Revisiting Your SAT and TOEFL Scores: What Happens When You Send Them Twice?

When considering sending your SAT and TOEFL scores twice, it's a question that often arises. A common concern is whether repeating these submissions may hurt your chances of admission. We'll explore the nuances and factors to consider, guiding you through a smoother journey to your ideal college.

The Impact of Sending Scores Twice

It's generally accepted that sending your SAT and TOEFL results twice won't harm your admissions chances. However, there are several important points to consider to ensure your application is optimal.

Score Superscoring

Many colleges accept a practice known as superscoring. This involves taking the highest scores from multiple test dates. For instance, if you retake an exam and improve your score in one or more sections, colleges may choose to superscore these results. This strategy can be particularly beneficial if your scores have improved over time. Colleges like the flexibility as it allows them to consider the best possible representation of your abilities across different test dates.

Application Clarity

Another critical factor is the clarity and organization of your application. Sending multiple score reports can sometimes confuse the admissions committee, especially if the scores are not clearly organized or explained. It's imperative to provide context and make it easy for the committee to understand which scores are most up-to-date and meaningful. If you do decide to send multiple score reports, ensure you accompany them with a clear communication to the admissions office explaining your decision.

Institution Policies

Varying policies among individual colleges mean you should carefully check the specific rules for each institution to which you are applying. Some colleges might have preferences for how scores are submitted or may only consider the highest scores. For example, if a college strongly prefers to see only the highest individual scores from a single test date, sending multiple score reports could be seen as a deviation from their expectations. Conversely, some colleges may welcome multiple score reports as part of their decision-making process.

Context of Scores

The context in which your scores are presented also matters. If your scores differ significantly from one test date to another, it could raise questions. In such cases, it's usually better to send your highest scores from the test date that best represents your abilities. If your scores are relatively consistent and you've shown improvement over time, multiple score reports can be reassuring rather than detrimental.

Additional Insights

While sending your scores twice generally doesn't hurt your chances, there are a few additional points to consider. First, it's worth noting that the SAT is becoming less important for college admissions in the United States, as it is seen as a less reliable predictor of success. Many schools make the SAT optional, meaning you have the flexibility to skip it if you feel it won't positively impact your application.

Another consideration is the TOEFL. This exam remains important for international students, especially as it ensures they can handle the language demands of a U.S. university. However, retaking the TOEFL can be a good strategy if you're not satisfied with your initial score. Colleges understand that test days can be challenging, and a slight improvement can sometimes make a difference.

Lastly, it's important to acknowledge that mistakes happen. If you somehow send the same score report to the same colleges twice, it won't cause issues from the colleges' perspective. You will incur a fee for each report, but rest assured, this mistake won't affect your application.

Conclusion: In general, focus on presenting your best scores and ensure that your application highlights your strengths in other areas as well, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. With a clear understanding of these factors, you can navigate the complexities of the admissions process with greater confidence.