Why Self-Reporting Test Scores Makes for a Hassle-Free College Application Process
A good deal of colleges and universities are changing their test score reporting policies, allowing students to freely self-report their standardized test scores during the application process; saving students time, money, and hassle before they agree to enroll.
What is self-reporting?
In short, self-reporting is when students are allowed to submit their unofficial standardized test scores with their college applications. Students do not have to pay to submit official test scores when applying— they can manually enter their test scores directly on their applications.
In some cases, this is done directly through the school’s application portal or, in other cases, through the Common Application or Coalition Application platforms. In any case, students do not have to provide official score reports until they have chosen to accept and enroll to their college of choice.
The purpose of self-reporting test scores
The main objective in enabling students to self-report is to provide the admissions committee the ability to view all of the prospective student’s test scores in one easily accessible place while reviewing applications.
In addition to convenience, self-reporting test scores avoids possible processing delays that typically occur while admissions is waiting on receiving official test scores.
On top of that, students have the ability to showcase their high marks, giving students the opportunity to make a strong first impression with their applications
Furthermore, self reporting means students do not have to pay in advance to have their test scores submitted for evaluation (at this time, SAT® score reports cost $12 each and ACT® score reports cost $16 each).Instead, students are only paying for their official score report to be sent to the school they’ve chosen to attend. This can add up to big savings for students depending on how many schools they’ve chosen to apply to.
At a later point, the admissions committee will request the student’s official score report(s) to verify and confirm the self-reported scores for permanent admission.
How to self-report test scores
There are three methods of self-reporting test scores; all three methods are dependent upon how the school accepts applications.
Method 1: Directly through the school’s application portal
Many schools have their own application portal where students are allowed to provide their self-reported test scores. Typically, there is a section of the application where students can manually type in their scores for various tests taken: ACT®, SAT®, AP exams, IB tests, etc.
Method 2: Through the Common App
Students can self-report their test scores if they apply through the Common App—an all-in-one online college application system. Some schools will even redirect students to the Common App to fill out and submit their applications. Through this portal, students have the opportunity to self-report multiple test scores under the column that reads “Testing.”
Method 3: Through the Coalition App
Another platform that allows students to self-report is the Coalition App—a college application system dedicated to providing “all students [with] access to a successful, affordable, and transformative college experience.” Coalition has recently partnered with Scoir in order to further streamline their application process. Students applying through the Scoir platform can apply to Coalition colleges and universities. Self-reported test scores can be manually provided under either “SAT®/ACT®” and/or “Additional Tests.”
Schools that allow self-reporting
You’d be surprised just how many schools are accepting self-reported test scores. It makes a lot of sense—the application process is simpler and smoother for students, and access to test scores all in one spot is much more convenient for admissions. As this trend continues, you’ll find even more colleges willing to accept self-reporting.
At this time, there are a host of schools (literally 100s), nationwide, allowing self-reported test scores. Here are just a few examples:
Encourage your students to reach out to or search their choice schools’ information pages to find out if self-reporting is an option.
Tips for self-reporting
Self-reporting certainly involves a bit of trust on the college’s end since any inflated scores would result in the admissions committee wasting their time considering a false score. It really goes without saying that it is imperative for students to be honest and provide the exact test score that they’ve received on their applications. At any rate, all unofficial self-reported score reports are ultimately verified with official score reports, so there is no way for prospective students to cheat. It also goes without saying that any student who falsely reports test scores is automatically disqualified.
Students who are satisfied with their standardized test scores and feel good about submitting a solid score should, by all means, take advantage of self-reporting. This guarantees that their high score is part of the first impression made when admissions evaluates their application.
On the other hand, students who are not satisfied with their test scores and/or are planning to test again, should hold off on self-reporting their scores until they are ready. They especially don’t want to submit a temporarily low score since all scores submitted will be considered with their application. For these students, they have the option to leave the self-reporting section of the application blank or, in some cases, are able to make note that test scores are coming soon.
The most important tip for self-reporting is to make sure that students are making the best decision that will put them and their application in the best light in order to make a topnotch first impression.
Self-reporting makes for a smoother application process on both ends, but self-reporting only makes a positive impression if a student can report high scores. That’s where a solid test-prep plan comes into play. It’s crucial for college-bound students to nail their first impression—you want to help them put their best foot forward to display their academic strengths. Whether you are working with students preparing to take the ACT® or SAT® for the first time or students planning for a retest, help them make the most out of their test-prep time. That’s where we come in. Clear Choice Prep ardently supports test-prep tutors and businesses for the sole purpose of helping our students achieve success. Interested in finding out more about how CCP can help you and your clients? Contact us for a free demo today!