Score Choice is a new option for students to report SAT and Subject Test scores to colleges. It allows students to select the scores they send to individual colleges — by test date for the SAT, and by individual test for Subject Tests. The College Board says the goal of the program is to reduce stress for students by giving them more control over their scores. Some counselors and admissions officers, however, are concerned that Score Choice will actually confuse students and increase anxiety about testing.
THE QUESTION
What advice do you have for students about using Score Choice?
WORD FROM THE EXPERTS
My advice to students is send all of your scores. Most colleges will only consider your best scores so you are not disadvantaged in any way by releasing them all. In fact, many colleges prefer to see all of your scores, so this is a good strategy. The best part for you is that it is simple. You don't have to think about which scores to send to which colleges and when to do it. Applying to college is stressful enough, so take advantage of this one small way to remove a bit of pressure from the experience. If you feel very strongly that you wish to control what colleges see and when, then by all means release only those scores that you wish. After all, those scores are yours. Just stay on top of it so you don't disadvantage yourself by forgetting and missing important deadlines.
Madeleine Rhyneer
Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid
Willamette University
Salem, OR
Like many schools, we prefer that a student send all scores so that we may pull the highest sections to create the highest composite score, regardless of test date. At Gonzaga, this process can greatly benefit students in both admissions and for merit scholarships. Furthermore, students should not be fearful of colleges and universities seeing their lower scores. We are not looking for reasons to penalize applicants in the admissions process! Rather, we are trying to gather as much information as possible about the student's college preparation, and we greatly appreciate the growth reflected in score increases.
Erin Hays
Associate Dean of Admission
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
Students interested in using Score Choice will need to research colleges' Score Choice policies. One collateral effect may be that students will learn more about a college's other admissions requirements and be in a better position to determine if the college is indeed a good fit, especially if the research is done early in the admissions process. Students should bear in mind, however, that many colleges take a holistic approach to admissions and like to see a student's entire test history. Such a history can indicate a student's tenacity, consistency, and relative strengths.
Chad Learch
Assistant Director of Admission
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL
Use of Score Choice and the importance of SAT scores vary greatly by college. Know what each school on your list looks for in its applicants. Don't assume! But the most important thing to keep in mind is that you are not just your scores. Be confident about the value of your overall high school and life experiences. Don't try to game the system too much by analyzing too deeply.
Maria Furtado
Director of Admission
Eckerd College
St. Petersburg, FL
THE LAST WORD
If you are considering using Score Choice, discuss it with your counselor first and make sure you check and comply with each college's policy on score reporting. More information is available on the College Board website. Information provided from College DATA.
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