Should you add score recipients when you register?

When you’re registering for the ISEE or SSAT, you’re going to come across a step that prompts you to enter any schools that you want to have your scores sent to. Even though it’s optional, it might look like it’s a required step, so a lot of people just enter the schools without a second thought. It can definitely be convenient to automatically have your scores sent to schools because then you can just take the test and have it be done with. And it’s so easy to set up!

But what if you get your scores back and feel like you could do better?

At that point, it’s probably too late. The scores have already been sent to the school(s) you’re applying to. While those schools may allow you to submit additional score reports, it’s hard to know how much that first report has affected your application.

Luckily, there’s a better way to do things. Instead of entering your prospective schools when you sign up, you can go back to your online portal after the test and have scores sent to the schools you’re applying to. Because of that, we recommend that you do not enter any school recipients until after you’ve received your score report and know you’re happy with the scores that the admissions office will see. Unless you’re in a time crunch and are taking the test really close to the application deadline, it’s almost always better to wait on sending your scores. This way you get to keep a bit more control over your application process and make sure you are putting your best foot forward.