Should you add score recipients when you register?

During the ISEE and SSAT registration process, you will be prompted to enter any schools that you want to receive your scores. Even though it’s completely optional, most people just enter the schools without a second thought. It can be convenient to have your scores automatically sent to schools because then you’re just responsible for the actual test itself. Plus, it’s super easy to set up!

But… what if you get your scores back and feel like you could test higher? If you opted to automatically send your scores, then 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 difficult to determine how much that first report has affected your application.

Luckily, there’s a better way to do things. We recommend that you do not enter any prospective school recipients until after you’ve received your score report and know you’re happy with the scores that the admissions office will see. To do this, you can go back to your online portal after the test and select which schools you’d like to send your scores to. 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 maintain a bit more control over your application process and make sure you are putting your best foot forward!