highest combined essay score common app

• Digital SAT
• Published On: October 15, 2024

Report SAT Essay On Common App & Combining Them

When applying to college through the Common App, students often wonder how to report their SAT Essay score and whether it should be included at all. While the SAT Essay is no longer a mandatory section, some schools still consider it an essential part of the application. Knowing when and how to include your SAT Essay score can enhance your application, making it stand out. 

This guide will walk you through the steps of reporting your highest combined SAT Essay score on the Common App and explore the value of integrating your SAT scores effectively to present the strongest possible application.

Reporting the SAT Essay on the Common App

When filling out the Common App, you can choose to report your SAT Essay score. Here are a few important things to remember:

• Optional Submission : Although the essay is not mandatory, you can still report it if you believe it strengthens your application or if a specific college explicitly states that they consider SAT Essay scores.
• Accurate Reporting : If you decide to report your SAT Essay score, ensure that it is presented accurately, reflecting your best performance. Mistakes or misrepresentations could negatively affect your application.
• Consider College Requirements : Some colleges, particularly those with writing-intensive majors (like English, Journalism, or History), might still appreciate seeing a strong SAT Essay score, even if it’s not a requirement.

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Whether or not to include your SAT Essay score is a personal decision. Here are some reasons why reporting it might make sense:

• Writing Proficiency : The SAT Essay was designed to assess your ability to analyze a passage and write an organized, coherent response under time pressure. A high SAT Essay score can demonstrate strong writing abilities. This could help distinguish you, especially in applications where the ability to write well is highly valued.
• College-Specific Policies : Although many colleges no longer require the SAT Essay, some competitive schools and specific programs still consider it. For example, honors programs or writing-intensive majors may value a strong essay score more than others. Be sure to research the policies of each college you’re applying to before deciding whether to report your score.
• Demonstrating Growth : If your essay score improved significantly over time or if it complements other areas of strength in your application, it may be beneficial to report it. Highlighting growth in your test scores can show colleges that you’re someone who has worked hard and is dedicated to improving academically.

Importance of the SAT Essay

Although the SAT Essay was discontinued in 2021, some colleges still consider it. Submitting your score can add value based on your strengths and the programs you’re applying to. 

• Showcasing Writing Skills : A robust SAT Essay score proves that you can analyze complex texts and write persuasively under time constraints. For students applying to writing-intensive programs or majors, this score could serve as a valuable supplement to other parts of the application.
• Holistic Admissions Review : Many schools, especially more selective ones, take a holistic approach to admissions, looking beyond just GPA and standardized test scores. 

In these cases, a well-rounded applicant with solid test scores, a strong essay, and demonstrated extracurricular achievements might have a better chance than someone who only excels in one area. Even if not required, submitting an SAT Essay score could give admissions committees another data point to consider.

• Program-Specific Policies : As mentioned earlier, while most schools no longer require the SAT Essay, specific programs—especially honors or interdisciplinary studies programs—might still appreciate it. Some programs may value the analytical and writing skills demonstrated by a strong essay score, so thoroughly research each school’s policy.

In short, while the SAT Essay is no longer a universal requirement, there are still many cases in which reporting it can benefit you. It ultimately depends on your strengths and the colleges you’re applying to.

How to Report SAT Scores on the Common App

The Common App allows students to self-report their SAT scores, including the optional essay. This feature gives you control over how your test results are presented to colleges and universities. Follow these steps to ensure your scores are accurately reported:

• Log In : Start by creating or logging into your Common App account. If you’re applying to multiple schools, this platform allows you to keep track of your applications and ensures you report your scores consistently.
• Navigate to the Testing Section : After logging in, head to your application’s “Testing” section. This is where you’ll input all your standardized test scores, including the SAT.
• Manually Input Scores : Enter your SAT section scores (Reading, Writing and Language, Math) as well as your SAT Essay subscores (Reading, Analysis, Writing) if you choose to report them. Be sure that the scores you input match the official scores from the College Board to avoid discrepancies.
• Send Official Scores : Self-reporting scores on the Common App is just the first step. You’ll also need to send official score reports through the College Board to verify your results. Select the schools you’re applying to and submit the appropriate score reports.

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Should You Combine SAT and SAT Essay Scores?

Students frequently wonder if they can combine SAT and SAT Essay scores from different dates. While super scoring applies to the SAT, the SAT Essay is different. 

• Superscoring Policy : Most schools allow super scoring and let students take their highest section scores across multiple test dates. However, the SAT Essay cannot be superscored. You must report the essay score as it was achieved on a single test date.
• College Requirements : Not all colleges consider the SAT Essay, so review each school’s admissions guidelines. If a school doesn’t require the essay, you might decide not to report it, especially if your essay score isn’t as strong as your other scores.
• Performance on the Essay : Consider whether your essay score enhances or weakens your overall application. If you excelled on both the SAT and the essay, it may be worth reporting both scores. On the other hand, if your essay score is relatively low, you might opt not to include it, especially if it’s not required.
• Test-Optional Policies : Many schools now have test-optional policies, which means you can choose whether or not to report your standardized test scores. If your SAT Essay score doesn’t add much to your application, focus on your other strengths. This could include your personal essays, recommendations, or extracurricular activities.

Combining SAT Essay and SAT Scores on the Common App

When combining your SAT Essay score with your main SAT score on the Common App, keep these considerations in mind:

• Separate Entries : Remember that the SAT Essay score is not part of your overall SAT score. The essay score is reported separately and does not factor into your composite score for the main test.
• Superscoring : While you can superscore your SAT section scores by combining your best Reading, Writing, and Math scores from different test dates, the SAT Essay score must be reported from the test date on which you took the essay.

Maximizing the Impact of Your SAT Essay and SAT Scores

If your SAT Essay score is strong, here are some ways you can maximize its impact:

• Supplemental Essays : Use your college essays to highlight your writing abilities. Mentioning that you performed well on the SAT Essay can further prove your writing proficiency.
• College Interviews : If you have a college interview, consider bringing up your SAT Essay score to emphasize your ability to analyze and communicate complex ideas.
• Align with Your Major : If you’re applying for a major that requires a lot of writing (like English, History, or Journalism), reporting your SAT Essay score can help bolster your application by showcasing your strong writing skills.

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How colleges evaluate sat essay scores.

Though the SAT Essay is no longer a widespread requirement, some colleges still evaluate it during their review process. Here’s how colleges might view the different components of your SAT Essay score:

• Reading Score : This score reflects how well you understood and interpreted the passage. Colleges that prioritize critical reading and analytical skills may consider this score when evaluating applicants.
• Analysis Score : The score demonstrates your ability to break down the argument and evaluate the author’s use of evidence and rhetoric. Strong analysis skills are highly valued in programs that emphasize critical thinking.
• Writing Score : Your writing score assesses how clearly and effectively you communicate your ideas. A high writing score can be instrumental if you’re applying to a program involving significant writing.

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Empower Your Students with LearnQ.ai

Reporting your SAT scores strategically can strengthen your college application, especially if your SAT Essay score complements your strengths. While no longer required by most schools, a strong essay score can boost your chances, particularly for writing-intensive programs. 

Ensure you report it accurately on the Common App and consider each college’s requirements before deciding to include it. By carefully presenting your scores, you can highlight your skills and stand out in the competitive admissions process.

If you’re preparing for the SAT or looking to improve your essay score, get started with LeanQ ! It provides free diagnostic tests, practice tests, and even an AI tutor, Mia, to guide you through your preparation. 

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Jul 25, 2023 • knowledge, information.

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This article was published before COVID and has not yet been updated. Students are always asking me whether or not they should self-report their standardized test scores in their college applications.

2020 UPDATE ON SELF-REPORTING STANDARDIZED TESTS

Since first publishing this article in 2017, there have been some VERY significant changes in terms of colleges allowing you to self-report your standardized test scores, so what follows is an update for 2020.  

In the past, you almost always had to send all your schools an official SAT or ACT score report along with your application. You did not–and do not–need to send your official AP scores.  

Now, many colleges allow you to self-report all of your standardized test scores and only submit an official score report if you get accepted to a particular school and decide to attend. 

This change can save you some money. 

Each official SAT score report costs $12. Don’t forget that “you can send four free score reports to colleges every time you register for the SAT.” 

Each official ACT score report costs $13 per test date, so if you took the ACT two times and your college still requires an official score report and wants all scores, you’re going to have to pay $26. 

There are fee waivers for both the SAT and ACT, but many students don’t qualify for them, so this change can benefit a even wider range of students. 

You can learn more about the motivations behind this shift by checking out “More Colleges Let Applicants Self-Report Test Scores,” which was published in Inside Higher Ed .

CHECKING THE FACTS & STAYING ORGANIZED  

I’m giving you a quick overview of the policies at Ivy League schools as well as those at some other schools. 

Links to the policies at each of these colleges are also included so that you can quickly verify things. It’s important to do your own fact-checking with each school on your list, especially since I expect more changes to be coming in the near future.

I give all my students a Google Sheet that makes it super easy to track the requirements at each of their schools and how they have submitted their scores. I suggest you create your own to stay super organized. 

CAN YOU SELF-REPORT STANDARDIZED TESTS SCORES FOR IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS?

You CAN self-report your test scores within the Common Application or your Brown Applicant Portal if you go to high school in the United States. 

If you attend high school outside the US, you need to self-report and “have your official test scores sent directly to Brown.” 

Brown accepts Score Choice. They will “ super score within the current SAT,” and for the ACT, they “consider the highest scores submitted for each section; however, we do not calculate a super scored ACT Composite score.”

You CAN self-report your scores for Columbia.

Columbia points out that “ if you take an exam more than once, you will be evaluated on the highest score you received in any individual section.”

You CAN’T just self-report your standardized test scores. Cornell states that “all required scores must be officially reported. . .from the testing agency.” 

Cornell “participates in the College Board Score Choice program. For the SAT, Cornell considers the highest section scores across test dates. For the ACT, Cornell considers the highest composite score across all ACT test dates.”

Dartmouth  

Details to come.

You CAN self-report your “SAT and ACT test scores (including Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, IB, etc.)” for Harvard.

Harvard tells you that “you are free to use the College Board Score Choice option or the similar option offered by the ACT.”

You CAN’T just self-report your scores to Princeton. Princeton states that “you must submit your SAT and/or ACT scores to Princeton directly from the testing firms.”

Princeton allows “ applicants to use the score choice feature of the SAT and accept[s] only the highest composite score of the ACT, but. . . encourage[s] the submission of all test scores.”

University of Pennsylvania

You CAN self-report your SAT and ACT test scores if you go to high school in the US. You can choose which scores to share. Penn says, “we recommend that you self-report each test you will use to select the highest score in each section.”

However, your “SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL, and IELTS scores must be sent through official testing agencies to be considered with your application.”

You CAN self-report your standardized test scores “on the application and/or via the `Update Application’ form, available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after [your] application has been received.” 

Yale says “a pplicants who have taken the SAT or ACT exam multiple times should report all scores from whichever test they choose to report. Applicants who choose to report scores from both the SAT and ACT should report all scores received on both tests. If space in the testing section of the application is insufficient to self-report all SAT or ACT scores, applicants should use the `Update Application’ form available via the Yale Admissions Status Portal to self-report additional scores after submitting an application.”

SELF-REPORTING STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES AT OTHER SCHOOLS

This list is far from complete. To give you a sense of the variations, I’m sharing the policies at some of the schools that are popular with my students.

Boston University : You CAN’T just self-report. Your “official score reports must be sent to BU directly from the College Board or ACT.” 

BU “superscores both the SAT and ACT” and allows you to use Score Choice.

Caltech : You CAN self-report. As Caltech notes, “we will accept self-reported test score information directly from students submitted either through the application or through your Caltech Student Portal.” 

Caltech recommends “that you report all of your available standardized test scores because the Admissions Committee will be certain to review the strongest score in each category, across all of the exam(s) you’ve taken. Caltech will superscore across SAT exam dates.” However, “Caltech will not calculate a new composite ACT score,” but “if you took the ACT multiple times, the Admissions Committee will take note of the differences in your score performances across sections.”

You CAN can self-report. 

Duke says they’ll “consider the highest scores on each section of the SAT, regardless of test date.” If you “submit both ACT and SAT scores, Duke will consider your best score.” They “strongly recommend that students who submit only the SAT also submit two subject test scores of their choice (with math recommended for Pratt).”

You CAN self-report.

Emory “considers your highest section scores across all SAT dates submitted (also known as superscoring).” They don’t “superscore the ACT exam, as the exam is not made to be used this way. For students who submit multiple ACT exam scores, we review the overall score and sections scores from your highest composite ACT exam.” 

You CAN’T self-report. MIT requires your scores to be reported to them “officially from the testing agency; scores you list on your application and scores appearing on your school transcript will not be considered official.

You “are free to use the College Board’s Score Choice option and the ACT’s option to submit the scores of your choice as well.”

New York University

You CAN’T self-report for NYU. As they note, “we will not offer admission to a student unless we have official testing on file and NYU does not consider results submitted by the applicant as official.” However, if you cannot have the College Board send your scores, they allow a “school official [to] submit them.”

You can use Score Choice for NYU.

Northeastern

You CAN self-report to Northeastern.

However, you can’t just self-report in the Common Application. You need to self-report within Northeastern’s system , which is accessible through the Application Status Check. 

Northwestern

You CAN self-report to Northwestern. 

Northwestern “applicants are not obligated to report scores from all test dates.”

You CAN “ simply self-report your highest scores in the testing section of the application.”

HOW TO SELF-REPORT STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES IN THE COMMON APP

Let’s make sure you’re super clear on all the basic options for self-reporting scores.

In the Common App, there’s a section called Testing.  You’re asked:

“ In addition to sending official score reports as required by colleges, do you wish to self-report scores or future test dates for any of the following standardized tests: ACT, SAT/SAT Subject, AP, IB, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and IELTS? “

For the  ACT , you’re asked to share how many ACT scores you want to report and how many future ACT tests you plan to take. You’re also asked if you’ve “taken the ACT Plus Writing test” and to share your “highest composite score,” “highest English score,” “highest math score,” “highest reading score,” “highest science score,” “highest combined English/Writing or Writing Subject Score” as well as the dates for them (month, day, and year).

For the SAT, there’s an option to share scores from the older version of the test as well as the new one (March 2016 or after). You’re asked to indicate how many “past SAT scores you wish to report” and the “number of future SAT sittings you expect.” You’re asked if you’ve “taken the SAT essay” and to share your “highest evidence-based reading and writing score,” “highest math score,” and “highest combined essay score” as well as the dates for them (month, day, and year).

For SAT Subject Tests , you’re asked to indicate the “number of SAT Subject Tests you wish to report, including tests you expect to take,” the “date taken or planned” (month and year), the subject, and your score.

AP refers to scores on Advanced Placement Tests . You’re asked to share the same basic info as for the SAT Subject Tests.

IB refers to scores on your International Baccalaureate Subject Tests . You’re asked to share the “number of IB Tests you wish to report, including tests you expect to take,” “date taken or planned,” subject, level, and your score.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) refers to a test for international students.  You’ll be asked to indicate how many “times you have already taken the TOEFL iBT” and the “number of future TOEFL iBT sittings you expect.” You’re also asked to share your “highest reading score,” “highest speaking score,” “highest listening score,” “highest writing score,” and “highest TOEFL iBT total score.” For all of these, you’re asked to share the month, day, and year of the test.

The PTE Academic Test (Pearson Test of English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are other English tests for international students and have self-reporting requirements similar those for the TOEFL.

SHOULD YOU SELF-REPORT YOUR AP TESTS?

You  don’t   submit official AP score reports  in the admissions process, so if you’ve earned impressive scores (4 or higher) on them, you should consider self-reporting them . I mean, why not share some positive scores with the admissions team?

In general, you only need the official AP score reports when you’ve been accepted and want to receive credit for them.

Stanford states that students “are not required to submit AP scores as part of [the] admissions process. However, we welcome the self-reporting of these scores as additional information to your application.” 

Prior to this 2019 update on Stanford’s admissions page, students were told that “AP scores that are reported are acknowledged but rarely play a significant role in the evaluation of an application . Grades earned over the course of a term, or a year, and evaluations from instructors who can comment on classroom engagement provide us with the most detailed insight into a student’s readiness for the academic rigors of Stanford.” This information is no longer available on the Stanford admissions page, but it still might be true. 

Princeton recommends that you “self-report all of your AP or IB scores on your application.”

YOUR NEXT STEPS

As I mentioned earlier, you should create a way of tracking the requirements at each of your schools. There’s a great deal of variation in terms of these new self-reporting options, so you need to stay on top of things.

  WAYS TO WORK WITH DR. BERNSTEIN!

Click here to learn how to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bernstein.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Bernstein’s ongoing private college preparation and college admissions support .

Click here to learn about the online Get Yourself Into College® program .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, uploading sat scores to common app—a step by step.

Hey guys! A little stressed here because I can't seem to figure out how to upload my SAT scores to the Common App. Could someone explain the steps, or is it automatically done by College Board?

Hi there! First off, take a deep breath and don't worry, you're not alone in navigating the Common App—it can be a bit confusing at times. To provide clarity, you cannot directly upload your SAT scores to the Common App. Instead, what you do is self-report your scores in the 'Testing' section and then have the official score reports sent directly to the colleges you are applying to through the College Board website.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you along:

1. Log in to your Common App account and go to the 'Testing' section.

2. You'll find the option to 'Add Test' where you can select 'SAT’.

3. Enter your test date and the scores you received for each section—Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and your Essay score if you took it.

4. If you've taken the test multiple times, you can add additional test dates and scores—colleges often superscore (i.e., consider your strongest section scores on the SAT from across multiple test administrations).

5. Review the testing policies of the colleges you're applying to. Some institutions are test-optional, test-flexible, or require all scores.

6. After self-reporting, visit the College Board website to send your official SAT scores to the colleges, if the colleges you're applying to require it. Some accept self-reporting only. There’s usually a fee for each score report unless you're eligible for a fee waiver.

7. Keep an eye on the deadlines for each college to ensure your official scores are received on time.

Remember, self-reporting your scores on Common App is just part of the process; some colleges need the official scores from the College Board to verify your self-reported scores. Also, if you qualify for a fee waiver, it can cover the cost of sending a limited number of score reports for free, so be sure to check if you're eligible on the College Board’s website.

Take it one step at a time, and you'll get through this smoothly. Wishing you all the best with your applications!

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