How can I confirm college received my scores?

I've sent both my SAT and ACT scores to a few colleges, but I'm a bit anxious about whether they've received them. Is there an effective way to check or receive confirmation?

It's great that you're taking proactive steps to make sure your application is complete. Communication is key during the application process.

You can typically confirm if your colleges have received your scores through the admissions portal provided by each institution. Most colleges have a checklist feature on their portals that allow you to track your application materials, including test scores. It's best to log in and check if there’s a checkmark or any type of sign to confirm your scores have been received.

However, do bear in mind that it can take a few weeks for colleges to process your scores, even if they've been officially sent. On average, it takes about 10 days for a college to receive scores from the testing agency. If some time has passed since you requested your scores to be sent and they still aren't appearing in the admissions portal, it’s perfectly acceptable to contact the admissions office. A polite email or phone call asking for a status update on your test scores can help ease your anxiety. Be prepared to provide your full name, application ID if available, and the exact dates you requested your scores to be sent.

Lastly, another method is to check your account with the testing agency (College Board or ACT). If the status of your score report request is shown as "fulfilled," this means your scores have been sent out. However, this does not mean the colleges have processed them yet.

Remember, the colleges you're applying to are just as invested in making sure your application is complete as you are, so don't hesitate to reach out to them and confirm. Have some patience and good luck!