plan to retake any standardized tests after submitting your Common App, it’s your responsibility to make sure colleges receive your latest scores:

• Send updated scores as soon as possible: Most colleges will accept new SAT or ACT scores after you submit your application, but always check each school’s deadlines (CollegeVine’s guide).
• Submit before your application is reviewed: Admissions committees may start reviewing in early November or December. Be sure to send new scores before then.
• Use official score reporting services: Send SAT scores through the College Board and ACT scores via the ACT portal. Don’t send scores by email or phone unless the school requests it; official electronic delivery ensures your file is updated (CollegeVine’s advice).
• Request rush delivery if you’re short on time: The SAT offers rush reporting (2-3 business days); ACT has a fast option, too. Regular delivery may take up to 10 days (College Board’s SAT delivery options). Fee waivers can help if cost is a concern.
• Learn each college’s policy: Some require all test dates; others superscore. Always double-check requirements online or ask your counselor (Common App Test Section FAQs; CollegeVine’s strategies).

"The most effective applicants track each college’s score policies and deadlines - and update their test scores as needed."

Stay organized, keep deadlines in mind, and use official channels to make sure your scores count.

Reporting test scores as an international student or an alternative exam taker

If you’re an international applicant or have taken national or alternative exams, here’s how to report them correctly:

• Report English proficiency exams: If English isn’t your first language, most U.S. colleges require a test like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English (Common App documentation).
• The Duolingo English Test is fast, provides results in 48 hours, and is accepted by many colleges.
• List national exit or graduation exams: For tests like Abitur, A-Levels, or IB, enter:
• Exam name and number
• Date (MMYY) and subject
• Scores exactly as shown on your official documents (Common App guidance)
• Use selective score reporting: The Common App lets you choose which colleges see each test score (CollegeVine’s advice). Highlight your strongest results.
• Submit alternative credentials if accepted: Some schools - including NYU - allow predicted or final IB, A-Level, or national exam scores in place of SAT/ACT scores.

This section is your opportunity to showcase your academic achievements, no matter the format. Knowing how to report each exam ensures admissions officers see your strengths clearly.

In Part 5, “Detail your family and household for context,” we explain why adding personal details can help admissions teams better understand you and your application.